GENDER BASED VIOLENCE: OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT SET TO ESTABLISH MOBILE COURTS

Pursuant to an earlier approval by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for the establishment of Mobile Courts in all states and the FCT for quick dispensation of matters relating to harmful practices and other social vices against Nigerian women and girls, the Osun State Government has concluded plans to establish Mobile Courts in the state, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

Making this declaration earlier today during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja, Governor Ademola Adeleke observed that women are pivotal to national growth and requires necessary supports to enable them contribute their quota to the nation’s socio-economic advancement adding that his administration is positively inclined towards promoting the interest of women and youths and will sustain its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the realization Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, affirming that “all agreements reached here today will be put to immediate implementation”

” I am also directing for immediate implementation of the resolution of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum for the establishment of Mobile Courts dedicated to addressing issues of sexual and gender based violence, child abuse in the form of street begging and expedited trial of women and children held in correctional facilities”.

Speaking further, Governor Adeleke added that “The Nigeria Governors Forum recognizes that these issues impact on the well-being of women and children and the forum is committed to supporting the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in proffering lasting solutions to the issues. Osun is enforcing the resolution immediately”, he declared.

Rising from the meeting, Governor Adeleke stated that in the spirit of Lent, Easter and Ramadan period, he has directed his Commissioner for Justice to prepare an executive order to free all unjustly incarcerated women in the state.

According to the Governor, the Justice Ministry will compile a list of affected women across the state to be granted executive pardon in furtherance of protection of women rights.

Responding, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye stated that Osun State has been scheduled among other states that will receive the next batches of industrial machines, modernized farming equipment for Rice, Cassava, Cocoa and Fish farming as part of efforts by the Ministry to boost agri-business and sustainably empower women in Osun State.

Similarly, the Minister commended the Governor for endorsing a partnership with the Ministry on training of women on skills acquisition especially in the area of producing local fabrics and solicited for women from Osun State to get integrated into the E-market portal recently launched by the Ministry to provide a one-stop-shop on-line platform for seamless business ventures that will further enhance the socio-economic status of women in the state.

While commending the Governor for approving the immediate establishment of Mobile Courts in the state, the Minister added “Your decision is revolutionary. You are indeed a true agent of democracy and development. We are elated that you walked into our Ministry to give us this delightful news that will assist to address gender based violence and other harmful practices against the female gender. Nigerian women are grateful to you for leading the way for a new life for our womenfolk”.

“This Ministry will also follow through on our own side of the agreement reached today. We will work on the inclusion of Osun in our empowerment programmes. We will place Osun on priority list as a critical partner led by a Governor who is truly serving the people “, the Minister affirmed.

Members of the Osun State Governor’s delegation included the Governor’s wife, Mrs Titi Adeleke; the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Hon Adenike Adeleke and other top officials.

The Minister was also accompanied by some Directors, Aides and other top management team from the Ministry. A joint technical committee was also set up to implement the resolutions made during the meeting.

Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media