The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, inaugurated a Steering Committee and Technical Working Committee on Gender-Based Violence in the state.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the committees were inaugurated during the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, held at the Local Government Service Commission Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Represented by the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, the governor stated that the body was saddled with the mandate of developing and implementing programmes and policies for the prevention of gender-based violence in the state.
Makinde said, “GBV is a critical issue that affects individuals and communities across the globe.
“This problem transcends borders, cultures and socioeconomic status, negatively impacting the lives of countless individuals over the years.”
The governor called for an all-inclusive and sustained crusade to stem the tide of domestic violence, sexual abuse, female genital mutilation and public harassment, among other forms of violence against women in the society.
“The need to recognise collective responsibilities in sustainable management of GBV requiring comprehensive approach policies, support for survivors and global initiatives.
“This violent behaviour has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, it cuts across most human societies, irrespective of gender,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, said it is imperative to put in place working committees that will work in collaboration with the ministry to put an end to GBV and Female Genital Mutilation which is a significant aspect of GBV.
“The committees must work very hard in order to end GBV in the state, pursuant to the operational policy thrust of the ministry, and the strategy of the United Nations Children’s Fund,” Balogun said.
The committee’s terms of reference are also to “conduct public awareness campaigns on reporting cases of GBV; provide for the rehabilitation and promotion of the welfare of victims, and develop a GBV prevention sustainable plan for the state among other terms.”
Members of the 20-man committee include, “The Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, the Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Education, and the Commissioner for Finance.”
Others include the Commissioner of Police; Comptroller of Immigration Services; State Commander, NAPTIP, 55 members of the Technical Working Group committee, Media organisations and other stakeholders2w
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