Women Journalists under the umbrella of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts at ensuring that the long awaited Family Court becomes functional in the state.
The female Journalists also lauded the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola and the entire judiciary for ensuring that the state join the league of states with Family Courts in the country.
Recounting all her efforts at ensuring Family Courts are established and becomes operational in the state, especially since the emergence of the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Exco came on board in 2018, Oyo NAWOJ noted that the latest development will no doubt help in speedy dispensation of justice on family related matters, especially those affecting women and children.
The Association spoke through a statement signed on Wednesday by Comrade Jadesola Ajibola and Comrade Stella Oyebanji, Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
While also commending the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, Oyo NAWOJ warned perpetrators of gender based violence to either turn a new leaf of risk been caught in the arm of law and justice to be delivered by the Family Court which is not in doubt.
“We wish to congratulate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde for ensuring that the state has a functional Family Court.
“Our great Association had in the last few years since the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Executive emerged in November, 2018 clamored for the establishment of a Family Court.
“The Family Court we know will address family issues, gender based violence, molestation, especially as it affects women and children among others.
“We have on several occasions checked up the Family Court and realized that work was constantly going on at the court, which we are aware has been finally completed and to be commissioned.
“Oyo NAWOJ also congratulates the Honorable Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mukhtar Abimbola and his amazing team, for the efforts put in place to ensure that Oyo State Family Court commences operation.
“During our last inspection of the court, we saw a world class Family Court that will duly serve Nigerians in Oyo State, as well as delivering justice to all.
“We use this opportunity to warn violators of our law to be cautious and desist from such act as our confidence in the Seyi Makinde-led government to ensure that everyone gets justice through the family court in the state is not in doubt.
“We also call on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), relevant government agencies to be prepared for more challenges ahead in ensuring that victims get justice.
“Oyo NAWOJ also commend Our dear Honorable Faosat Sani, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and her team for the sleepless nights in giving support to victims of Gender Based Violence in Oyo State.
“For NAWOJ, the existence of a Family Court in Oyo State is success for us and all NGOs working on women and children issues”, the statement added.
