The welfare of women , children and their holistic development is Paramount to Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration.
The commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Barr. Olubukola Olaboopo stated this during the maiden edition of Inter_ Ministerial Press Conference organized by Osun Ministry of Information and Civil Orientation.
Olubukola noted that Women and Children play important roles in the the Social economic development of the of the State hence need to proffer solutions to the various challenges such as rape , female genitals mutilation, abuses and our social vices confronting them.
Commissioner explained that the the present administration has embarked on various sensitization of stakeholders such as law enforcement agents, Judicial officials, school children and parents on the harmful effect of Female Genital Mutilation towards ensuring the eradication of the evil traditional practice
She further disclosed that the Ministry had collaborated with Ministry of Justice, to seek justice for vicitims of rape, child abuse and other social vices in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book, stressing that the State had expanded the toll free line 293 to cover cases on sexual abuse, rape and other forms domestic violence in an attempt to encourage victims in fear or danger to speak out at no cost.
Barr Olaboopo emphasized that giving women access to psychological support through counseling, legal assistance, psychotherpy and to take off depression and suicidal act of them has brought about the introduction of Osun women Clinic which is open to women in the state irrespective of their status at no cost.
The Commissioner also stated that the State Government improved the quality lives of wards at government child care unit and juvenile correctional home through the provision of educational materials, provision of medical and physiotherapy expenses, reduction in juvenile delinquency among others.
Barr. Olaboopo reiterated that the State Government is committed to the creation of self employment opportunities for women at the grassroot so as to improve their standard of living across the State through resuscitation of Women Development Centres in all local government areas and local government council areas. She further explained that the goverment places premium on giving dividends of democracy to the vulnerable women by giving attention and making their needs a priority through regular relief with the celebration of International Widows Day.
She however called on the citizens to support the present administration to enable him achieve his developmental agenda to move the State forward.