By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC), led by the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor,Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on university authorities to develop robust strategies to combat gender-based violence (GBV) on their campuses.
Dr. Oyebanji made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI), and Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU).
The visits were part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, held annually from November 25 to December 10.
Addressing management, staff, and students, Dr. Oyebanji who is Chairman of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between university communities and the GBVMC to eliminate GBV, noting devastating effects of the social ill on individuals and society.
She described GBV as a “monster that destroys lives, erodes self-esteem, and undermines socio-economic development.”
The First Lady urged universities to implement proactive measures, including Establishing Gender-Based Violence Management Committees at all levels within the institutions,installing anti-rape and GBV alert billboards at strategic campus locations,creating efficient channels for reporting rape and sexual harassment in all departments ,allocating financial, material, and technical resources to support GBV mitigation activities and survivors, forming Rapid Response Teams comprising lecturers, staff, and students to work alongside the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team.
She stressed further that the Universities should ensuring zero tolerance for all forms of GBV while fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment.
Dr. Oyebanji commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to tackling GBV through robust policies and support systems for survivors.
She called for sustained efforts from all sectors, emphasizing that “the fight against GBV is a collective responsibility.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Olapeju Babafemi, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law of 2019.
They urged individuals to report all forms of abuse, assuring students and staff of adequate protection.
Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Adewale, described GBV as a criminal act, warning that violators would face the full wrath of the law.
He assured the public of the police’s readiness to collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to prosecute offenders.
Non-governmental organization representative, Tumininu Adedeji, highlighted the roots of GBV in unequal power dynamics and called for emotional regulation and awareness to address the issue effectively.
The Vice-Chancellor of BOUESTI, Professor Victor Adeoluwa, praised the First Lady’s leadership and pledged to work closely with the GBVMC to ensure a peaceful campus environment.
Similarly, EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babalola, assured full implementation of the committee’s recommendations, noting that such actions would foster a safer university community and positively impact society.
The advocacy visit was attended by top government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Chief Folorusho Olabode, Special Adviser on Women Empowerment and Gender Mobilization, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Tayo Olatilu ,and other dignitaries.
The GBVMC’s call for action was warmly received by university management, staff, and students, who expressed readiness to collaborate in eradicating the scourge of GBV.
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