A multi-sectoral meeting that brought together civil society organisations, healthcare workers, judiciary officials, and security agencies has reaffirmed Kwara State’s commitment to strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The event, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall in Ilorin, was jointly organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development and Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC), with support from UNICEF.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. S. K. Grillo, explained that the gathering was in line with constitutional provisions that protect the rights of citizens.
Her counterpart from the Ministry of Social Development, Pastor Ayanwale Kayode Peter, applauded the state government’s support in creating an avenue for collaboration among critical stakeholders.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Maryam Nnafatima Imam, described the meeting as a coalition of conscience united by the responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
She stressed that GBV is not a private issue but “a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a direct threat to peace and security in our communities.”
She pledged the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring full compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2015 and to strengthening systems that guarantee survivor-centred responses.
The CEO of GLOHWOC, Dr Christina Abayomi-Oluwole, expressed concern over the lack of survivor funds in the state, which she said hampers effective convictions and victim support.
She also called for strict confidentiality in handling survivor cases, noting that “justice is not served until the survivor’s dignity is preserved, and data is the bridge that connects cases to accountability.”
Delivering a technical session, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Idowu Akande, detailed the procedures required under the ACJL 2015 for handling suspects and survivors.
He underscored the importance of electronic evidence, properly documented statements, medical reports, and material evidence such as blood-stained clothing.
Akande appealed to NGOs to support security agencies with gadgets for evidence collection and courtroom presentation.
The meeting featured group exercises on case tracking, data management, and the review of GBV case files, with participants highlighting how missing information could weaken prosecutions.
Closing the event, the Director of Social Development, Mr James Kayode, gave the vote of thanks, commending the active participation of stakeholders and reiterating that collaboration remains the strongest tool in protecting survivors and securing justice in Kwara State.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
