Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned sexual exploitation, abuse and violence across the African continent.
She emphasized the critical need for women and girls to speak up about such atrocities whenever they are faced with those types of situations.
Speaking at a special prayer event organized by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Madda Bio, in honour of survivors, Senator Tinubu stressed that raising one’s voice not only facilitates access to help and healing, but also inspires confidence in others to share their experiences.
The occasion was part of the United Nations Day of Prevention of, and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, and the Nigerian First Lady urged women to stand together and speak out, drawing inspiration from the strides made by her Sierra Leonean counterpart.
She also warned that the commemoration of the UN Day wasn’t confined to Sierra Leone alone but resonated across the entire African continent, while commending the dedication and hard work of Dr Bio.
Commenting, Dr Bio also condemned the cowardice of abusing women and girls, emphasizing the need for its elimination through all available legal and legislative means, saying she was committed to working for humanity, transcending political boundaries to create a legacy of positive change in Sierra Leone.
Also speaking, Sierra Leone President, Julius Madda Bio, reassured the country’s commitment to removing barriers faced by girls and women, allowing them to realize their full potential.
The event featured a poignant recitation by schoolgirls, symbolizing their refusal to be instruments of sexual exploitation, abuse or violence.
Prayers were also offered for survivors, marking a solemn acknowledgement of the challenges faced by those who have endured such traumatic experiences.
Senator Oluremi’s visit to Sierra Leone was part of a larger delegation with her Angolan counterpart, which extends over two days, and will culminate in the commemoration of the first anniversary of the UN Day of Prevention of, and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
