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Why Ini Edo, Annie Idibia, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Kehinde Bankole, others Walked Against Rape

Actresses Annie Idibia, Ini Edo and Kehinde Bankole, as well as singer, Lami Phillips, Emmanuel Ikubese (Mr. Nigeria) joined others in the 5th edition of the Walk Against Rape (WAR), in Lagos, on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

The walk kicked off from the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church ground GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, to Alausa Secretariat.

Designed to give a voice to sexually abused persons – especially women and children, the Walk Against Rape initiative is also committed to totally eradicating the scourge of rape in Nigeria where the number of cases is reportedly on an alarming rate.

Aside the celebrities who were part of the walk, several women organizations, Non-Government Organizations, representatives of local governments in Lagos State, media practitioners, TV/radio presenters, students delegates, secondary school students, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arms of various corporate bodies also lend their voice and support the cause.

According to the National Coordinator, Esther Ijewere- Kalejaiye, “Our aim is to help in encouraging victims to speak out and reduce the stigmatization attached to the victims of sexual abuse and rape as well as use Walk Against Rape as a platform to inform society about the soaring scourge of sexual abuse, especially as it relates young girls and women in general.

“This year, we made an appeal to the Lagos State Government for the creation of more help centres across the state, preferably in all local government areas in a letter that was read openly at the Deputy Governor’s office, where the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ogunmola Omobolanle received us.”


ENCOMIUM Weekly
also spoke with some celebrities who participated in the Walk Against Rape and domestic violence, as well as promoters of the initiative.

 

 

Ini Edo
Ini Edo

“Rapists belong to the Zoo” – Ini Edo

Star Actress, Ini Edo, in her reaction condemned rapists and those engaged in domestic violence.

“Domestic violence and rape happen in so many homes in Africa. Women are meant to be protected by men and not abused by them. Let’s work together on this ​and send rapists to the zoo where they belong.”

 

 

‘Enlightment should start from the home’ – Gbemi Olateru

Why are you supporting the campaign against rape?

I am in support because rape is a crime against humanity. Nobody wishes to be raped.

Would you say government and relevant agencies are doing enough to fight it?

They are creating awareness but they can do more.

What should be done to stamp out rape and help victims?

First, it should start from the home. While growing up, our parents told us not to wear this, don’t do this, sit like this and so on. They should also educate male children about rape and its consequences. It should not be done. Under no condition should rape a girl be raped.

What message do you have for rape victims?

They should speak up. I know it is difficult but it is better not to die in silence.

 

 

‘Rape needs to be condemned’ – Emmanuel Ekubese (Mr. Nigeria)

Why are you supporting the campaign against rape?

I did. Because I feel it needs to be condemned. It is high time men stood up against the act. Silence means a lot. We need to make the world know that people who engage in this act should be locked up. I am also doing a project tagged, Respect a woman.

That is one of my projects. It is inhumane for men to be involved in rape.

Would you say government and relevant agencies are doing enough to fight it?

The government has a role to play as well. They have been trying but we need more awareness. People stigmatize rape victims a lot. They blame them for the crime, that is why some of them don’t complain. We need to work hand in hand with rape victims.

They shouldn’t be condemned, that is why we need more awareness.

What should be done to stamp out rape and help victims?

There should be a law against the act. We need more awareness. We need to get more psychologists and rehabilitation centres for victims. A lot of them go through emotional wreckage for along time. Government needs to do more. We should see justice being done for rape cases.

What message do you have for rape victims?

Don’t die in silence. Go to the relevant agencies and complain. Don’t be ashamed to talk about it. We need to support rape victims. We should get justice for them.

 

 

‘Young ladies should talk about it’ – Egwuatu Francis Beacon (Mr. Universe)

Why are you supporting the campaign against rape?

Just to support a good course, also to create awareness about rape.

Would you say government and relevant agencies are doing enough to fight it?

I don’t think so, if they are doing their best, we will see perpetrators being punished publicly.

What should be done to stamp out rape and help victims?

Campaigns like this should be encouraged, media houses should support the awareness.

What message do you have for rape victims?

I encourage young ladies to come out and speak up. They shouldn’t die in silence. If they don’t talk about it, they will remain victims for life.

 

 

KEHINDE BANKOLE
KEHINDE BANKOLE

‘Innocent victims should not suffer in silence’ – Kehinde Bankole

Why are you supporting the campaign against rape?

It is because somebody needs to speak up. We shouldn’t keep quiet and watch innocent victims suffer in silence. If it is a known face that is talking against it, a lot of people will identify with the course. I am passionate about things that have to do with justice.

Would you say government and relevant agencies are doing enough to fight it?

They are doing something but they can do more. Let the media also do more. It is easy to forget other challenges because of what Nigeria is going through.

What should be done to stamp out rape and help victims?

They should publicize whatever effort they are putting into it. They should tell us how much need to be put into it in terms of effort. When they are proffering solutions they should publicize it too. Let everybody know about it. It is when people are enlightened that they can support the course.

What message do you have for rape victims?

There is no dignity anybody can give you except you talk about it. Don’t look down on yourself, be bold and courageous enough to talk about it.

 

 

‘They don’t want to represent anything that is negative’ – Esther Ijewere

How will you rate the success of this year’s Walk Against Rape?

It was highly successful. The turnout was really amazing. We invited a lot of people and a lot more turned out.

Will you say the purpose of campaigning against rape is gradually being fulfilled?

Yes, it is. One of the things we have been advocating is victims should come out and talk about it. After the walk, young girls, women called telling us about their experiences.

What are some of the challenges you face in the course of achieving your dream?

Our biggest challenge is funding. Corporate organizations will say they don’t want to represent such course. They don’t want to represent anything that is negative.

Do you think government is doing enough?

Yes, I can speak for Lagos State Government. They are doing a fantastic job. They have punished perpetrators. We are taking the walk to other states. We believe Lagos State has set the pace for other states.

What next?

We have started another awareness programme. We are trying to sensitize school children in a workshop about rape. We got partnership from the Ministry of Justice. It will last three months. We started before the walk. Another edition will hold on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Government Girls College, Ipaja, Lagos.

About 700 secondary school students will be in attendance. Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye has endorsed the programme.

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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