The Ogun State Government has declared that perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse and other forms of exploitation will face tougher enforcement measures, coordinated prosecution and zero tolerance in 2026, as it moves to strengthen protection for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, made this known on Friday, at the Ministry’s 3-in-1 New Year Programme held at the Valleyview Auditorium, Abeokuta, where she also announced fresh policies to reward excellence and professionalism in the state civil service.
Adeleye said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun was determined to deepen accountability and ensure justice for survivors, stressing that Ogun would not condone impunity in cases of abuse and exploitation.
“With the full support of security agencies, justice-sector institutions and credible whistleblowers, 2026 will be extremely tough for perpetrators of gender-based violence, child abuse and all forms of exploitation.
“We will enforce the law without fear or favour, protect survivors decisively and ensure that every offender is exposed and prosecuted,” she declared.
She described the New Year programme as a strategic convergence of policy reflection, capacity building and celebration, aimed at aligning stakeholders and setting the tone for the year, with women empowerment, child protection and inclusive social development as top priorities.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s achievements in the past year, Adeleye attributed the progress recorded to strong political will, purposeful leadership and a clear reform agenda, thanking Governor Abiodun for creating what she called an enabling policy environment that prioritises social inclusion, safeguards vulnerable groups and strengthens institutions.
According to her, the Ministry’s 2026 agenda will be anchored on results-driven governance, citizen-centred service delivery and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
“Our policies and programmes will focus on prevention, early intervention, survivor support and justice delivery, ensuring that social protection frameworks are responsive, resilient, measurable and sustainable,” she said.
The commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), noting that their support had gone beyond funding to provide technical expertise, institutional strengthening and global capacity-building opportunities for staff.
She added that exposure to international best practices had enhanced professionalism, efficiency and accountability in service delivery across the Ministry.
As part of the programme, Adeleye said officers of the Ministry underwent a two-day intensive strategic training session to address emerging social challenges, strengthen technical competence and develop a focused operational roadmap for 2026.
She noted that the event also celebrated children under the Ministry’s care, particularly those with special needs, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to inclusion, equity and the protection of every child.
In addition, outstanding staff were honoured for excellence, innovation, discipline and dedication, which she described as part of efforts to institutionalise merit, motivate productivity and sustain Ogun’s drive towards people-centred governance.
Among those honoured were Oyesanya Matthew, Most Punctual (Junior Category); Rufai, Most Punctual (Senior Category); Rosiji Omobolaji, Best Dressed (Senior Category); Folorunso Lukmon, Most Hardworking (Senior Category); and Mamadidola Kabiru, Most Hardworking (Junior Category).
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
