Makinde’s wife, Oyo Police seek end to genda based violence

…As Mrs Makinde donates cash gifts of N100,000 to GBV survivor

The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde and the Oyo State Police Command has seeked collaboration of people in the state to end any form of genda based violence.

The duo urged people across the state to joined hands in fighting against sexual harassment and genda based violence.

Speaking at a press briefing to marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Mrs Makinde stated that the gathering was not only to raise awareness, but also to consolidate steps already taken by the state government towards ending genda
based violence in the society.

She said the 16 Days of Activism serve as a reminder that fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) requires not only attention but people’s unwavering support, adding that it should be a call to action for the society to unite against the issue of violence that has affected many life’s.

She said, “Let us encourage people to speak-up if they have experienced any violence. It is also important to listen if someone wants to tell about having experienced any form of violence and report to the authorities so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.”

“In 2020, Family Court was commissioned to deal with matters relating to child rights, marital issues and other related matters in state. Also, in 2021, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, assented to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition 2021(VAPP) which addresses the issues of men, women, boy-child and the girls.”

“There is a toll free number; 0800-400-4040n Oyo State, to report cases of gender based violence. Calls to that number are swiftly responce and identity of callers is usually kept secret.”

“Since the inception of this administration in 2019, my office has constantly supported survivors of GBV financially because financial empowerment is an important aspect of rebuilding lives, we are set to financially support them again today.”

“This gesture emphasises my belief in importance of visible and immediate support for those affected by gender-based violence by providing financial assistance, we hope to ease some of the burdens they carry and empower them to rebuild their lives.”

Mrs. Makinde also donated cash gifts of N100,000 each for the survivors who’s age are 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 14, 16, 17, 19 and 23.

In his remark, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Adebola Hamzat warned perpetrators of child molestation in the state to desist, saying whoever caught with the act shall face the full wrath of the law.

He stated that Police will never allow any case of child molestation to be swept under the carpet, adding that such case will be attended to and treated as criminal matters to ensure justice is deliver to the survivors or victims.

According to him, “The era of thinking that been a member of a family, you can do anything unlawful and go with it is no more, no family connection can protect you from been prosecuted if you commit any genda based violence either to your child or relations.”

“We have gotten alot of cases particularly those that has to do with child molestations by relatives, we have recorded about 73 cases this year, we have sent about 62 cases to court, and they have been prosecuted, while 11 are under investigation, for these 62 cases currently in court, we have 83 suspects who are standing trial.”

He however urged parents to be more careful for their children and guide them very well to save them from the predators.”