By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan — Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong political will to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), pledging sustained government support, adequate resources and decisive action against offenders.
Governor Makinde gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) and the Ford Foundation on an advocacy visit to the Government House, Ibadan. The delegation was led by the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Ominini Makinde, as part of a collaborative effort to combat sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
Speaking during the meeting, the governor said the visit aligned with his administration’s resolve to protect girls and women in Oyo State and create a safe environment where justice prevails.
“Our administration has the political will to address sexual and gender-based violence in Oyo State and ensure that our girls and women are protected and safe,” Makinde said.
He stressed that the state government would not only provide the necessary institutional backing but also commit resources to confront the menace head-on.
“We will provide the needed resources to address this scourge and ensure that offenders are brought to book. There will be no tolerance for acts that undermine the dignity, safety and rights of women and girls in Oyo State,” the governor added.
Makinde noted that sexual and gender-based violence remains a critical social challenge that requires collaboration between government, development partners and civil society organisations, adding that his administration welcomes partnerships that promote justice, accountability and social protection.
The advocacy visit by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum and the Ford Foundation is aimed at strengthening state-level responses to SGBV through policy support, awareness campaigns, survivor-centred interventions and improved access to justice.
Governor Makinde commended the First Lady, Mrs Ominini Makinde, for her leadership role in championing issues affecting women and girls, describing her involvement in the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to social development.
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The delegation expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for its openness and readiness to support initiatives that protect vulnerable groups, noting that sustained political commitment at the state level is key to reducing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence nationwide.
