Wife of Ekiti state governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has expressed the committnent of the administration of governor Biodun Oyebanji in tackling the menace of Human Trafficking and Gender based violence. GBV.
Dr Oyebanji advocates Family Strengthening and enlightenment as part of panacea in tackling the menace.
The First Lady spoke on Monday in Ado Ekiti during a summit titled- Human Trafficking, Femicide and Gender Based Violence Summit.
The theme of the event was: From Silence to safety, uniting Ekiti Against Human Trafficking, Femicide and gender based violence.
The program was convened by Restoration for All Inc. with collaborating partners.
Founder and the Executive Director Restoration for All Inc. Minnesota, Dr Tolulope Monisola Ola Harped on Preventing Violence, Protecting survivors, Stregntening Communities.
Dr Oyebanji in her Special keynote address, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mr Olapeju Babafemi said:
“There is zero tolerance here in the Ekiti on human trafficking, femicide, and GBV. We have a register for offenders, exceptional assault offenders. We have a register in the Ministry of Women Affairs.
” The Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice are making sure that offenders are prosecuted and jailed. So, our commitment in Ekiti is clear.”
She also highlighted the policy and legal framework harnessed in preventing Gender based violence in the state.
“There are policies.There are laws. We have child rights law. We have the laws.And we are also intentionally pursuing implementation.
” Go to our secondary schools. Right now, the Ministry of Education has a gender policy.
So, with that project, the government is taking care of our secondary schools to make sure that we have policy for empowerment. And mentoring these children.
“Consciously mentoring these children. Then, as I said, government has rules for infant care and support.We have the children’s home as an agency. Where we have children that require care.
“So, our structures are there. And we are responding well. And we are also making sure that we prevent abuse.
“Then, for access to justice. The Ministry of Justice is doing so well. And there is access.
Free access to justice by the people. We also have a High court. The family court is there at the High court to attend to issues that we are discussing. So, prosecution, especially sexual offenses, are presumptively convictions.
“So, there is naming and shaming of violators in the sex offenders register. We are taking these steps but we are not yet there.So, that is why a subject of this nature is very complex.
“And all forms of trafficking. But, I must say, There is a close link between substance abuse and gender-based violence.So, I think it’s at that stage that we need to look at. There was a book that was brought to us last year. And it was as if all the victims were hypnotized.
“They were going on and on and on. As if they had been drugged. So, there is a close relationship.
They are like cousins. Substance abuse and gender-based violence.
“So, it’s as if they go together. So, as we are working on this, I also want us to look at the issue of substance abuse. Which is very rampant now.Across the globe. So, let me just call us to action.
I invite everyone of us, to make a personal commitment. If you see something, say something. If a child is substance abused, we must believe the child. And process the child.We must build a society where survivors are not harmed by their trauma.
But supported to heal, recover, and thrive.
“Breaking the silence is only the beginning. We must turn awareness into action.
“Compassion into systems of support. And commitment into measurable results. Let us build communities where everyone looks out for the safety and well-being of others.Together, we can break the silence”, Oyebanji said.
The event which featured panel discussion and cultural dance wasattended by representatives of relevant agencies ,civil society organizations, media including the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.