The Westminster Foundation for Democracy, in collaboration with the Ondo State Agency Against Gender‑Based Violence (OSAA‑GBV), has undertaken a sensitisation campaign on the proper implementation and utilisation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law for people living with disabilities in the state. As part of this effort, the non‑governmental organisation launched a Braille version of the law, enabling visually impaired individuals to read and understand its provisions. A copy of the Braille edition was distributed to each participant at the launch event.
At the ceremony, WFD Country Representative Adebowale Olorunmola emphasized the importance of keeping physically challenged citizens informed about the VAPP Law so they can comprehend their rights and use the legislation for their protection. “The VAPP Law is enacted to protect all of us, particularly the vulnerable, including minors and people with disabilities. We are educating every person on the law so that everyone can understand the content and it can be implemented successfully. The law is an instrument through which we can seek justice if violated by anyone,” he said.
Executive Secretary of OSAA‑GBV, Bolanle Afolabi, stressed that everyone must be involved in implementing the VAPP Law to eradicate violence against all persons. “We are sensitising people to keep them abreast of the law, particularly their rights,” she remarked. The WFD assisted OSAA‑GBV in sponsoring the sensitisation programme, ensuring that people with disabilities are informed about the VAPP Law. “Knowing the content of the law will help us achieve the purpose for which it was enacted,” the agency added.
Folasade Arise, Chairman of the Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that disabilities increase vulnerability and warned against violations targeting people with disabilities. She praised the state government and the WFD for involving the agency in the VAPP Law’s implementation. “This sensitisation will expose us to the content of the law and help us protect ourselves with it,” she noted.
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