Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde the wife of the Oyo State Governor, has urged stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against violence targeting women and girls in the state, emphasizing that only a joint effort can strongly reduce the problems of sexual and gender-based violence.
The First lady who spoke at a sensitization program themed “Unite Against Violence Against Women and Girls,” which was held at St. Bernadine’s Girls Grammar School, Oyo, highlighted the importance of creating awareness and educating the public on the issue.
She pointed out that programs like this are critical in reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence in the state.
Mrs. Makinde, while addressing the students, encouraged them to actively participate in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, as well as reminded them that their bodies belong to them.
She also explained that no one has the right to touch them without their consent and advice them to always speak up against sexual and gender-based violence, appealing to students to report any incidents of harassment or sexual violation to their parents, the police, or any trusted adult.
Mrs Awosemusi, representative of the Ministry of Justice, his remarks, charged victims of gender based violence to report any of the cases of GBV to police and ensure they visit hospital for treatment.
On the other hand, Funke Aiyenigbara, a Chief Superintendent of Police, who represented the Nigeria Police Force, said that there is physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, adding that it imperative for every victims to speak up and not die in silence.
Kemi Ajenifuja, A student of St Bernadine’s girls grammar school, while speaking to the newsmen, called on governments at all levels to provide counselor in all schools to help victims that suffered any kind of abuse.
Ajenifuja also expressed her gratitude to the wife of the governor for her motherly role to boost female in the state self-esteem and her great impact on female students in the state.
The Schools that participated in the campaign are; St Bernadine’s Girls Grammar School, Oyo, Community High School, Durbar, Oyo, Anglican Methodist Secondary School 1, Oyo, Community High School, Ajagba, Oyo, Durbar Grammar School, Durbar, Oyo, and Anglican Methodist Secondary School, Oyo.
