Int’l Human Rights Day: We’ll eliminate violence against women, girl-child -Makinde
… as gov receives Human Rights communique on gender violence*
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said that the
state is poised to eliminate all forms of violence against women and the
girl-child and ensure the safety of lives in the state.
The governor, while speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the
National Human Rights Commission, Oyo State office, held at the SSG’s
Conference Room, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, said that the
state will take quick steps to actualize its plans.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi
Ilaka, equally commended the Human Rights community for submitting a
communique on the elimination of violence against women and the girl-child.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo
Adisa, indicated that the communique submitted by the Human Rights
community was the outcome of a 16-day activity by the body to promote the
elimination of all forms of violence against women and the girl-child.
It stated that the 16-day activity was conducted by the Human Rights body
in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs as well as
the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Federation of Women
Lawyers in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde said that his administration will always be responsive in
the aspect of defending the rights of its indigenes and residents.
He said: “I am here representing the government of Oyo State. We are happy
to work with everyone who wants to make our state what it ought to be.
“We understand what it is, and we want to move to the ideal. We want to do
what is right and that is where each and everyone’s rights will be
guaranteed and protected. We want everyone of us to be able to articulate,
define, identify their rights, and be able to cry out for help when the
rights are being violated.”
He declared that the government of Oyo State is already paying particular
attention to the issue of gender-based violence especially against women,
adding that the State House of Assembly was on the verge of passing some
legislation on the matter.
He added: “This is an area that is forever evolving and growing, and this
administration is taking particular attention on the issue of violence
against women. There are various legislations being worked upon by the
State’s House of Assembly to address this issue of violence against women.
“Having said that, we have to have engagements in the areas of human
rights, which is also forward-looking, because the issue of human rights is
not restricted to gender.”
Speaking earlier, the acting State Coordinator, Oyo State National Human
Rights Commission, Akintayo Olamide, told the governor that between
November 25 and December 10, the body marks the International Human Rights
Day.
He added that the theme of this year’s Day is “eliminate all forms of
violence against women.”
She urged the state government to set up a ‘One-Stop Centre’ for victims,
which will include shelters, medical services, trauma and counselling units
that will be equipped with trained personnel, legal assistance and security.
She asked the state government to do all that it could to eliminate gender
violence and abuse against women.
*Signed*
*Taiwo Adisa*
*Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde*
*December 9, 2020.*
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