The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has reiterated the state’s commitment to imposing stricter penalties on offenders of gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day workshop organized by her office and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dr. Oyebanji emphasized the government’s determination to tackle GBV and ensure justice for victims.
In a communique released in Ado Ekiti, the First Lady stated, “Perpetrators of GBV in Ekiti State will always face the consequence of their actions to serve as deterrents to others.” She urged participants to implement strategies learned from the workshop to combat GBV in their respective communities.
The workshop, aimed at raising awareness and educating stakeholders on the issue, featured contributions from Ekiti’s Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, who praised the First Lady’s efforts to promote action against GBV. Olabode encouraged participants, including top female officials and gender desk officers, to apply what they had learned to bring positive changes in addressing GBV across the state.
Key resolutions from the workshop included the establishment of a dedicated task force for GBV cases, continuous training for gender desk officers, and the implementation of standardized procedures for handling GBV reports. The stakeholders also called for disciplinary action against officials who fail to respond to GBV cases, adequate compensation for survivors, and the empowerment of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.
The First Lady’s Widows and Orphans Hope project was also highlighted, with recommendations for its replication across local governments to support vulnerable groups in the fight against GBV.
