Breaking the Silence: Friends of Ronzls Lead Girl-Child Molestation Awareness Campaign in Sagamu.

Breaking the Silence: Friends of Ronzls Lead Girl-Child Molestation Awareness Campaign in Sagamu.

Friends of Ronzls Foundation, in partnership with the Sagamu Youth Association, organized an awareness campaign against girl-child molestation in Sagamu Local Government Area. The programme, titled “Breaking the Silence: An Awareness Campaign Against Girl-Child Molestation in Secondary Schools in Sagamu LGA,” was guided by the theme “Empowering Girls to Speak Up, Stay Safe, and Protect Their Dignity.”

The event began on a solemn note with the rendition of the National Anthem and the Ogun State Anthem by students, setting a patriotic tone for the day’s activities.

In her welcome address, the Founder of Friends of Ronzls Foundation, Chief Mrs. Ola Sulaimon shared the painful story of a young girl who was molested but unable to obtain justice. She explained that the experience inspired her commitment to championing awareness initiatives aimed at protecting the girl-child. She urged victims to speak out boldly, assuring them that they should never feel ashamed or afraid.

A key highlight of the programme was a legal session titled “Know Your Rights: Laws Protecting the Girl-Child from Sexual Abuse,” delivered by Barrister Ifeoluwa Adekunle, Senior State Counsel at the Ogun State Ministry of Justice. She clarified that any girl under the age of 18 cannot legally give consent and outlined various forms of sexual abuse, including molestation, harassment, exploitation, and incest. She referenced the Child Rights Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), and the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that offenders risk life imprisonment. She also stressed the need to preserve evidence and report cases promptly.

Dr. Abiola Ayisat Gbadebo, a Consultant Public Health Physician and consulting physician at the Ogun State Sexual Assault Referral Center, provided emergency contact details and the Center’s address. She highlighted the physical and psychological consequences of untreated sexual abuse and emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical care, counseling, and emotional support.

Other speakers included Mr. Kola Erubami-Abolade, Zonal Education Officer, Sagamu, who encouraged girls to protect their dignity and speak up against abuse.

The NIgeria Immigration Service,Deputy Comptroller Peter Agum,Spoke about Movement and Protection Girl Child.

The NIgeria Police Force was represented by Divisional Police Officer Sakura Divison ,Inspector Bolaji Abdul, Spoke on Understanding Sexual Abuse and how to report it to the Police.

The Divisional Office NSDC represented by Adetoun Ogundeyi Spoke on community safety and the role of their agency in protecting girl Child.

ACC Esther Olutayo Adewoye,The Unit Commander of FRSC Mosimi,Spoke on Staying Safe on the road and Protecting the Girl child in Public.

Finally, the Radanuwa of Idado Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile gave his final speech calling to action and giving cultural charge to all security agencies young ladies and the school represented.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, refreshments, and group photographs. Participants departed better informed about girl-child molestation, the available support systems, and the importance of speaking up to protect their rights and dignity.