By Solomon Emmanuel
The State Government of Osun has begun the compilation of rape and gender-based offenders’ register.
According to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the state would soon release its maiden edition of Sex and Gender-Based Offender’s Register.
He said the Register would, among others, help to blacklist offenders and forestall recurrence.
Oyetola stated this on Wednesday in his office while playing host to his wife, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, who led other women including wives of political office holders and government functionaries in the state on courtesy call to the governor.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fight against rape, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence, saying that the state has zero tolerance for anything capable of undermining human sanctity, dignity and right to life.
Oyetola, who described rape and other forms of sexual assault and gender-based violence as crime against God and humanity, disclosed that the state was determined to deploy full weight of law against perpetrators of rape and all other crimes against women and children.
He appealed to parents, guardians and teachers to counsel their male children, wards and pupils on crimes against women and children, just as he advocated massive sensitisation and enlightenment programmes that would help to fight against rape and sexual violence.
The governor also lauded the efforts of his wife at ridding Osun of open defecation, noting that he was glad to hear that Ifedayo Local Government Area of the State had been declared Open Defecation-free through her efforts.
Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola commended the state government for prioritising the welfare and well-being of women and children in the state.
She also acknowledged the support that her office had received from the government in the fight against rape, sexual offences, open defecation, among other societal vices.