In a significant step towards combating child marriage and Gender -Based Violence, the Coalition of Civil Society on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria has solicited for the support of the Ondo state Agency Against Gender-Based Violence .
The group headed by Mrs Olabisi Omolona expressed their interest during an advocacy visit to the Agency on Tuesday in Akure as part of the ongoing 16 days Activism campaign
Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, addressed the prevalence of child marriage in the northern and southern senatorial districts of Ondo State, attributing it to sexual violence.
During the visit, Omolona outlined the organization’s requests, emphasizing the need for shelters for gender-based violence survivors, an increased budget allocation for gender-based violence, and a partnership for awareness creation to encourage victims to speak out.
She also urged the agency to establish a sexual offender register, distribute posters across the state, provide free education for victims of child marriage, and ensure swift justice for gender-based violence victims.
In response, the Agency’s Director of Legal services Mr. John Dada highlighted ongoing efforts in sensitization and assisting survivors with medical bills.
Dada acknowledged challenges in cases where survivors compromise with perpetrators, hindering the agency’s ability to provide comprehensive support.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs. Bolanle Afolabi, revealed plans for a shelter project, having acquired over 6 plots of land for the construction.
However, she expressed frustration with the lack of funds and delays in approval from relevant stakeholders.
According to her, the agency is also trying to see if it can secure the release of the approval of last year’s budget and that of this year to embark on something tangible.
Afolabi highlighted the ongoing efforts of the agency as regards awareness creation and sensitization, saying that the agency is ready to partner with the organization is creating more awareness.
On the sexual offender register, Afolabi assured the coalition of establishing one.
She mentioned the importance of public perception in expediting justice for gender-based violence victims and urged the people to see gender based violence as a serious offence.
