As part of efforts to align strategies and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement in Ekiti State, the wife of the State Governor and Chairperson, Gender Based Violence Management Committee, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji on Wednesday, led a delegation of the committee to the headquarters of the State Police Command.

Oyebanji explained that the visit, which was part of activities marking the year 2024 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), was to foster collaboration in the areas of arrest, investigation and prosecution of GBV cases.

Describing GBV as a violation of human rights with a devastating impact not only on victims and survivors but also on entire communities and institutions, the First Lady stressed that it also undermines safety, dignity and opportunities, especially for women and girls, and poses a significant threat to our aspirations for a just and equitable society.

She emphasized the need to enhance preventive measures, ensure swift prosecution of offenders, and provide comprehensive support for survivors, adding that the goal is to reduce GBV to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, thus creating a society where everyone, particularly women and girls, can thrive without fear.

Oyebanji, however, commended the State Police Command for being proactive in attending to GBV cases, adding that the willingness of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Adeniran who is also a member of the State Gender Based Violence Management Committee to accompany the team on the advocacy tour to universities in the State is a reflection of his dedication to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment in the State.

She noted that “while we have made commendable progress through policies, laws, and advocacy, reports of GBV persist, particularly in tertiary institutions, where students should feel safe to learn and grow. The alarming frequency of harassment, exploitation, and abuse demands urgent, decisive, and collaborative action”.

“This advocacy visit is to further align our strategies and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement. Together, we must enhance preventive measures, ensure swift prosecution of offenders, and provide comprehensive support for survivors”.

“Our goal is to reduce GBV to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, creating a society where everyone, particularly women and girls, can thrive without fear”.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeniran Akinwale commended the first lady for her initiative to carry the advocacy to all the tertiary institutions in Ekiti, noting that the move would help checkmate the menace of GBV.

The police boss described the advocacy as apt and promised the support of the command to the State government and the committee to combat the menace.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Association of the Police Officer’s Wives, Mrs Precious Akinwale who was represented by Mrs Olayinka Okuebor, commended the First Lady for the Campaign against the Gender-Based Violence, noting that the advocacy visit to the headquarters of the State Police Command was innovative and laudable.

She expressed total support of the Association for the activities of the committee on GBV.

GBV: Ekiti first lady visits Police to align strategies, strengthen partnerships