As the world marked International Women’s Day, Toyin Joseph Oluwaseyi, director of Zion Study Centre, urged the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency on the rising cases of femicide in the country. Oluwaseyi emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the alarming rate of violence against women, stressing that comprehensive policies are necessary to protect women and promote awareness and education.
“The protection of women should be our country’s utmost priority. Education of women should also be on the front burner because women spend more time with their children. If they are not well-informed, they will misinform their children,” Oluwaseyi said.
He also highlighted the crucial role women play in nation-building, citing examples of notable Nigerian women such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Dora Akunyili, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
At Zion Study Centre, Oluwaseyi noted that the institution is committed to empowering young women with the necessary information to protect themselves from violence.
Mr. Mike Osadebe, a teacher at the centre, emphasized the importance of men’s involvement in conversations about protecting the girl child. “More male voices need to be elevated in discussions around gender-based crimes. Active involvement from men can significantly contribute to combating this growing issue,” he said.
Chidera Angela, a UTME candidate, expressed her appreciation for the support and advocacy provided by Zion Study Centre, highlighting the centre’s role in advocating for students’ needs and providing access to valuable resources.
As Nigeria grapples with the rising cases of femicide, it is essential for the government to take proactive measures to address this issue. Declaring a state of emergency on femicide would be a crucial step towards protecting women and promoting a safer environment for all.