By Victoria Hanson, Lagos The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Council Thursday staged a protest at the House of Assembly displaying cards with various inscriptions against incessant rape of minors in the state.
The NAWOJ) chairperson, Mrs Dupe Olaoye-Osikolu, said members embarked on the peaceful protest to say loud No to rape in the state.
While commending the Assembly members for passing the relevant Acts, she however said that much still needed to be done in the area of enforcement.
Mrs Olaoye-Osikolu chairperson therefore, appealed to the state government to ensure that relevant laws are reviewed and stiffer penalties melted to the culprit.
Responding to the issue, the Majority Leader, Hon. Oduntan Omotayo said that the Assembly has been a responsive one especially on the issues concerning women and children.
She noted that the issue of penalty for rape is already a law in the state, lamenting that enforcement was lacking.
According to her “when there is a law without enforcement, the law must definitely be taken for granted.
She pointed out that the most annoying part was the issue involving young children where a father put his manhood into his baby’s mouth to suck, the baby sucked unknowingly as her mother’s breast, describing such acts as barbaric.
Hon Omotayo, while supporting that that the law must be reviewed, commended the association for the awareness and also appreciated members for their concern on the welfare of women and children.
Also speaking, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejusho said the sentence for such issue should be life imprisonment, noting that the state is versed with enormous laws such as counseling for victims of domestic violence which she said was passed in the year 2007.
Other lawmakers who took turns to speak include, Hon. Daramola Kasumu and Hon. Mosunmola Sango, both women.
Also speaking, Dr (Mrs.) Olufemi Kayode said that the issue of rape is a global problem, suggesting that “We need to look at preventions in Nigeria.
“Structures must be created, campaigns must be carried out in local languages to enlighten the people in-depth on the issue, schools and communities must also aid in the prevention,” she said.
