- To issue executive order to release unjustly incarcerated women in Osun
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his commitment to implement the resolution of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum for the establishment of Mobile Courts dedicated to addressing issues of sexual and Gender based Violence, child abuse in form of street begging as well as expedite trial of women and children held in correctional Facilities.
He reiterated this when he led a delegation which included his his wife, Titi Adeleke, to visit the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, in her office in Abuja.
According to the statement issued by Head, Press and Public Relations, Grace Njoku, Adeleke said the visit was to seek possible ways of collaboration, especially in areas that would have direct impact on the lives of women, children and the vulnerable in the society.
He assured that the State was ready to collaborate with the Ministry not only in the area of economic empowerment but also on gender related issues.
He said that it was in the light of this that the State intends to immediately commence the implementation of the resolution of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum for the establishment of Mobile Courts so as to ensure speedy dispensation of justice for Nigerians, especially on issues that impact negatively on women, children and the vulnerable.
The Governor added that his administration, in the spirit of the season, will also direct the Commissioner of Justice to prepare an executive order for the release of unjustly incarcerated women in the State.
Adeleke commended the minister and Management and Staff of the Ministry for their doggedness in ensuring the wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable in society.
In her remarks, the Minister commended the Osun State government for being the first in the country to approve the establishment of Mobile Courts describing the move as revolutionary.
She said: “I really want to thank the Governor of Osun state for I believe this is a good step in a right direction and when this is implemented across the 36 states, we will notice a decrease in sexual gender based Violence and other societal crimes.
“Your decision to approve the immediate establishment of Mobile Courts in your State is revolutionary. You are indeed a true agent of democracy and development. We are elated that you walked into our Ministry to give us this delightful news that will assist in addressing gender based violence and other harmful practices against the female gender. Nigerian women will remain grateful to you for leading the way to a new life for the womenfolk.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who noted that their engagement centered on seeking further collaboration between the her ministry and the Osun State Government to improve on women development and agreeing on various policy actions, assured that her ministry will also ensure that women in the state are empowered sustainably to boost production, ensure food sufficiency and reduce Crime in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She also commended the state for endorsing a partnership with the Ministry for training of women on skills acquisition, especially in the production of local fabrics (adire) and other Nigerian-Westernized clothings with a view to empowering them to be self reliant and employers of labour.
According to her, empowering more women in the art of creativity and enterpreneurship was not only the needed boost that will enhance poverty alleviation in the country, but more importantly will enable them contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
Kennedy-Ohanenye assured that the Ministry on its part will place the State on its priority list for the next batch of sustainable empowerment equipment like industrial machines, modernised farming tools for rice, cassava and cocoa farming amongst others so as to further boost agri-business for women in the State.
She informed that the Ministry under her watch was determined to ensure the full realisation of its mandate in line with the policy thrust of the present administration and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the enabling environment for the upliftment of the lives of women, children and the vulnerable in society.