IGRHD Salutes Osun Assembly For Passing VAPP Bill Into Law

A grassroot Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Osun State, Initiative for Girls Right and Health Development (IGRHD) has congratulated the state government of Osun for passing into law violence against persons prohibition act (VAPP).

The Executive Director and Founder of Initiative for Girls’ Right and Health Development Ayodeji Bello- Awodoyin, in a statement signed and made available to CityMirrorNews in Osogbo said it was a thing of joy that Osun was among the 26th state to domesticate the VAPP act.

NGO situated in Ile ife campaigning and creating awareness on the implication of Female Genital Mutilation in the last more than 6 years congratulates Osun state for being the 26th state to domesticate the Vapp ACT.

The violence against persons prohibition act was passed into law at the federal level during former president Goodluck Jonathan’s Regime in 2015.

“It was the beginning of hope as it made Female Genital Mutilation and all forms of violence punishable under the law. The Vapp Act provides a legislative and legal framework for the prevention of all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, especially girls and women.

“Although FGM is an agelong practice rooted in harmful traditions and myths, criminalizing it and making it punishable under the law is a huge step in the right direction as absence and ineffectiveness of laws remains enablers of Gender Based Violence.

“We arw proud of Osun state and the efforts of the first lady, Her Excellency Kafayat Oyetola in combating the practice in the state. Also, she commends the Ambassador to her NGO Her Imperial Majesty Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi wife of the Ooni of Ife, Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II whom they’ve been carrying out grassroot campaigns/ projects together to make the world safer and better for girls and women.

According to her, when stakeholders know their roles in amplifying and validating positive campaigns for social change, mountains can move. Ayodeji, a survivor of FGM with a background in Sociology and track record of consistent anti fgm campaigns home and abroad implores law enforcers to ensure laws remain effective as her organization continues to sensitize the public.

She also appreciates everyone who has spent their time, energy and resources to eliminate the practice of FGM especially international donors such as Soroptimist International, Wallace Global Fund and Global Media Campaign, Uk where she currently serves as the Country representative of Nigeria and youngest board member.

Ends

Osun Assembly passes into law bill to regulate animal grazing and VAPP.

The State of Osun House of Assembly has on Thursday passed a bill to regulate animal grazing and establishments of cattle ranches and other related matters.

The House of Assembly also passed into law Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill 2021.

The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly RT. Hon. Timothy Owoeye at plenary noted that the bill passed into law will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

Owoeye added that the bill will also prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

He held that as from the commencement of the bill, no person or group of persons shall rear, herd, or graze any livestock in any part of the State except within permitted ranches.

He said any herdsman or group of herdsman who graze herd or rear cattle or livestock outside permitted ranches after the commencement of this bill shall be guilty of an offence.

According to him, “Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.

“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.

“Permits shall only be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Preference shall be given in issuance of ranching permits to those within or near a district who are landowners interested in livestock business.

“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.

“Conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the State is prohibited, except such movement is by Rail Wagon or Truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7:00am, to 6:00pm”. The Speaker stressed.