By IsaacOlufemi Ojo
A child rights advocate has sent a strong call to the Oyo State government to prioritize the establishment of a fully functional Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) to cater to victims of abuse.
The call was made by Mrs. Ibukun Otesile today during the 8th anniversary of the HOSEC foundation and the 5th edition of the Oratory Contest, an initiative that brought together students from 69 state-owned secondary schools in Ibadan.
She noted that the functionality of Sexual Assault Centres and the plight of out-of-school children remain major concerns that need to be addressed by the state authority.
She noted that while a center exists in the state, it is currently not serving its intended purpose as a “one-stop shop” where victims can receive comprehensive medical, legal, and psychological support.
“We need a functional SAC centre in Oyo State. I am using this opportunity to call on the Governor and every stakeholder to weigh in on this. If it is not a one-stop centre, then it is not doing what it is supposed to do. Children who experience sexual abuse need a place where they can get all the help they need in one location,” she said.
She further charges the state government to adopt a more “intentional and holistic” approach to the issue of children roaming the streets, warning of the security implications of neglecting street children, noting that they are often recruited into gangsterism. “ “A child on the street is a victim today, but by afternoon, that same child can become a perpetrator of crime if left unsupported. We need a holistic approach that engages people actually working in the field—those who understand the welfare and well-being of children—rather than those looking to play politics with children’s lives,” she added.
Reflecting on the journey so far, the convener described the eight-year milestone as a “surreal” experience marked by an emotional rollercoaster of hard work, commitment, and significant wins.
“It has been eight years of responding to issues of child abuse, sometimes feeling helpless when the system fails these children. It has been eight years of sweat, but also eight years of impact. Seeing beneficiaries of our various initiatives in this room today confirms that it has been eight years of wins for us,” she stated.
Speaking with the winner of this year’s oratory contest, Abdurasac Godwin, he expressed his profound gratitude to the organizers of the event for the opportunity to showcase his craft.
While speaking on the theme of the contest tagged “ Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Jobs, he disclosed that while AI has its good and bad, he maintained that students are ready to utilize the advancement for their good and progress.
Meanwhile, 2nd – 617 points -Omotolani Oyinkansola emerged second with a total of 617 points, and Olawuwo Ayomide third with 614 points
The event, which featured the 5th edition of the Oratory Contest, served as a platform to showcase the talents of students from various state secondary schools and reinforce the foundation’s commitment to child development and protection.
