Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, has called on governments at all levels, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to enhance the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
She emphasized that this objective could be realized through increased campaigns, programs, and interfaces against Gender-Based Violence in the country. Dr. Oyebanji made this appeal during the 4th Annual Conference of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouse’s Forum in Abuja, organized by the spouses of the Governors in Nigeria.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, the Ekiti State First Lady, speaking on the conference theme, “Youth Allies: Bridging generations to end violence,” reiterated Ekiti State government’s commitment to the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV in Nigeria.
She emphasized the forum’s significance as an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of GBV and highlighted the strength of Governors’ spouses in the campaign against GBV and overall national development.
The Chairperson of Ekiti State GBV Management Committee affirmed a zero-tolerance stance, asserting that girls and women under her watch would not be subjected to abuse, and any offender would face the full force of the law.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Chair of Nigeria Governors Spouse’s Forum Board of Trustees and Former First Lady, Ekiti State, commended the Forum for maintaining legacies laid four years ago. She urged collective efforts to make GBV a thing of the past in Nigeria.
Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, expressed gratitude to Governors’ spouses for their support in the fight against GBV. He pledged intensified efforts by the Governors’ Forum to provide necessary support for first ladies in ensuring justice for victims and promoting campaigns against GBV nationwide.
Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrasaq, Chair of Nigeria Governors Spouse’s Forum, earlier commended the impactful efforts of other first ladies in the production of a work plan in 2020 leading to the annual conference. She highlighted the forum’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse, sexual-based violence, and other social vices.
Goodwill messages were received from the Director-General of Nigeria Governors Forum, United Nations Population Fund, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, British High Commissioner, USAID Director, Canadian High Commissioner, UN Women County Representative, UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, and MacArthur Foundation Director, Nigeria Office.