Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, has called on tertiary institution students to steer clear of drugs and behaviors that could fuel gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI), during her sensitisation campaign for the ‘16 Days of Activism Against GBV,’ Oyebanji stressed the collective responsibility needed to combat the societal scourge.
“GBV is a monster that undermines socio-economic development. We must condemn it, especially in academic environments,” Oyebanji said, praising BOUESTI for its proactive zero-tolerance stance against GBV and other anti-social vices. She urged students to avoid triggers for such behaviors and to report any signs of abuse, emphasizing, “Speak out when you see something; silence enables abuse.”
The First Lady highlighted the Ekiti State government’s commitment to eradicating GBV, citing initiatives introduced in 2023 aimed at curbing the issue. She noted her mission to challenge GBV in all tertiary institutions across the state, with a vision of significantly reducing or eliminating it entirely from society.
BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Olufemi Adeoluwa, commended Oyebanji’s advocacy, acknowledging her impactful contributions to gender issues in Ekiti and nationwide. He expressed concern about the link between drug use and rising GBV cases, emphasizing the importance of such awareness campaigns to safeguard higher institutions.
Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), reiterated the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in stamping out GBV, highlighting the significance of educating communities about existing laws addressing the issue. Police Commissioner Adeniran Akinwale assured the public of law enforcement’s commitment to prosecuting offenders and promoting gender equality.
The campaign visit underscores the First Lady’s dedication to ensuring a safer academic environment and fostering societal wellbeing by addressing the root causes of GBV and empowering students to be active agents of change.
