The Kogi State Government has warned that it will no longer take lightly the growing incidences of rape in the State.
Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, stated this on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s day lecture organized by Dr Bilquis Mohammed, to sensitize women on cervical cancer prevention, advocacy on Domestic Violence and sexual abuse prevention, held at the Glass House Government House.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Yomi Awoniyi, lamented the growing rate of reported cases of rape in the State, said measures has been put in place to tackle it headlong.
Capt Wada warned against all forms of child abuse and violence against women in the State, said the Child Right Law signed into law by the State Government, is aimed at protecting the lives of women and children.
The Governor called for early vaccination and test to detect cervical cancer, appealed for the use of preventive measures to help reduce the incidences of the disease.
Capt Wada commended the convener of the programme for her laudable initiative at improving the well – being of women and children in the State, urged women to have a new disposition to act of sex, their diet as well as the control of obesity.
Also speaking, Hajia Halimat Wada, wife of the Kogi State Governor, who was represented by Dr. Dorcas Onuminya, said women who are ignorant are more vulnerable to crime against women rights, appealed to them to always speak out.
Hajia Halimat urged women to shun old ways of doing things and to see themselves as change agents for a new generation aimed at finding lasting solutions to women’s rights and health.
Earlier in her welcomes remarks, Dr Bilqis Mohammed said the program which is a personal community development project is geared towards gender equality and improving women health.
Dr. Bilqis lamented the situation in which 1 in 6 men and 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence, said women age 15 to 44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than they are from cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war.
Highlights of the programme was the presentation of paper by Dr Patricia Medupin, Dr Oiza Ojiah and Dr Sheidu Yunusa on child abuse, cervical cancer and violence against women respectively.
