Osun First lady reiterates commitment to enlightening citizens on VAPP law

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

Wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola has restated commitment in promoting and educating the members of the public on the existence of Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.

She added that VAPP law ensures the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM-C) to permanently put an end to the practice in the State.

Mrs Oyetola stated these during the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law strategic implementation  meeting held at the government house banquet hall, Osogbo.

She said the law was first passed by the National Assembly in 2015 with other states in Nigeria constitutionally required to get it domesticated in their different states.

The First Lady explained further that in October 11, 2021, the state Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola signed the bill into law, a development which gave  room for all major stakeholders in the state to get inspired and encouraged in getting the legal instruments to tackle the menace in the society.

She further explained that the law has been so clear on what constitutes  the practice of female genital mutilation and the attendant  punishments that  await those who flout it in line with its provision in  sections 7 and 21 of the law in Osun State.

Earlier in her welcome address, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),  Mrs. Uzoma Ayodeji explained that the law is designed to tackle all forms of violence against persons in private and public life which in turn provides  maximum protection and effective remedies for victims of the menace and punishment for the  offenders.

Presenting the activities and success stories on violence against Persons (Prohibition) law, Mrs. Arinola Alabi  said the United Nations leading agency on Sexual and Reproductive Health is one of the three transformative goals that is principally meant  to end all forms of violence against women and girls as being  experienced by one out of three women in Nigeria.