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Rape, gender-based violence, drugs use rates high in Oyo Communities – Study

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Researchers working on the Global Affairs Canada landscape analysis on sexual and gender-based violence in Oyo state have found high rate of rape in Iseyin and Ogbomoso communities.

The team of experts which has Oyo State Coordinator for the UNFPA-GAC survey, Dr Adebimpe Adenugba, the Gender Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA, Dr Esther Somefun, Drs O.B Babalola, O.K Oyelade and Usman Ojedokun reported that drugs and alcohol consumption contribute to gender based violence in rural and rural-urban communities of the state than in urban areas. ​

According to them, women in interior communities of Oyo State suffer high level of rape, assault, abuse among other vices.

These were part of a preliminary report submitted to the Oyo state Ministry of Health at the Exit/Validation meeting with stakeholders on Global Affairs Canada Landscape Analysis on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Obstetrics Fistula in the state.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the research was executed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sokoto, Bauchi and Oyo States.

Although the GAC LGAs in the state are Ogbomosho West, Oyo South, Ibadan North, Kajola and Ibarapa North West the UNFPA-GAC survey was carried out in 11 council areas including: Saki East, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Surulere and Iwajowa.

Others are: Afijio, Ibadan North, Ibadan South West, Oluyole, Egbeda and Ibadan North East.

State Coordinator for the UNFPA-GAC survey, Dr Adebimpe Adenugba disclosed that women reported not enjoying any form of rights noting that women reported that their men were not living up to family responsibilities.

She noted that women still continue to face harmful traditional practices

Adenugba also noted that drug and alcoholism were discovered to be in high use which often times lead to the abuse of the women and girls child.

Speaking on the issue of rape in the affected communities, the Gender Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA, Dr Esther Somefun said “Yes, they said rape is consistent and is common. Apart from husband raping their wives, there is also child rape, adult rape and elderly rape. They said the children especially are vulnerable because during a period like this with high rate of poverty, they had to send their children hawking, so child labour causes rape. So there’s high rate of rape in Iseyin and Ogbomosho communities”

Somefun who also doubles as the Oyo state program officer for GAC project noted that the purpose of the study was to find out the harmful traditional practices and the rate of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Oyo State as there is no exclusive data on GBV in Oyo State and country in general, adding that the effort will go a long way in making data available for researchers in subsequent efforts.

“In the immediate, in Oyo State, the VAPP law is in place but is yet to be implemented by the court, and its prohibition acts on all persons. So if that law can be implemented immediately, there will be a solution and also we want the government to sensitize the community.​

“Where we reported, it seems these SGBVs are dying down more in the urban than in the rural. But there is still some part of the urban that’s still experiencing it. Where we call the rural-urban like the Beere, Foko side are still experiencing it, but when we talk about the urban, it seems to have gone down a bit.​

“But when government sensitize, let the police do their work, they should not kill cases. They report cases in police stations yet some people ensure it dies down.​

“Religion has a lot to do with this. Religion and cultural practices have been a cover for SGBV. People we spoke to said even some religious leaders also perpetrate this evil. And they use religion to cover a lot of things. So I think religion is the major factor because of this culture of silence and stigma.”

They then called for more sensitisation and enlightenment of the people especially, the male folks in the communities so as to help more women live dignified lives.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo state Ministry of Health, Dr Adebisi Ayoola assures that the government will look into the preliminary report and take immediate measures to address the challenges before the final report would be submitted.

Oyo state government has been urged to facilitate the immediate and prompt implementation of the Violence Against People Prohibition (VAPP) law as a way of safeguarding women against endemic ill treatment especially in the core rural areas.

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Rep Oseni Rallies Support for Ikogosi Development Projects, Calls for Resilience, Unity

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The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.

 

Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.

He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.

“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”

 

“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”

Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.

“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.

 

In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.

He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.

 

“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.

“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.

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Bad Roads: ‘Focus on Message, Not Messenger’ – Nigerians Tell Works Minister, Umahi

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The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”

At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”

Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state

 

In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.

He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.

“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”

Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability

Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.

Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.

“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”

Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.

Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs

Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.

Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.

Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.

Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.

“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.

Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions

Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.

Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.

“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.

Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.

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Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project

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The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.

According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.

He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.

“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.

He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”

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