The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Osun State Chapter, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to strengthen the protection of women and children against sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, in the state.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Osun State Commandant of NSCDC, Emmanuel Igbalawole Sotiyo, in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Abisola Ariwodola, described the partnership as a significant step toward promoting peace, security, and gender equality in Osun.
Ariwodola, commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding lives and property, and particularly for its initiatives addressing gender-based violence.
She applauded the NSCDC’s establishment of a Special Female Squad, which she described as a game-changer in providing a safe platform for women and girls to report abuse and receive necessary support.
According to her, “Your Special Female Squad has provided women and girls with a voice and a sense of security. It has encouraged victims to come forward and has helped to strengthen trust between the people and the NSCDC.”
The NAWOJ chairperson also praised the Corps for training Gender Desk Officers and Persons with Disabilities Desk Officers to handle cases of SGBV effectively, noting that such capacity-building efforts have improved response to violence and protection services.
“We also commend your community engagement programmes, which have raised awareness about gender-based violence and promoted gender equality. These efforts have made the public see the NSCDC as approachable and reliable,” Ariwodola said.
She added that the collaboration between NAWOJ and the NSCDC would focus on enhancing security reporting, promoting gender sensitive security strategies, and building capacity among women journalists and security personnel.
“By working together, we can develop effective strategies to ensure that survivors receive justice, empower women and girls to participate in peace and security decision-making, and strengthen community engagement,” she stated.
In his response, the Osun NSCDC Commandant, Emmanuel Igbalawole Sotiyo, appreciated NAWOJ for the courtesy visit, describing journalists as essential partners in nation building and societal development.
“No outfit can stand on its own without the support of journalists. I appreciate NAWOJ for recognising what we are doing at the NSCDC. Our mandate is clear, to protect critical national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property, especially women and children,” he said.
The Commandant assured that the Corps would continue to intensify efforts in combating crime and preventing acts of illegality, noting that justice and fairness were key to achieving a better society.
“Our society will only improve when we all champion the cause of justice. Journalists have a vital role in this. Whatever journalists bring to the public’s attention cannot be ignored,” he said.
Sotiyo observed that gender insensitivity remained prevalent in society and called for more enlightenment to reorient people on the importance of respecting women and protecting the female gender.
“Our people must understand that women are the bedrock of the society. Maltreating them will only hinder progress. We are standing firm with NAWOJ to promote the message that women must be respected and protected,” he affirmed.
The Commandant also called on all stakeholders to join forces in addressing challenges faced by women and children, especially during communal conflicts, while urging NAWOJ to partner closely with the NSCDC in its sensitisation and peace-building efforts.
“Women and children suffer most during communal clashes. We need NAWOJ to support us in enlightening the people. Together, we can make our society safer,” Sotiyo concluded.
