GBV Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee Advocates VAPP Law Adequate Implementation to Osun Chief Judge
Gender Based Violence Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee of Action Aid and Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare has advocated adequate implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP Law) to Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.
The GBV Multi-Stakeholders who said the cases of violence against children and women is prevalent in the state, made this known at the advocacy visit paid to the Chief Judge of Osun at her office in the state High Court.
The Committee ushered to the place by the Committee state Coordinator, Barrister Mrs Olabiyi stated that, the spate of abandonment, harmful widowhood practice and economic violence is worrisome in Osun state.
She maintained that one of the prevention key is making use of the existing VAPP Law, and having adequate implementation that will ensure prompt legal actions among others.
Olabiyi, who is the state FIDA Chairperson added that prevention of gender based violence is now the duty of stakeholders and asked for the collaboration of the justice agency to nip GBV into bud.
In her response, the Chief Judge of Osun state, Justice Adepele Ojo commended the committee for their dedication to serve and save gender in the state from forms of Gender Based Violence.
She mentioned that the High Court of Justice has appointed a Judge for the family court, and added that female judges will also be involved to handle gender related cases, and ensure justice is served.
Justice Adepele pointed out that withdrawal of GBV cases, an action which hinders justice is worrisome, adding that investigation is ongoing on why such cases are withdrawn, and necessary steps to take, to ensure a victim/complainant gets justice.
She affirmed that Gender Based Violence cases affects all, and should not be taken with levity, as she declared her support for adequate implementation of the VAPP Law to serve as warning against perpetrators, and to protect the gender in entirety.
“As a woman, I don’t encourage abandonment or any form of violence against the female gender, personally and officially, you have my support, and this advocacy marks the beginning of new dawn on prevention of GBV on children and women in Osun state,” – the CJ stated.
Stakeholders at the advocacy visit include Osun state CAN Chairman, Chief Imaam of the state, Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, National Orientation Agency, Non Governmental organisation among others.
The Osun state GBV Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee is chaired by HRM Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1 Orangun of Oke-Ila.