Sola Popoola
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, PhD CANTAB, FNSE, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has underscored the vital role of men in ensuring the safety, dignity of women and girls while fostering peace within families.
The monarch spoke at the 4th Men-only Town Hall Meeting on the role of men in protecting women and girls, Strengthening Family and Community Bonds
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs, and cultural custodians.
The Olowu said “the strength of a people lies in the strength of their families.” He reminded cultural leaders that traditions must evolve to protect dignity and promote harmony.
He stressed that building a peaceful home rests on the shoulders of fathers, condemning all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Protecting women and the girl child is the responsibility of all. It must never be left to a few. A peaceful society begins with a peaceful home, and men must take up their duty to ensure safety, dignity, and fairness within the family”
In his speech ,the Chairman of the occasion Chief Hon. Johnson Olu Fatoki, Oganla Owu Kingdom, stated that “a peaceful home is the foundation of a peaceful society.”
He urged men to be intentional about creating safe spaces for compassion, listening, and support for women.Engr. (Dr) Tony Ojeshina, Asiwaju of Owu Kingdom, called on fathers to be actively present in their daughters’ lives, insisting that absent men weaken the family unit
.Bishop Samuel Ogundeji Anglican Bishop of Egba Diocese warned against child and underage marriage, with a timely reminder that “if men carry out their duty well, families will flourish, and society will prosper.”Imam, Dr. Idris Oni of Crescent University Abeokuta, declared that child marriage must be abolished,
“Men must emulate Prophet Muhammad in his care and respect for women. Women should never be subjected to mental, emotional, or physical abuse.”
He also called for strong penalties against violators.The Commissioner of Police Ogun state Command CP Lanre Ogunlowo Phd who was represented by the DCP, SCID, DCP GBENGA ADEOYE raised concern over rising crimes against the girl child but assured that law enforcement remains committed.
“The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is clear, and anyone who refuses to report abuse can also be held liable. The role of the police is to prosecute so justice can be served. Fathers and men must also play their part by protecting their children,”Dr Omosebi, founder
The GNOSIS Help Initiative stated that abuse cases are significantly underreported, urging families and communities to break the culture of silence.
He stressed that fathers must take responsibility for ensuring the adequate protection of women and the girl child in society, safeguarding them against all forms of abuse.
The Towne hall ended with a united call for collective responsibility and a 15-point resolution urging men to:Never beat their wives.Take responsibility for ensuring peaceful homes.Be active, responsible players in raising and guiding children.Create compassionate safe spaces for women and girls.
“Listen to and provide for women and girls.Be present in the family.Support widows and vulnerable women in the community.Be financially, emotionally, and mentally responsible before marriage.Protect girls from sexual abuse in the home and community.Reject underage marriage.
” Ensure perpetrators of abuse face the law.Never harbor or shield abusers.Uphold religious teachings against emotional and physical abuse.Respect women’s economic and property rights.Instill values and morals in children”