Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that his administration will provide political leadership, budgetary support, and executive backing for laws aimed at preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
The assurance came during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, led by the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde. The visit focused on the theme: “Advocacy for Prevention: Shifting Social Norms and Strengthening State Commitment to End Gender-Based Violence.”
Governor Makinde said his administration would work with the state House of Assembly to ensure adequate budgetary allocation for GBV prevention and response mechanisms. Sharing a personal anecdote about family planning and gender norms, he emphasized his commitment to protecting women and girls, stating: “I give the assurance that we do have the political will to support the prevention of gender-based violence. We have the way, and I just need to provide that political leadership they are looking for.”
Mrs. Makinde, Vice-Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses’ Forum, highlighted GBV as a social, development, and governance challenge, urging the government to prioritize prevention and fund response mechanisms. She called for political leadership, sustained budgetary allocation, and executive support for the implementation of existing laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child’s Rights Law.
The First Lady stressed the importance of shifting social norms and leveraging the influence of traditional and religious leaders to curb GBV. She said: “Violence is not culture. Abuse is not discipline. Protecting women and girls does not weaken society; it strengthens it.”
The advocacy initiative aims to strengthen legislative ownership of GBV prevention in Oyo State, promote community awareness, and ensure sustainable measures to protect women and children across the state.
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