Child abuse, GBV threatening Nigeria’s devt goals – Ogun Commissioner

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has described gender-based violence, discriminationq against Persons with Disabilities and child abuse as not just a social concern, but economic and silent pandemic threatening Nigeria’s development goals. She spoke in Abeokuta on Monday at a Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence, Gender-Mainstreaming […]

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, has described gender-based violence, discriminationq against Persons with Disabilities and child abuse as not just a social concern, but economic and silent pandemic threatening Nigeria’s development goals.

She spoke in Abeokuta on Monday at a Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence, Gender-Mainstreaming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Legislative Framework In Ogun State.

The programme was organized by the Ministry, the State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in conjunction with Women Advocates Research & Documentation Center, WARDC.

Adeleye submitted that “When a child is molested or a woman is silenced, a generation loses its voice.”

According to her, the legal frameworks being pushed forward include the Gender Mainstreaming Bill, the FRILIA Bill, the VAPP Law, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission Bill.

She described them as tools for protection and transformation.

The former lawmaker said the proposed DEI Commission Bill, with its 45 Sections, aims to establish a body that will promote fairness, equal opportunity, and social justice.

The commissioner pledged the government’s support and to remain “the bridge between intention and action, between policy and people, between pain and healing.”

“Together with you the Lawmakers and the officials from the judiciary, we will work to ensure that no child loses their innocence, no woman loses her dignity, and no family is broken by indifference,” she added.

The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, promised to the assembly’s commitment to expedite action on the passage of the bill.

The Project Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, called for legislative support in enacting and funding GBV, allocating funds for SARCs, women development centres and technical school maintenance.