Osogbo, Osun State – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has announced a series of initiatives to combat sexual violence against women and protect women’s rights in the state. These actions come in response to discussions with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and align with resolutions reached by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
Establishment of an Action Committee and Mobile Courts:
- A dedicated action committee has been formed to implement the resolutions agreed upon with the Federal Ministry.
- This committee comprises representatives from various government departments, including Women’s Affairs, Federal Affairs, Justice, Youth Development, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
- The committee’s primary responsibility is to enact the resolutions from the joint meeting between the Governor and the Women’s Affairs Minister.
Key Actions:
- Establishment of mobile courts specifically designed to address
– Sexual and gender-based violence.
– Child abuse, specifically street begging.
– Expedited trials for women and children currently in correctional facilities. - Preparation of an executive order by the Justice Commissioner to release women who have been unjustly incarcerated. This order will be based on a compiled list of affected women across the state.
Governor Adeleke’s Commitment:
Governor Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to the immediate implementation of these resolutions. These actions aim to strengthen the protection of women’s rights in Osun State.
Next Steps:
The newly formed action committee will play a crucial role in operationalizing these initiatives. They will work to establish the mobile courts, finalize the list of women for potential pardon, and ensure the effective implementation of all agreed-upon measures.
