Respect and protect our women/girl child; Gov. Bello admonishes Kogi indigenes »

Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has admonished men to contribute to safe and secure environments for women and the girl child to thrive.

He gave this admonition at a function organised by his wife’s office as part of events to mark the “16 Days Activism Campaign to end violence/abuse against Women and the Girl Child in Lokoja.

Governor Bello said his administration which would increase efforts in effectively educating the girl child against abuses in his second term would punish offenders caught in any form violence against women, especially rape, girl child abuse, domestic violence and others.

“Today I have come to show my anger against molestation of women, that’s why I’m wearing a black outfit. Gender-based violence, and the molestation of the girl child are a taboo that should be abhorred by all well meaning individuals and under my watch, I will not tolerate such.

“I give my solidarity and support in the fight against the ills towards the female gender. My wife’s office and the women affairs ministry are open for complaints. Like I said, my administration will not only protect the interest of women folk in our society by initiating programmes and the implementation of favourable policies only, but we will also ensure anyone caught is brought to justices,” he said.

“All my female appointees are advocates of this fight. My daughters, stay safe always, don’t keep silence when molested. Stay away from people who molest you; stay away from teachers, uncles, drivers, house helps, with such tendencies and also report them to law enforcement agents for prosecution”, he cautioned.

“We care so much about you. In our next term education on this fight will take the front burner,” he added.

In her remark, Wife of the Governor, Mrs Rashida Bello said the only way to end violence, the abuse and molestation of women and girls was to speak out without covering up for fear of being stigmatized to instil fear in others.

Mrs Rashida Bello who described gender-based violence as a great concern because of its alarming rate, added that the effort was aimed at lending their voices against the ill on the female gender.

Earlier, State Coordinator, Women Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) Mrs Bola IBiteye said WRAPA which has existed since 1999 in collaboration with other women groups annually organised activities to draw attention to the need for continuing actions that could eliminate violence against women and the girl child.