By: Tolulope Oluwole
The Ondo State Agency Against Gender Based Violence (OSAA-GBV) in collaboration with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) on Thursday sensitized stakeholders on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law including the people living with disabilities on the purpose of VAPP Law.
The law is meant to protect and prevent any form of violence on persons with disabilities.
In her welcome remarks, Barr. (Mrs) Bolanle Afolabi, the executive secretary of OSAA-GBV stated that the VAPP Law is a very important document that everyone must be involved in ensuring the implementation and no sector of the society should be excluded.
She added that the VAPP law was enacted in 14th of July 2021, with the purpose of eradicating violence against every persons with disabilities.
“We are sensitising the people to keep them abreast of the law, particularly for them to know their right”.
“WFD assisted OSAA-GBV in sponsoring the sensitization programme for people with disabilities to be informed about the VAPP Law. Knowing the content of the law will help us in achieving the purpose for which it was enacted.”
Mrs Betty Anyawu-Akeredolu in her keynote address appreciated the stakeholders, stressing that the Vapp law is highly commendable.
Speaking through Mrs Ngozi Okoro, one of her aides, the first lady urged the people to report any form of violence to OSAA-GBV for necessary action, stressing the importance of carrying people with disabilities along in whatever is done in the state.
In his goodwill message, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, the Country representative of Westminster Foundation for Democracy( WFD) noted that it is important to keep the set of citizens abreast of the content of the VAPP Law so that they could understand their rights and explore the law for their protection.
His words “The VAPP Law is enacted to protect all of us, particularly the vulnerable, including the minor and people with disabilities”.
“We are carrying along every person on the law so that everyone can understand the content so that it could be implemented successfully.
“The law is an instrument through which we can seek justice if violated by anyone”, he added.
The Chairman, Ondo State Agency for the welfare of persons with disabilities, Princess Folasade Arise, in her address commended the organisers for including them in the scheme of their operations, adding that sensitization will expose them to the content of the law and protect themselves with same.
She, however, opined that their disabilities made them vulnerable and further warned that criminals should desist from violating people with disabilities.
Mr Abiodun Olusegun, the State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With disability (JONAPWWD) appreciated the organizers for producing the Braille version of the VAPP Law, urging the people to use the opportunity of the forum to understand the concept for them to know their right.
Barrister Rufus Olubodun, the Director of Public Prosecution urged OSAA-GBV and WFD to keep the Sensitization going with a view to reducing violence against persons.
The Spokesperson for Nigeria Association of the Blind, Oladele Nasirudeen read the VAPP Law from the Braille version to the people with disabilities.
He also exprssed his gratitude to the organisers for producing the Braille version of the law for the visually impaired to have access to it.
However, the Braille version of the VAPP Law was launched and distributed to the attendees.
