The Chairperson of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has reiterated the commitment of the members of the committee towards curbing vices against women, young people, and other vulnerable groups in the state.
Dr. Oyebanji made this known during the committee’s quarterly meeting held in her office. The meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign aimed at ending violence against women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
In her address, Dr. Oyebanji, who is also the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, emphasized the importance of creating awareness on campuses of higher learning to reduce the incidence of abuse among students. She also vowed to intensify efforts in the fight against all forms of gender-based violence.
The First Lady commended the committee for its progress in raising awareness, arresting offenders, and facilitating prosecutions, which she noted had significantly advanced the fight against gender-based violence in Ekiti State.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, highlighted the need for sustained advocacy against women and child labor. According to her, such efforts are crucial to ensuring that women and children live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
Other members of the committee, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun, and various stakeholders, advocated for programs to address indecent dressing among youths. They also advocated for the prosecution of individuals found engaging in such acts.
“As a committee under the leadership of Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, we condemn indecent dressing among young ladies in Ekiti State. However, this should never serve as a justification for any form of rape,” they stated.
The committee, however , commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his proactive stance on gender-based violence in the state. They praised his administration for approving a minimum wage of ₦70,000, describing it as a comprehensive package benefiting civil servants, pensioners, and political office holders across the state.