In the wake of numerous cases of gender-based violence which had resulted in avoidable loss of lives and injuries, the Ogun State Government has advised residents to speak up against every form of violence to the appropriate authority without any form of pretence.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola while delivering a keynote address at the inaugural annual women workshop of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association ( FOBTOB), with the theme, "Conceptualizing  Gender-Based Violence (GBV) As An Occupational Safety and Health Issue: A Holistic Approach To Understanding Causes and Eradication in Nigeria's Food, Beverage and Tobacco Sector," held in Abeokuta.

Aikulola, said that the theme could not be more apt at this period when the entire nation needs to jointly establish the acceptance of gender-based violence as an occupational safety and health issue, describing it as a human right violation which affects both genders while the females are more affected.  

Declaring the two-day workshop open, he said that there is a significant increase in the number of states that have domesticated the Violence Against Prohibition Acts aside the review of National Gender Policy by the Federal Government in 2021, appreciating the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun who had been committed to speaking  vehemently against the menace. 

The Permanent Secretary who called for increased enlightenment and campaign for women in order to know their right and when it is violated, said stakeholders should not be silent in the face of gender-based violence and should give the needed support to its survivors.

"Please, don't hide and don't pretend about it. The cry of someone is not a sign of weakness but strength. Enlightenment and education is critical for all stakeholders.  I wish to re-emohasise the need for us to support Gender-based violence survivors at all levels. All hands must be on deck to look for ways to eradicate the social norms against women at work," he said.

 Aikulola who was inducted as an honorary member of FOBTOB by the union's National President, Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, was also presented an Award of Excellence for his unwavering support towards the success of the capacity building. 

Earlier, the FOBTOB National President, Comrade Oyibo, said the aim of the workshop was to create a secured environment for open discussion while devising strategies to combat gender-based violence.