The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State chapter wants stiffer penalties to be meted out on perpetrators of gender-based violence in the country.
Lending its voice on the state of the nation at the end of its July Congress, NAWOJ expressed concern on the incidences of rape as it stressed the need for parents to educate their children on the topic.
The Women Journalists believe that the only way to curtail the trend is for perpetrators to get stiffer penalty like death sentence.
On the recent assault of a nursing mother involving Senator Elisha Abbo, NAWOJ stressed that the issue must not be swept under the carpet notwithstanding the public apology by the perpetrator.
According to the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs Adeola Ekine, the erring Senator should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other power drunk public office holders.
Mrs Ekine also commented on other issues include flooding in Lagos, vehicular traffic and the spate of insecurity in the land.
“The Lagos State Government still need to do more to reduce incessant flooding to the barest minimum as Lagos is heavily flooded anytime it rains destroying valuable properties.”
“Traffic gridlock leading to loss of productive hours due to long hours spent in traffic, some caused by tanker drivers who are back on the roads. Insecurity is also a major challenge everywhere, no one is safe; killing on the increase, children being made orphans, kidnapping on the rise, government should please do more,” she said.
NAWOJ also commended the recent Court orders leading to the Forfeiture of former First Lady’s properties to the Federal government.
Against the backdrop of a boat cruise by some youths during which their boat capsized, thereby leading to loss of lives; the body challenged parents to be wary of their children’s movements and to be more careful especially at fun times.
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