GBV: Mrs Oyetola Urges Osun Citizens To Be Committed To VAPP Law

Wife of Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola has urged Osun citizens to be committed to the newly domesticated Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP law, that seeks to prohibit violence in private and public life against persons and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punishment of offenders.

Mrs Oyetola made this known at the One-day Civil Society Organizations (CSOs),Coordination meeting on the Effective implementation of the VAPP law in Osun state, held at the banquet hall of the government house in Osogbo, in collaboration with Westminster Foundation for Democracy WFD, on Wednesday.

The Wife of the governor who was represented by the IleriOluwa Development Initiative IOD Program Officer, Mr Rotimi Ajayi stated that the commitment to the VAPP law should go beyond being aware of it, but being put to good use to protect victims of violence as covered by the law.

She appreciated the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Osun House of Assembly led by Rt Hon Timothy Owoeye for the ratification and assention of the VAPP law, as well asthe Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders for their passion for the plight of victims of Gender Based Violence GBV, said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law can not progress without the CSOs.

She pointed out that attempt to conceal information about violence, rape, harassment among others is now punishable under the VAPP law, hence prompt reportage of cases should be made a priority.

Earlier at the one-day CSOs coordination meeting on effective implementation of the VAPP law, the representative of Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mrs Sola Folayan hinged that the VAPP law should be campaigned to everyday people at the grassroot areas.

She maintained that awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP law against Gender Based Violence should be prioritized.

The CSOs which consisted of the media, judiciary, law enforcement agency, medical practitioner, faith based organizations among others, deliberated on important discourse such as Strength and provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law, expected role of stakeholders in the implementation of the VAPP law, contribution of the CSOs go ghe implementation of the VAPP law, sessions, recommendations and adoption and presentation of the position paper on citizens perspective on the implementation of the VAPP law in Osun state.

The Civil Society Organizations CSOs at the coordination meeting include, representative of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Federation of Female Lawyers FIDA, Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria FOMWAN, Women Wing of Christian Council of Nigeria WOWICCN, Women Wing of Joint Association of Persons With Disability JONAPWD, Female Medical Doctors Association among others.