Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, Wife of the Governor of Oyo State, has urged victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to speak up and report to appropriate authorities so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.
Makinde said this, on Thursday, in her office, after a meeting with the State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Ayinde Hamzat and others as part of events marking 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The First Lady donated cash of N100,000 each to 10 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) ranging between the ages of 3 – 23.
She said that the fight against GBV required the involvement of all and sundry in the society.
Her words: “Since the inception of this administration in 2019, my office has constantly supported survivors of GBV financially, because I understand that financial empowerment is an important aspect of rebuilding lives.
“We are set to financially support them again today. This gesture emphasises my belief in the 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.
“Let us encourage people to speak-up if they have experienced any form of violence.
It is also important to listen if someone wants to tell us about having experienced any form of violence and report to the authorities so that the perpetrators, whoever they are, do not go unpunished.
“The 16 Days of Activism serve as a reminder that the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) requires not only our attention but also our unwavering commitment. It is a call to action for society to unite against the issue of violence that affects far too many lives.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Ayinde Hamzat has said that the police would ensure justice for the survivors or victims.
Hamzat while speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting vowed that the state police command would not sweep under the carpet cases of child molestation.
He said whether those behind molestation are parents or relatives, neighbours, Hamzat said the police will always treat cases of child molestation as criminal matters.
His words: “In Oyo State, any case of child molestation be it by the father, brother, shall never be swept under the carpet. We shall attend to it the way it should be attended to as criminal matters, and we shall pursue it to the last, that justice is delivered to the survivors or victims if they die.
“The era where you think being members of family you can do anything unlawful and go has gone.
“No family connection whatsoever shades you; if you commit anything gender-based violence whether to your child, relation, the law will take its cause.
“The police will never allow such a case to be swept under the carpet. If you commit a crime, the law will take its course and you shall face the full wrath of the law.”
He enjoined parents to more circumspect and effectively safeguard their children, wards against predators.**
