An illustration to stop gender-based violence
The Ekiti State government has enlisted more support from stakeholders, including the leadership of the local government areas, traditional leaders, religious bodies, civil society and the general public to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, lamented that GBV had continued to wreak havoc in society, shattering ambitions and sending many to their untimely graves.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, at the closing of a two-day workshop on gender-based violence, organised by the Office of the Ekiti State First Lady, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Afuye said the trend in the violence required increased efforts to checkmate it.
The deputy governor called on critical stakeholders “to coalesce efforts with the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to defeat the festering menace of rape, sexual molestation, female genital mutilation and other anti-social conducts in Ekiti.”
She said, “The menace of GBV has destroyed so many families, shattered beautiful ambitions and sent many to their untimely graves.
“It is a monster that has ravaged many homes. Therefore, it must be fought collectively to a standstill in our society.”
The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, called for a united approach to GBV through “policies and actions that bring about meaningful change and reshape public attitudes.”
Represented by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, the governor’s wife said, “GBV is not just a violation of human rights; it is a societal menace that undermines the dignity, safety, and progress of our communities. We cannot allow any form of violence, discrimination or abuse to continue unchecked.”
She added, “Together, we can build a society where every individual is free from fear, harm, and oppression.
“I, therefore, call on all concerned parties, not only in government but also in the private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, traditional rulers, and private practitioners, to join this fight as champions of justice and peace.”
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), who described GBV as a monster, said, “This workshop is timely. It is another opportunity being given to Ekiti State to expand the frontiers by taking it to the local governments.”
Apata said in addition to the many interventions, the Ministry of Justice had devised ways through which offenders were speedily prosecuted.
“Within the last year, we had about 30 cases in which we have concluded the prosecution, out of which we secured 24 convictions,” he said.
