We have appropriate punishments for sexual abuse — Ondo Govt

The Ondo State Government says it has appropriate punishments for sexual abuse in the state.

Mrs Olamide Falana, the Special Adviser on Gender Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made this known during a workshop to mark the 2024 World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) in Akure on Wednesday.

Falana, who said there are available laws enshrined in the constitution to protect young ones from all forms of abuse and discrimination, added that “the state has the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

“These are laws to protect the rights of children and from all forms of violence and intimidation.

“The laws empower government to prosecute individuals found culpable in violence and abuse of children. The rights of children are paramount.

“The laws of Ondo State have appropriate and adequate punishments for sexual abuse and are reviewed from time to time. The punishments are commensurate with the crimes.”

She asked the workshop participants, who were mostly school children, to maintain good positive relationships and avoid negative influences that might affect their goals in life.

The special adviser commended the ministry and WHO for organising the workshop, saying the event was to build the participants’ confidence and educate them on their sexual health.

According to her, the young ones should speak out and refuse to suffer in silence when harassed or intimidated.Falana enjoined the participants to always set boundary in their relationship with others and urged them to approach constituted authorities when abused.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, said “sexual health is a major factor in human life that must be protected.”

Ikuomola, who was represented by Dr Isaac Aladeniyi, the Director of Family Health in the ministry, said sexual wellbeing affect all aspects of human life.

He added that there was an increase in sexual health abuse among adolescents, adding that the rate of adolescent prostitution and rape cases has continued to increase
in the society.

The permanent secretary said that the workshop was to educate the adolescents on their rights and steps to avoid sexual coercion and the need for their bodies to be in a state of wellbeing for them to function well in their endeavours.

According to him, the ministry with other relevant organisations periodically organise programmes on managing depression, among others.

He stated that no fewer than 100 students participated in the workshop, asking those that might be caught in any form of abuse to speak to the appropriate bodies for help.

On her part, representative of WHO in Akure Office, Mrs Modupelola Dosumu, commended the state government for taking the sexual wellbeing of adolescents in the state seriously.

Dosumu asked the participants to always be on alert about their sexual wellness and ensure they made right choices every time.

She enjoined them not to negotiate with their bodies, which she described as their pride.Two of the participants, Miss Ifeoma Eric and Mr Authentic Olumayowa, said that the workshop had enlightened the young ones more on how to keep
away from wrongs and maintain good health.