….OSAA-GBV BEGINS SENSITIZATION TOUR ON VAPP LAW
The Ondo State Agency Against Gender Based Violence (OSAA GBV) has begun a sensitization tour across the 18 LGAs to intimate citizens on the implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP ) Law in the State.
The Executive Secretary of OSAA-GBV, Bolanle Afolabi made this known while introducing the VAPP Law to participants at a sensitization Programme held at Akure South Secretariat.
She pointed out offenses and punishment contained in the Law stressing that it is a taboo to engage in Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the Sunshine State.
‘ Offences of GBV include among others, rape, harmful widowhood and traditional practices, indecent exposure, intimidation, illegal divorce, incest, fraud, emotional verbal and psychological abuse. Some of the offenses not in the criminal code are contained in the new VAPP law passed in July 2021 in the State’
The ES therefore charged the law enforcement Agencies to do the needful by enforcing the law and urged participants to spread the message to others to jointly tackle GBV headlong.
In putting at bay Gender Based violence (GBV) ,the Ondo State Government have continued to sensitize stakeholders on the VAPP Law
The aim and objective of the programme is to ensure people are enlightened about what the law contains to ensure a peaceful society.
Speaking during the programme, the Wife of the Governor, Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who is the Chairman of the Agency posited that GBV is an issue that concerns all and sundry, hence the need to combat it to curb social unrests which is one of the banes of development.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender & Documentation, Mrs Temitope Daniyan, the First lady affirmed that the law and creation of OSAA-GBV is to ensure rapid response to cases and make sure victims get justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
She maintained that GBV is a heart burning issue that has been contributing to a breach of fundamental right to life, liberty, dignity among others, calling on the people to work in synergy with the Government in combating the menace for the State to be GBV free.
The Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Olaniyi who was represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Gbenga Fasua described the programme as an eye opener adding that the Local Council will fully support the set goals of the mission.
In an attempt to curb the trend of GBV in the State, the Agency’s farmilitarization train had been to Okitupupa, Odigbo, Ikare Akoko, Okeagbe with a mission to cover all 18 LGAs of the State.
Various stakeholders represented at each Local Government include Traditional and Religious leaders, Law Enforcement Agencies, Drivers Union, Health practioners, Traditional Birth Attendants, Market Women and others.
OSAA-GBV Hotline: 08001001010
Adeola Adeniyi
Press Officer
Office of SA Gender
