First Lady Urges Stricter Laws and Crackdown on Sexual Offenders

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the enforcement of tougher laws and harsher penalties for perpetrators of rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking at the inaugural Gender and Social Norms Summit organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with her office, Senator Tinubu emphasized the need for a unified approach to address GBV. In a statement released by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady highlighted the summit’s importance in bringing together stakeholders, including state governors’ wives, to raise awareness, share best practices, and promote strategies to combat GBV.

“We must develop state-specific action plans and ensure that adequate resources are allocated in government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programs,” Tinubu stated. She stressed the need for improved legislation that would deliver appropriate punishment for sexual offenders, ensuring that those who commit such crimes are not left free to harm others.

“The increasing cases of rape and gender-based violence are alarming. Every day, we hear of new incidents, even involving infants. We must act now,” Tinubu added, urging law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, and the National Assembly to implement stricter laws and penalties for offenders.

Ministers of Education, Justice, Women Affairs, and Youth expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and education, particularly for girls, to prevent harmful practices.

UNFPA Gender/FGM Analyst, Karima Bungudu, presented findings that nearly one in three Nigerian women have experienced gender-based violence, with women with disabilities being particularly vulnerable. Bungudu also noted the high prevalence of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and their severe consequences, including Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).

The event, which included state governors’ wives, commissioners for women affairs and health, and traditional rulers, concluded with the signing of the Compact of Commitment. This agreement, led by the First Lady and governors’ wives, reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating GBV and harmful practices in their respective states.