Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said that the state is poised to eliminate all forms of violence against women and the girl-child and ensure the safety of lives in the state.

The governor, while speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the National Human Rights Commission, Oyo State office, held at the SSG’s Conference Room, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, said that the state will take quick steps to actualise its plans.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, equally commended the Human Rights community for submitting a communique on the elimination of violence against women and the girl-child.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the communique submitted by the Human Rights community was the outcome of a 16-day activity by the body to promote the elimination of all forms of violence against women and the girl-child.

It stated that the 16-day activity was conducted by the Human Rights body in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs as well as the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Oyo State.

Makinde said that his administration will always be responsive in the aspect of defending the rights of its indigenes and residents.

He said: “I am here representing the government of Oyo State. We are happy to work with everyone who wants to make our state what it ought to be.

“We understand what it is, and we want to move to the ideal. We want to do what is right and that is where each and everyone’s rights will be guaranteed and protected. We want everyone of us to be able to articulate, define, identify their rights, and be able to cry out for help when the rights are being violated.”

He declared that the government of Oyo State is already paying particular attention to the issue of gender-based violence especially against women, adding that the State House of Assembly was on the verge of passing some legislation on the matter.

He added: “This is an area that is forever evolving and growing, and this administration is taking particular attention on the issue of violence against women. There are various legislations being worked upon by the State’s House of Assembly to address this issue of violence against women.

“Having said that, we have to have engagements in the areas of human rights, which is also forward-looking, because the issue of human rights is not restricted to gender."

Speaking earlier, the acting State Coordinator, Oyo State National Human Rights Commission, Akintayo Olamide, told the governor that between November 25 and December 10, the body marks the International Human Rights Day.

He added that the theme of this year’s Day is “eliminate all forms of violence against women.”

She urged the state government to set up a ‘One-Stop Centre’ for victims, which will include shelters, medical services, trauma and counselling units that will be equipped with trained personnel, legal assistance and security.

She asked the state government to do all that it could to eliminate gender violence and abuse against women.

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