ABEOKUTA– A non-governmental organisation, National Association of Seadogs, Ogun State chapter has urged the state government to implement fully the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in the state.
The Legal Adviser of the group, Barr. Habeeb Whyte stated this while briefing newsmen at a one day seminar tagged, ‘Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Ogun state’ held at the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Irohin, Abeokuta.
Whyte noted that since the Inauguration of the committee by the state government, the awareness on the activities of the commitee has weaned down, saying that “nobody even know whether the committee still exists”.
“In the state, are we trying to ensure this law is enforced or implemented. What are the steps that are been taken to ensure that the law is known by all. What is the committee saddled with this responsibility doing to co-opt other like minded organisations as partners in enforcing the law”, he queried.
Speaking earlier, the Social Welfare Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Daramola Idowu narrated what is contained in the law, highlighting the punishment available therein for culprits.
He added that, the purpose of the law is to protect people from all forms of violence against them, at home and the public places.
“The law provides protection for all the citizens of Ogun state, both poor and rich, children and adult without any form of discrimination. Under the law, everybody is equal.
“The VAPP covers anyone who lives in Ogun state regardless of his or her state of origin”, he added
Other speakers at the seminar Include, Comrade Olusoga Adesola of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School, Barr. K O Adediran, Legal Advisers, Odeda Charcoal Organisations, and the Vice President of National Association of Seadogs, Ogundimu Afolabi.
