From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A call for urgent action against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), echoed across Kwara State as the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), mobilised key stakeholders to take a firm stand against the menace.
BBYDI Executive Director, Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to ensuring survivors are not left to suffer in silence.
She emphasised that both legal frameworks and religious teachings oppose GBV, making it imperative for communities to actively combat all forms of violence.
“GBV is a deeply rooted societal challenge that threatens the dignity and well-being of individuals, particularly women and girls. We have consistently pushed for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Kwara, Osun, and Niger States to provide stronger legal backing for victims,” she said.
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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a GBV-free society.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, he highlighted the establishment of committees and specialised units in ministries to support victims.
“We urge all stakeholders to collaborate with the government to eliminate GBV in our communities. Structures have been put in place to ensure that victims have access to support and justice,” he stated.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Afolashade Oluwakemi, stressed the importance of continuous advocacy and empowering women through education and skill acquisition.
Represented by Mrs. Adenike Akanni, she called for a society where everyone feels safe and valued.
Also represented by Mrs. Akanni, wife of the Governor, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, urged traditional rulers to take proactive role in educating their communities about GBV. “This issue transcends borders and age limits; it is our collective duty to fight against it,” she said.
Religious and traditional leaders also weighed in on the discussion. The Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, noted that Islam upholds the dignity of women and frowns upon GBV. Represented by Mallam Abdulmumin Lukman, he urged society to uphold these values.
Traditional leaders, including the Balogun Alanamu, Olomu of Omu-Aran, and Emir of Ilesha Baruba, stressed the need for fairness in handling GBV cases and taking advocacy to grassroots communities.
The event featured panel sessions where experts discussed challenges in combating GBV and proposed solutions. Participants included representatives from law enforcement agencies, legal bodies, civil society organizations, journalists, and students, all united in the call for decisive action against gender-based violence in Kwara.
