To bolster the battle against gender-based violence, the Ekiti State Government has solicited more assistance from stakeholders, including the heads of local governments, traditional leaders, religious organisations, civil society, and the general public.
The deputy governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, stated that more work was needed to stop gender-based violence (GBV) because it was still wreaking havoc in society, crushing hopes and sending many people to their untimely deaths. Speaking on Friday at the end of a two-day GBV workshop hosted by the state Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the Office of the Ekiti State First Lady, the deputy governor was situated in Ado Ekiti.
“To unite efforts with Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to defeat the festering menace of rape, sexual molestation, female genital mutilation and other anti-social conducts in Ekiti,” Afuye urged important stakeholders.
She stated, “The danger of GBV has ruined so many families, wrecked lovely dreams, and sent many to their early deaths. It is a monster that has destroyed numerous homes. As a result, it must be fought jointly to a halt in our society.
” Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, has urged for a united approach to GBV through “policies and actions that bring about meaningful change and reshape public attitudes.
“The First Lady, represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, stated that GBV is more than just a violation of human rights; it is a social threat that affects our communities’ dignity, safety, and progress. We cannot allow any type of violence, bigotry, or abuse to go unchallenged.
“This workshop provides a great opportunity for stakeholders to learn, discuss, and increase our efforts to reduce gender-based violence in Ekiti. It is critical that we use this platform to establish successful tactics, raise public awareness, and strengthen the enforcement of laws designed to protect the vulnerable.
Together, we can create a society free of fear, damage, and oppression. “I therefore call on all concerned parties not only in government, but also in the private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, traditional rulers, and private practitioners to join this fight as champions of justice and peace,” the governor’s wife stated.
Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), who described GBV as a monster, stated, “This workshop is timely. It is another opportunity for Ekiti State to broaden its horizons by including local governments.”
In addition to the numerous interventions, Apata stated that the Ministry of Justice has established procedures for swiftly prosecuting offenders, stating that “in the past year, we have concluded the prosecution in about 30 cases, out of which we secured 24 convictions.
” Prior to welcoming dignitaries and attendees, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, asked the public to speak up at all times in order to tame the “monster” and described GBV as a serious kind of violence against the victims’ integrity.
Olabode stated, “GBV, in its different manifestations, threatens the safety, dignity, and well-being of persons, particularly women and children, and is an affront to their fundamental human rights. Our communities suffer as a result of such violence, which perpetuates cycles of poverty, instability, and inequality
” The commissioner additionally stated that “the workshop provided us with the platform to deliberate on actionable steps, share insights and learn from best practices that can help curb this menace in our communities” .
Bolaji Olagbaju, the deputy speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Maryam Ogunlade, the chairman of the House of Assembly committee on local government and chieftaincy affairs, and the chairs of local government associations, led by Oluwasegun Ojo, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, were present at the program.
Among the others were the spouses of local government chairmen, public servants, trade union leaders, women’s groups from all 16 Local Governments, and the Local Council Development Areas. The Commissioner for Women Affairs was Mrs. Peju Babafemi, and the Commissioner for Education was Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye.
In Essence
The Ekiti State government’s initiative to engage stakeholders in combating gender-based violence (GBV) is a commendable and necessary step towards addressing a critical issue that affects individuals, families, and communities.
By involving local government heads, traditional leaders, religious organizations, civil society, and the general public, the state is adopting a holistic, community-driven approach, which is vital in tackling a deeply rooted social problem like GBV.
GBV, including rape, sexual molestation, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse, remains a pervasive issue not only in Ekiti State but across Nigeria.
The statement by Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye highlights the devastating impact of these abuses destroying lives, shattering dreams, and leaving long-lasting trauma. Her call for unified efforts is timely and underscores the importance of collective responsibility.
Only by mobilizing every segment of society can meaningful progress be made in eradicating GBV.
