Protecting lives and property of women and children in the society is a task for all.
The menace of rape and other violence against women and children, which have pervaded the society must be addressed whollistically.
This is the position of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Mrs Julianah Adebunmi Osadahun when the members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), led by the State Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi paid her a courtesy visit in her office.
She admonished them to be at the forefront of advocacy against rising cases of violence against women and children and other matters affecting women in the country.
The Commissioner alluded to the rare privilege of having Arabinrin Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu as a mother, who is so passionate about the course of women and children, even beyond the shores of Ondo State.
In as much as the state government is not shying away from her responsibilities of taking care of the children and making life comfortable for them, she enjoined all stakeholders to come together and do the needful, as government cannot do it alone.
Dr Osadahun commended the contributions of the female lawyers in handling cases and enjoined them to be more involved in cases of violence against women and children being supervised by the Ministry. This according to her would facilitate victims of Gender Based Violence get speedy and fair judgement.
In her own response, the State Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Catherine Ogunjebi appreciated Hon. Commissioner for giving them this opportunity of interaction and commended her for her contribution to women advancement in the state.
According to her, the team was in the Commissioner’s office to introduce FIDA’s new executive and also congratulated her on her well deserved appointment.
The Chairperson also appreciated the gesture of Governor Akeredolu for signing into law, Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP) 2021, describing the development as a landmark victory for FIDA in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
She also briefed Dr Osadahun on the activities of the group, it’s observations on the efforts of the Ministry and solicited the Ministry’s cooperation to make more impacts in the society.
Henry Johnson Olagundoye
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.