Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has commenced activities marking 2024 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a call for the inclusion of GBV awareness in the universities’ curriculum.
The First Lady who is the Chairperson of the State Gender- Based Management Committee made the call during an advocacy tour of University campuses in the State. She also called for the establishment of effective committees to tackle gender-based violence in Nigeria universities.
She stressed the need for collective actions in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the society, emphasizing the essence of taking proactive steps towards ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for students, particularly women and girls in academic communities.
“It is essential that Universities in Ekiti State play their parts in eradicating GBV, and that starts with establishing dedicated committees that can ensure swift action, provide support to victims, and make the necessary provisions to prevent various forms of violence,” she stated.
The First Lady also advocated the creation of support services for survivors, sensitization programs as well as provision of financial, material and technical resources to mitigate for GBV mitigation.
Dr. Oyebanji stressed that it has become imperative for Universities to utilize all available opportunities to establish their commitment to ending gender-based violence towards creating a sustainable environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to speak out against violence.
According to her, billboards should be erected in prominent areas across the campuses to create awareness and as an affirmation of their commitment to curb GBV.
She said “we cannot achieve the desired lasting change without strong partnerships with higher institutions, law enforcement and the community at large”.
“We must unite in the fight against gender-based violence and create an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and creating a save space for all.”
In their remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Olapeju Babafemi and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dayo Apata stressed that every hands must be on deck to stamp out all traces of GBV in the University Communities, adding that the awareness tour was planned to sensitize the populace on the existing law on the GBV.
Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the advancement of women and survivors of GBV, they assured that no stone would be left unturned towards eradicating the menace, adding that survivors would also be catered for.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Police, Ekiti State, Mr. Akinwale Adeniran lend credence to call for a united front in the battle against GBV.
He said the police remains commitment to upholding the law and ensuring gender equality, adding that offenders would be prosecuted according to the law.
“The police are your friends when you adhere to the law”.
“Our goal is to ensure zero tolerance for gender-based violence.” He assured.
The First Lady’s team which also included the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun , Commissioner for Local Government Chief Folorunso Olabode among others visited the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti(EKSU); and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI)
The tour featured a series of discussions aimed at educating students and other stakeholders on the various forms of gender-based violence, how to report incidents, and the available resources for survivors.