The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on students of tertiary institutions to steer clear of drugs and other factors that can trigger gender-based violence (GBV). Oyebanji made this plea during her GBV sensitization visit to Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, as part of the ’16 Days of Activism against GBV’ campaign.
According to Oyebanji, efforts to eradicate GBV, which she described as a “monster,” should be relentless in the interest of society. “GBV scuttles the socio-economic development of a nation,” she emphasized. Oyebanji stressed the need for collective actions in combating gender-related violence in society.
The First Lady commended the authorities of BOUESTI for their zero-tolerance stance on GBV. “GBV is something to be condemned in society, especially in the academic environment,” she said. “This institution has taken the challenge headlong. BOUESTI management has always been proactive in the handling of the menace and other condemnable anti-social vices.”
Oyebanji urged the students to desist from engaging in behaviours that could trigger anti-social behaviour and to avoid drug use. “Do not engage in what can trigger anti-social behaviour and the need to do away with drugs,” she cautioned. “Again, you have to say something when they see something; speak out when you see something; do not keep quiet or silent. There is no excuse for any form of abuse.”
The governor’s wife stated that her mission was to challenge the monster of GBV and ensure it is brought down to a minimum or eliminated in society. She noted that the Ekiti State government had demonstrated proactiveness in tackling the challenge by putting in place initiatives in 2023.
BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa, praised Oyebanji’s efforts in gender matters, saying they had a significant impact not only in Ekiti State but also across the country. Adeoluwa lamented the increasing cases of GBV, which he attributed to drug use. “These days, even teenagers have made people aware of different types of drugs,” he said.
Adeoluwa emphasized the importance of Oyebanji’s advocacy visit to the tertiary institutions, saying it would help address the rise of GBV in higher institutions. He noted that BOUESTI has zero tolerance for GBV and other anti-social vices.
Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), stressed the need for collective efforts to stamp out GBV in university communities. He noted that the awareness tour was planned to sensitise the populace on the existing law on GBV.
