As part of the activities to mark this year youth day, the Benin Centennial Lions Club, District 404-A1, Zone 8 has organize a capacity building seminar for youths in Benin city, the state capital.
The theme of the seminar is engaging the Youths, Ending the Rape Scourge was in collaboration with The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Edo State Chapter gathered participants from various youths and civil society organizations.
Welcoming participants at the event, Lion Benny Esezobor, President, Benin Centennial Lions Club stated that rape and other forms of sexual violence have become major setback in the collective struggle for the socioeconomic development of the nation and a clog in the wheel of the desired growth, unification and stability of more dignified family institutions. While noting that the Youth Day programme was the first project of the club in the 2020/21 Lions Year, she stated that the clamour for an end to rape by all and sundry cannot be too much in the light of the devastation it has caused families and the society at large, hence the Lions club chose rape as a theme while adding its voice to popular agitation. She therefore enjoined participants to draw lessons from the rich resources that would be reeled out at the seminar.
Also in his opening remarks, Lion Charles Osagie PMJF NLCF, GMT Coordinator, described rape as a dent on the moral fabrics of society and appreciated everyone who have teamed up to call for an end to sexual violence against persons, moreso, the defilement of innocent children and even babies. He stated that as a nonprofit humanitarian organization in the forefront of social change, the Lions club and its members continue relentlessly to render selfless service to humanity.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme, Engaging the Youth For Global Action, Ending the Rape Scourge, Rev Humphrey Areghan, Executive Director, Bethshan Youth Organization, gave insights into the rape ogre, describing it as a pandemic which demands equal and urgent attention as is being given to COVID-19. He stated that rape is often a weapon of revenge propelled by drug abuse and challenged the media to re-orientate the young ones on the dangers of drug use, abuse and misuse. He made highlights on constitutional provisions on rape as crime against humanity and gave tips on self defense and mechanisms for protection which may come handy to youths and others, including being mindful of body language of persons, being wary of associations that may be suggestive of untoward friendliness with both familiar persons and strangers alike, strange movements around cars and premises, appointments that are unsolicited for and in strange uninhabited places, among others.
Also delivering her paper on Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, Ronke Ojeikere, Co-Founder, SOTHAWACA-Benin stated that sexual abuse of any child is not only about using the sexual organ to penetrate and break the hymen of that child, but also the use of dangerous tools and objects to cause bodily harm, mortal injury and trauma to the child, often resulting in death. She said that sexual exploitation is a very unforgivable crime and admonished parents, especially fathers, to put their foot down for the protection of their children and wards. She admonished young persons to learn to confide in their parents and urged parents to take cognizance of the associations their children keep, including the people they allow into their homes. She further urged survivors of rape to be bold to speak up and appealed to parents and guardians to see threats by rapists to keep silence as a way of evading arrest and serving punitive measures for their offense.
Earlier in her remarks, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State Chapter, advocated for early sexual education and orientation for children. She stated that children should be taught early the age appropriate language about their bodies and body boundaries to forestall being exposed to sexual violence by others who may not mean well for the child. She gave insights into languages which may come handy in teaching the child how to view their vital body organs and internalizing self esteem. She also enjoined mothers to have close relationships with their children and wards and observe any body changes that may be suspect.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various civil society organizations and individuals, including Sir Roland Osakue JP, Chairman, NUJ Edo state Council who stated that the chosen theme is apt and that the media space is daily inundated by stories of rape told in most bizarre circumstances. He said there are now stringent penalties for rape and hoped that the long arms of the law will continue to deal decisively with anyone caught perpetrating sexual violence. Lion Doris Otokiti, Region Chairperson,
Lion Dr Victor Okoduwa, Zone 8C Chairperson, Lion Galvin Osaretin Osayande, GST/LCIF Coordinator and District Chairperson on Sports and Recreation, and members of the Edo State Civil Society Organization also graced the event.
Highpoint of the event was questions and answers by participating youths and photoshoot by the youths with Benin Centennial Lions Club members and journalists in attendance.
0 Comments