Girl-Child day: ’10 girls sexually abused daily in Oyo’

Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, says no fewer than 10 girls fall victim to sexual abuse daily in the state.

Mr Lateef Oyediji, Director of Child Welfare, Ministry of Women Affairs, made this known at an advocacy activity to mark the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child on Saturday in Ibadan.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by Cedars For Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI), in collaboration with Development Research Project Centre (DRPC) and funded by Ford Foundation.

Oyediji said the ministry received not less than 10 cases of sexual abuse against girls daily, adding that the ministry was not happy with the manner girls were being molested in the state.

He said those involved in such a bad act would not go scot-free, adding that they would face the full wrath of the law.

Oyediji called for more support from security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in tracking down those perpetrating the immoral act.

“If we look inward for what is happening to girl-child in Oyo State, there is a need for a holistic approach.

“And for all relevant stakeholders to stand up to protect our girls because the society’s structure is now working against proper upbringing of the girl-child.

“What amaze us is that some of the homes or orphanage centres, under the care of male caregivers, are abusing these girls and the cases are now being reported at our office and legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

Oyediji attributed unemployment, economic hardship, street hawking, family dispute and lack of proper care and protection from parents due to economic instability, as factors contributing to sexual abuse of girl-child and women.

“The way the society is structured is not encouraging proper upbringing of the girl- child, while the livelihood culture of women in the society and the present global economy make some families to find it difficult to feed, forcing the girls to hawk on the streets and thus made them prone to sexual abuse,” he said.

Also, the Executive Director of CEHUWEI, Mr Olatunji Oluwabukola, called on the girls and women to position themselves for opportunities and try as much as possible to be someone to be reckoned with in society despite challenges.

In her remarks, Dr Deborah Salami, the Secretary-General, Advancement Legacy For Indigent Citizens and Environment, called for equal treatment of boys and girls in the family and society in general. (NAN)