The Ekiti State Governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to crackdown on sex offenders in the state.
During an interactive session with male and female students of public schools, tagged ‘BAORESS Interface With Adolescents Project (BIWAP)’, held at Mary Immaculate Grammar School, Ado Ekiti, the governor’s wife urged female students to speak up and report any instances of sexual harassment, attempted rape, rape, sexual molestation, and defilement to her office for prompt action. She assured that perpetrators of such offences will be punished under the Ekiti State GBV (Prohibition) Law 2019.
Dr. Oyebanji, while delivering a lecture at the event, also advocated for the establishment of Gender Desks in all public schools in the state to prevent sexual abuse of students and provide necessary support and counseling to victims. She emphasized the need for trained personnel, Gender Desk Officers, to man these desks and assist students in accordance with the GBV (Prohibition) Law 2019.
Expressing concern, the governor’s wife highlighted that many perpetrators of GBV, including sexual abuse, are familiar figures such as parents, guardians, teachers, and even individuals like security personnel, drivers, and bike riders employed to transport children to school.
Dr. Oyebanji emphasized the importance of having Gender Desks in all schools, which will play a pivotal role in curbing abuses and providing the necessary counseling in line with the law. She deemed Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a threat to the future of students, stressing that instances of rape, attempted rape, sexual molestation, and defilement also occur within school environments.
Furthermore, the governor’s wife cautioned students against engaging in physical attacks on their peers and inappropriate touching, emphasizing that such acts are punishable under the law.
