- By Gift Oba | Premier World News
The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has described child abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), and the discrimination of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as critical threats to Nigeria’s developmental aspirations. She said these issues are not merely social problems but constitute a growing economic pandemic.
Hon. Adeleye made this assertion on Monday in Abeokuta during a Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence, Gender Mainstreaming and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Legislative Framework in Ogun State.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC).
Addressing stakeholders, Adeleye emphasized that perpetrators often hide in plain sight, underscoring the urgency for robust action to ensure justice for women and children.
“When a child is molested or a woman is silenced, a generation loses its voice. When survivors cannot access justice, we all become part of that silence”, she stated.
She further highlighted the relevance of ongoing legislative efforts, particularly the DEI Commission Bill, which comprises 45 sections aimed at protecting underrepresented groups and promoting fairness, inclusion and justice in governance.
“These bills are not just policies; they are transformational tools that protect the dignity of every citizen,” she added, referencing the Gender Mainstreaming Bill, the VAPP Law, the FRILIA Bill and the DEI Bill.
Adeleye reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to being a bridge between communities and government, ensuring that no child loses their innocence, no woman is denied dignity and no family is shattered due to indifference.
Also speaking at the event, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the proposed bill seeks to protect the rights of all individuals regardless of gender.
“Gender-based violence is not exclusive to women. Men have also been victims. We are advocating equal rights, dignity and economic opportunities for everyone”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ajayi Lateefat, who is the sponsor of the bill, confirmed that it passed its First Reading on the floor of the House last Friday. She noted that the bill aims to eliminate stereotypes and ensure that every individual is treated equitably.
OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, called on lawmakers to support the legislative process and provide adequate funding for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), women development centres and technical schools.
She also stressed the importance of strengthening land rights for women through the FRILIA framework.
In her remarks, WARDC Founding Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, commended the Ogun State government and lawmakers for taking steps to tackle the increasing prevalence of GBV in the state. She described the timing of the dialogue as both “crucial and commendable”.
