The Kwara State Government, North-Central Nigeria, has reiterated its unwavering commitment to tackling sexual violence across the state.
According to the government, the fight against sexual violence remains a priority agenda under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Afolashade, made this known during a programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF), held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin. The event was themed: ‘End Sexual Violence Community Tour’.
“Sexual Violence is an Abominable Act”
Chief Afolashade described sexual violence as “an abominable act in our society”, stressing the need for innovative approaches to awareness, including the use of mural design—a pictorial method intended to provoke dialogue and inspire community action.
“The aim of the initiative is to foster dialogue within communities, reduce cases of sexual violence in society, and increase community support towards ending sexual violence in our state,” the Commissioner explained.
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She commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration’s significant efforts in addressing the scourge of sexual violence, as well as for creating an inclusive environment that welcomes collaboration from both individuals and organisations.
The Commissioner highlighted mechanisms already put in place by the state government to tackle rape and other forms of sexual violence.
These include the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the constitution of a 21-member Committee on Sexual Offences chaired by the First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and the provision of helplines, shelters, and psychosocial support services for survivors.
Advocating Legal Awareness and Survivor Support
Barrister Anthonia Erinfolami-Daniel, Founder of Theios Caregiver Initiative and Treasurer of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara State Chapter, urged citizens to relearn the legal definitions of rape in accordance with the VAPP Act.
She clarified that rape constitutes any non-consensual sexual act involving any object and noted that, under the law, individuals under the age of 18 cannot legally give consent.
Mrs Erinfolami-Daniel also stressed that shielding sexual offenders amounts to being an accessory to the crime, and such actions are punishable by law.
In a related address, Mrs Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi, Founder of the Women and Youth Environment Development Initiative (WOYOEDEV), emphasised that combating rape is a collective responsibility, stating:
“Government and NGOs alone cannot win this fight. It requires a holistic approach involving every member of society.”
She also highlighted the importance of psychosocial interventions, including trauma and art therapy for survivors, urging communities to stop protecting offenders in the name of family honour or societal image.
Street Art as Advocacy
Mrs Adaobi Ananaba, Coordinator of the Girl Child Art Foundation, represented by Faith Ikpeba, explained the concept behind the initiative, citing alarming statistics:
“One in every three Nigerians has been sexually assaulted before the age of 25,” she said.
She added that the foundation’s long-term objective is to promote mural art as a daily visual reminder and advocacy tool against sexual violence, aimed particularly at deterring potential perpetrators.
Broad Stakeholder Engagement
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport union executives, market leaders, community policing officials, civil society organisations, students, academics, and other community influencers.
Notable participants included Alhaji Daudu Balogun, representing Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Dr Usman Abubakar Jos; Alhaji Ajetumobi Abdulwahab, representing the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Kwara State; Alhaja Muyibat Olumo, Iyaloja General; and Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kwara State Community Police.