The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has signed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill into law.
Oyetola said his decision to sign the bill into law was aimed at further strengthening the fundamental rights to life and assurance of adequate protection of the loves and properties of residents of the state.
While assuring of his administration’s commitment to the security of citizens, Oyetola pledged that Osun would ensure full implementation of the law.
The governor noted that since his assent to the Bill has marked the commencement of the law in the state, the law will no doubt help reduce to the barest minimum violence in public places especially against women and children.
He disclosed that provisions have been made in the law for maximum protection of persons anywhere in the state.
In his words, “My assent to the Bill today marks the commencement of the law in our State. Today’s event is equally historic because I passed the VAPP Bill on the day the World is marking the International Day of the Girl-Child.
“I congratulate our children and also seize this occasion to re- assure them that under our administration, their future is secured, as we shall continue to do everything to ensure equal opportunities for them.
“We shall also continue to formulate and implement policies and programmes that will promote the progress and safety of the Girl-Child in Osun.
“The law will no doubt help reduce, to the barest minimum, violence in public places, especially against women and children, as provisions have been made in the law for maximum protection of persons anywhere in the State.
“It will also adequately address the issue of domestic violence and guarantee better and healthy living for the people of Osun.
“I assure our commitment to ensure full implementation of the law in the interest of our people, especially the weak in our midst,” Oyetola added.
He commended the Osun State House of Assembly for passing the Bill in record time.
It should be noted that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) is an Act to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishments of offenders; and for related matters.
The signing of the Bill by the Governor, which coincided with the commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child further aimed to give priority and value to human existence and ensure peaceful cohabitation among residents.