No Justification For Sexual Molestation - Fola Achudume

Rev. Fola Achudume 

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - Founder, Save Her Foundation, Rev. Fola Achudume has urged members of the public not to stigmatize rape victims adding that there is no justification for sexual molestation and harassment.

Rev. Achudume noted that  sexual violence was not only degrading, dehumanizing and traumatic, describing it as injustice against humanity. 

Mrs. Achudume who disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with women in an online campaign tagged "War Against Rape" called for collaborative efforts by all stakeholders to put an end to the menace which is continuing to raise its ugly head in the society. 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ogun state, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape disclosed that the state government will not spare any rapist.

According to her, the state government was out to protect victims stressing that rapists should  be reported to appropriate agencies.

Mrs. Efuwape also charged the mass media to always protect  the identity of victims just as she saw the needs for parents   to be proactive in the upbringing of their children.

She called on professional counsellors, educators, religious leaders and parents to make conscious efforts in putting an end to its reoccurrence.

Similarly, the  Ogun state President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principal of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Dr. Ayodele  Womiloju said all hands must be on deck to rescue the girl  child and women from every form of molestation. 

The Educationist urged the society not to take rape issues for granted adding that societal norms and values should be promoted with a view to equipping the young ones properly and not put any gender at a disadvantage. 

Informing  that the society's disposition to rape victims is  disheartening, Dr. Womiloju harped on healthy relationships, effective mentoring and guaranteed safety for every child irrespective of gender. 

Speaking in like manner, an executive board member of West Africa Network For Peace, Nigeria, Dr. Abiola  Akiode -Afolabi wants laws on rape to be enforced explaining that corporate bodies, religious leaders, the mass media should intensify Advocacy against rape. 

She also wants  parents to break the silence on sex education by changing the communication patterns pointing out that children from kindergarten should be educated on sexuality.