Women Affairs Minister Commends Wumi Oladeji, Others For Adopting VAPP Act

The Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Kedem Tellen has commended Oyo Assembly for adopting the ‘Violence against Persons Prohibition Bill’ VAPP Act today 18 December 2020. 

Mouthpiece NGR reports that the VAPP Act Bill on Friday passed the 3rd reading and adopted at the floor of the House. 

It was gathered that Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Westminster for Democracy FIDA, NAWOJ, Women Arise WRAPA have been on ground especially since on Monday 14th December to give strong technical support.

Mouthpiece NGR recalls that Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development had on September this year held a stakeholders meeting on child sexual offenses bill 2020, and two other important bills. 

The two other bills are Violence Against Persons Bill, 2020 and Oyo State Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team and Referral Center Bill, 2020.

At the meeting, the Chairman of the committee, Honorable Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji said “Child Abuse Sexual Offense is a gross violation of children’s right, yet it is a global reality across all countries and social groups. It can take the form of Sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual exploitation which can occur in homes, institutions, schools or workplaces. It is evident that sexual violence can have serious short and long term physical, psychological and social consequences not only for girls and boys for the families and communities.

She equally added that “The Second Bill tends to prohibit all forms of violence against persons in private and public life and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies and punishment for offenders. Violence Against Persons comes in so many forms including physical, sexual, emotional and mental. Traditionally, domestic violence is mostly committed against women, but the Bill tends to take care of both men and women because violence are also being committed against men. Common forms of violence includes rape, acid attacks, molestation, beating and corporal punishment”

The minister who commended the only female in the House, Honorable Wumi Oladeji and other members equally commended the Oyo State Government led by Governor Seyi Makinde on their consistent campaign and efficient legislative efforts against rape, sexual and child abuses, domestic violence and other child and gender based social vices.

The speaker, R.t Honorable Debo Ogundoyin, on behalf of the entire members of the Oyo State House of Assembly appreciates her visit, commendation and of course the fact that the Honourable Minister is observing and taking note of their feats and strikes towards making Oyo State better for all.

“This I hope will encourage us to do more for women, children and the sanity of our communities,” Ogundoyin said.