By Bolu-Olu Esho,
Launch, Distribute Braille Version Of VAPP
AKURE – In a move to ensure successful implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV) on Thursday assembled people with disabilities and sensitised them on the content of the law.
Speaking on the decision, the Country Representative of WFD, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, stated that it’s imperative to keep the set of citizens abreast of the content of the VAPP Law so that they could understand their rights and explore the law for their protection.
He said: “The VAPP Law is enacted to protect all of us, particularly the vulnerable, including the minor and people with disabilities.
“We are carrying along every person on the law so that everyone can understand the content so that it could be implemented successfully.
“The law is an instrument through which we can seek justice if violated by anyone.”
In her address, the Executive Secretary OSAA-GBV, Barrister Bolanle Afolabi, emphasised that “everyone must be involved in the implementation of the VAPP Law with a view to eradicating violence against all persons.”
She said: “We are sensitising the people to keep them abreast of the law, particularly for them to know their right.
“WFD assisted OSAA-GBV in sponsoring the sensitization programme for people with disabilities to be informed about the VAPP Law.
“Knowing the content of the law will help us in achieving the purpose for which it was enacted.”
The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in her address, spoke on the importance of carrying people with disabilities along in whatever is done in the state.
Represented by one of her aides, Ngozi Okoro, the wife of the governor charged the people to “report any suspected form of violence to OSAA-GBV for appropriate action.”
The Chairman, Ondo State Agency for the welfare of persons with disabilities, Princess Folasade Arise, in her address noted that their disabilities made them vulnerable.
She warned that criminals should desist from violating people with disabilities.
Arise, therefore, commended the organisers for including them in the scheme of their operations, saying “This sensitization will expose us to the content of the law and protect ourselves with same.”
The Spokesperson for Nigeria Association of the Blind, Oladele Nasirudeen read the VAPP Law from the Braille version to the people with disabilities.
He appreciated the organisers for producing the Braille version of the law for the blind to have access to it.
However, the Braille version of the VAPP Law was launched and distributed to the attendees.
Abiodun Samuel Olusegun appealed to the people that for the law to be enacted, I want us to use the opportunity of the forum to understand the concept for us to know our right.
He appreciated the organisers for producing the law in Braille version.
Barrister Rufus Olubodun urged OSAA-GBV and WFD to keep the Sensitization going with a view to reducing violence against persons.
