Wife of Oyo Governor Mrs Tamunominini Makinde and Oyo Police Command have sought collaboration of residents to end every form of gender-based violence.
The duo urged people across the State to join hands in fighting sexual harassment and gender- based violence.
Speaking at a briefing to mark the 16-days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Mrs Makinde stated the gathering was not only to raise awareness but also to consolidate steps already taken by the State Government towards ending gender- based violence in the society.
She said the 16 Days of Activism serves as a reminder that fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) requires not only attention but people’s unwavering support, adding that it should be a call to action for the society to unite against the issue of violence that has affected many lives.
She said,: “Let us encourage people to speak up if they have experienced any violence. It is also important to listen if someone wants to tell about having experienced any form of violence and report to the authorities so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.
“In 2020, Family Court was commissioned to deal with matters relating to child rights, marital issues and other related matters in
State. Also, in 2021, the Oyo Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, assented to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition 2021(VAPP)
which addresses the issues of men, women, boy-child and the girls.
“There is a toll free number; 0800-400-4040n Oyo State, to report cases of gender based violence. Calls to that number are swiftly responded and identity of callers is usually kept secret.
“Since the inception of this administration in 2019, my office has constantly supported survivors of GBV financially because financial empowerment is an important aspect of rebuilding lives, we are set to financially support them again today.
“This gesture emphasises my belief in importance of visible and immediate
support for those affected by gender-based violence by providing financial assistance, we hope to ease some of the burdens they carry and empower them to rebuild their lives.”
Mrs. Makinde also donated cash gifts of N100,000 each for the survivors whose age are 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 14, 16, 17, 19 and 23.
Commissioner of Police Adebola Hamzat warned perpetrators of child molestation in the State to desist, saying whoever is caught in the act shall face the full wrath of the law.
He stated that police will never allow any case of child molestation to be swept under the carpet, adding that such case will be attended to and treated as criminal matters to ensure justice is delivered to the survivors or victims.
According to him: “The era of thinking that been a member of a family, you can do anything unlawful and go with it is no more, no family connection can protect you from been prosecuted if you commit any gender based violence either to your child or relations.
“We have gotten a lot of cases particularly those that have to do with child molestations by relatives, we have recorded about 73 cases this year, we have sent about 62 cases to court and they have been prosecuted while 11 are under investigation, for these 62 cases currently in court, we have 83 suspects who are standing trials.”
