Popular actress, Foluke Daramola, Sesan Daini lead advocacy talk against gender-based violence as IBLCDA, CDC host 100 teenagers in Lagos 

By Bose Adelaja

CITIZENS COMPASS — Popular actress, Foluke Daramola, and the council chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA), Ikorodu Division in Lagos State, Olusesan Mayokun Daini popularly known as Builder Daini, on Tuesday, led an advocacy talk against gender-based violence and sexual abuse.

The event which hosted about 100 teenagers was organised by the Community Development Committee (CDC) in the area in conjunction with IBLCDA.

The 100 female teenagers, mostly ages 13-15, were drawn from various Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the LCDA.

Themed, “Gender-based violence and sexual abuse:Empowering teenage girls, your safety, your rights, your Voice, was aimed at equipping participants with information on how to protect themselves against sexual harassment and abuse.

They were also tutored on what constitutes potential red flags about sexual abuse and how to handle such situations.

Speaking on the topic, “Mentorship of the Girl Child about Gender-Based Violence and sexual abuse,” she admonished the girls to be focused.

The Actress made the teenagers know their rights to education, freedom of expression, and right to reject abuse among others advised them to avoid being sexually abused by anybody regardless of the relationship.

She said, “Learn to speak out whenever you notice such an approach or act.”
Daramola who said she was a victim of rape urged the teenagers to avoid being lured by the opposite sex.

Also speaking, the council chairman appreciated the efforts of the CDC led by Alhaji Razak Ibiyeye, for organising the program.
He noted that sexual abuse is not limited to girls.

Daini who also lauded the efforts of the council legislators said, “Gender violence is also applicable to males, therefore, everyone should avoid anything that makes one fall victim.”

In his welcome address, Ibiyeye appreciated the Adeboruwa of
of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Builder Daini, and the Legislative arm of the council for their support.
On the purpose of the program, he said,

“As we gather, we are reminded that our mission goes beyond creating awareness, we are here to engage, educate and empower our young girls.

“This program is a platform for them to know their rights, understand the danger surrounding them, and recognize the power of their voices in standing up against abuse, violence, and exploitation.”

The Deputy Speaker of the legislative arm, Hon Basirat Banjoko, appreciated Daramola who was courageous enough to overcome her travail. “When you build a girl child, you have trained a nation.”

She admonished the girls not to limit themselves regardless of any situation they find themselves in.

Mrs Dolapo Abosede, the Medical Officer of the IBLCDA, explained the health implications of early sex to the girls.

In a chat with Citizens Compass, one of the girls, 13-year-old Sanni Lateefah from Oregon Town, said it has opened her eyes to new things about the girl child, “It was amazing as I learned new things and made new friends.”

Another girl, Fadeelah Babalola shared her amazing moments thus, “The programme taught me about sexual abuse which means inappropriate or forceful sexual intercourse from both genders. I also learned about the rights of females in the sense that we have the right to live and the right to freedom from violence among others.

“I also learned about incest which is when family members or close relatives attempt to have carnal knowledge with each other. I also learned the way to stop sexual abuse by trusting my instincts through alerts to see, alone alerts, touch alerts, gift alerts, group alerts, and cyber sexual abuse.

“We also have roles to play as victims by shunning unnecessary outings. We were taught to beware of molesters and also report all incidents of sexual harassment to appropriate authorities.

“In conclusion, sexual harassment should be curbed in society and a female child should also have a say in the community.”

Similarly, 2nd Vice Chairman of the CDC, Alhaja Iyabo Salisu expressed delight at the programme.

The girls went home witheducationl.materials.