The need for fundamental rights of Nigerians to be protected and defended by all means and at all times has been reiterated by the National Human Rights Commission.
Barrister Jumoke Olaoye, State Coordinator of the Commission in Kwara State reiterated this during the 16 days of activism to mark the 2022 International Human Rights Day and call for action against human rights violations in the country.
Olaoye who led a courtesy Visit to the Health facility at Child Reception Centre, Ilorin as part of the16 days Activism stated that it was imperative to sensitize Health workers on Sexual and Gender Based Violence the response, availability of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and other Cocktail drugs for Survivors of Violence.
Also, while appearing as guest on Radio Nigeria Harmony FM Idofian, Barrister Olajumoke Olaoye noted that the 2022 theme, ‘Dignity, freedom and justice for all‘ is a call to Nigerians to join the international community to introspect on values of human life, dignity, equality and freedom of all human beings regardless of race, tongue and religion.
The Commision further paid an advocacy visit to the Kwara State House of Assembly to lobby for legislation on violence against women and girls.
During the visit, Olaoye stated that despite the laws that protect women in Kwara state there is need for availability of more laws to protect our women and girls.
The Representative of the Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Abdulkareem Bako, Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs stated that Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has shown interest in and sympathy to women in the state, which is very obvious in his appointment and decision making across the state and would not relent.
In an interface with religious leaders the NHRC Coordinator discussed the practices that exacerbates the violation of human Rights and the role of leaders in curbing these practices.
Mallam Abdulraheem Ahmad Sayi, A Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State noted that from the Islamic point of view, violations of women and girls is a very sensitive matter as the Holy Quran places a great importance on affairs and issues concerning women.
Barrister Olajumoke therefore urged individuals, civil societies, the private sector and others to put human rights at the heart of efforts to reverse today’s damaging trends for a better society and in the interest of all and sundry.
