As the world celebrates 16-day of Activism,the founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola has hinted that the University has no record of gender based violence since it’s establishment .
Speaking during the commemoration of the 16-day of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Advocacy Campaign, championed by ABUAD, in partnership with UN WOMEN, the Legal Icon declared that no woman or man had ever been violated and abused in ABUAD .
Themed: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”, the elder statesman harped on the principles of the University, calling on the Federal Government to take drastic action to end the insecurity across the States of the federation.
He expressed delight that women, and indeed young females alike in schools are doing quite well, especially in their academic pursuits, saying in ABUAD for instance 9, out of every 10 First Class Degree holders, are females.
He said his love and concern for the womenfolk once nearly compelled him to change the name of his university, ABUAD, to that of Women only University of Nigeria.
While calling on the general public to end violence against women and girls, he advocated fair treatment for men and boys, saying violence is not only restricted to the female gender.
“Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended say the duty of the government is the welfare and safety of the citizens.
While condemning the spate of attacks, in schools, in different parts of the country, the Senior Advocate of NIgeria lamented that this had created perpetual fear in the minds of Nigerians.
According to him ,prioritising the welfare of citizens, remains a major tool to end the catastrophe.
He therefore urged governments at all levels to take necessary steps to ensure the protection of the governed.
“I therefore appeal to the Government to go on about safety of people in the farm, road, and schools, so that we can have a safe society.
“Many people are now being killed, everybody is afraid of going to work, farms,it’s not only violence against women and girls but violence against me and you now.
“While I agree with you about ending violence against women and girls, the Government should do more about the safety of all Nigerians”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde said ABUAD would continue to work proactively with the government, private sectors, development partners and multinational organisations, to address issues affecting women and girls.
In her keynote address, Dr Tosin Tume noted that the impact of digital violence on women and girls is multifaceted and unsettling, as it results in severe consequences, such as emotional trauma, distress, social isolation & exclusion, poor mental health, physical harm, death, among others.
She highlighted education and awareness, policy development, support and resources, advocacy and activism, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication engagement, as pathways to curbing digital violence against women and girls in the academic environment