AS part of their social responsibility programme, a group of Yoruba Nollywood actors called N17, on Thursday in Lagos, took to the streets to campaign against domestic violence and rape.
Tagged Walk against Domestic Violence and Rape, the pressure group,which was launched late last year on the platform of G10 and recently rechristened N17, converged on the LTV 8, Ikeja, Lagos very early in the morning.
The group, which comprises Nollywood stars like Foluke Daramola-Salako, Iyabo Ojo, Ronse Ojo, Eniola Badmus, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, Moji Olaiya, Yomi Fash-lanso, Ayo Adesanya, among others, walked from Agidingbin through Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, where they stopped to address the overwhelming crowd that followed them out of curiosity.
The group addressed the crowd on the evil of rape and domestic violence with emphasis on the need to speak out.
The celebrities had a long time, taking pictures with their fans.
In an interview with The Nation newspaper, Daramola-Salako said N17 is not just about domestic violence and rape, but it is also a pressure group formed specifically to be a voice for the voiceless in the society.
“Our next project is going to be a walk for health, especially as it affects Nollywood veterans. So, people should expect more of this walk.
“What you are seeing today is in conjunction with Change Agent of Nigeria (CAN) and Bosworth College International. The students of Bosworth came out in large number for the walk.
“The national coordinator, Change Agent of Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Salako, also honoured us with his presence. Part of the walk was my foundation, Action Against Rape in Africa (AARA) group.”
Explaining why the name of the group was rechristened, the actress said, “N17 is actually November 17. That was the day we conceived the idea. Initially, the idea was 10 great minds coming together and that was why we called it G10. But it had to change so that we do not streamline the amount of people that can join. There are others with like minds, who definitely would like to join. That is why we opened it up.”
Speaking on the impact of the walk, she said, “We are in a position to influence a change and we are poised to take up that task. There is hardly anytime you open a paper and you don’t read about rape. We believe as celebrities that when we make noise about these things, the right authority should do something about it”.
