Stakeholders Seek Stronger Collaboration, Funding For Effective Implementation Of Osun VAPP Law

Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration among relevant institutions and increased government funding to ensure the effective implementation of the Osun State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

The call was made during the Annual Stakeholders Meeting on the Implementation of the Osun State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law organised by the Justice, Development and Peace Makers Centre (JDPMC) at the Catholic Chancery Facilities, Bishop’s House, Oke-Ayepe, Osogbo.

Speaking at the meeting, the Programme Head for Justice and Human Rights Programme at JDPMC, Veronica Ene Onoja, said the gathering was convened to bring together critical stakeholders involved in the implementation of the law to strengthen coordination and address challenges affecting its enforcement.

According to her, the implementation of the law requires a collective effort from all actors within the justice system.

“The stakeholders meeting we had today is to bring together different stakeholders working on the implementation of the Osun State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to see how we can work together towards effective implementation of this law,” she said.

Onoja noted that weaknesses in any part of the implementation chain could affect the entire system, stressing the need for continuous engagement among stakeholders.

“It is a system. If one stakeholder is lagging behind, it is definitely going to affect the system. Bringing everybody together is to devise strategies for the effective implementation of this law,” she added.

She expressed optimism that the objectives of the meeting would be achieved, noting that participants had already developed strategies and demonstrated commitment to strengthening implementation of the law.

“We have drafted a strategy and each of the stakeholders at that meeting is committed to bringing about the effective implementation of that law. We will continue to have follow-up meetings with stakeholders,” she said.

Also speaking, a Senior Magistrate with the Osun State Judiciary, Mrs. Oyindamola Daramola, who facilitated the programme, said participants were sensitised on the provisions of the VAPP Law and the roles of various institutions in tackling violence against persons.

She explained that the law addresses sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, female genital mutilation and other forms of abuse.

“We discussed what the VAPP Law covers and made stakeholders understand their various roles in curbing this menace. We also explained the link between each agency so that we can cooperate, coordinate and work together to ensure that people get justice and know their rights when it comes to violence against persons,” she said.

Daramola noted that the Osun VAPP Law was domesticated in 2021 and remains a key legal framework for protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.

She urged residents to report cases of violence and seek available support services rather than suffer in silence.

“My advice to residents is that they should come out and speak out. There are survivor lines, support systems and people who are ready to help them get justice and pursue their legal matters,” she said.

The magistrate added that security agencies, healthcare providers and media practitioners have important responsibilities in ensuring survivors are treated with dignity, confidentiality and respect.

She further called on the government to provide adequate funding and support structures necessary for the implementation of the law.

“There is a need to create safe spaces and shelters for survivors. There is need for budgetary provisions to support access to medical care and treatment. The government has a lot to do when it comes to giving life to this law,” Daramola said.

On her part, Onoja urged members of the public to avoid all forms of violence and appealed to government authorities to strengthen institutions responsible for addressing violence against women, girls and other vulnerable persons.