Osun State to Introduce Mobile Courts for Gender-Based Violence Cases

• Governor Adeleke announced plans to establish mobile courts dedicated to trying Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in Osun state
• Emphasizing women’s role in national development, he pledged support to empower them for effective socio-economic contributions and collaboration with relevant ministries

The Osun state government has revealed plans to establish mobile courts dedicated to trying cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Governor Ademola Adeleke made this announcement during a visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday.

Acknowledging the crucial role of women in national development, Governor Adeleke emphasized the need to support women to enable them to contribute effectively to the socio-economic progress of the nation. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting the interests of women and youths and pledged to maintain collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

This initiative aligns with the recent approval by the Governors’ Forum for the creation of mobile courts in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to expedite the dispensation of justice in gender-based violence cases.

Governor Adeleke directed the immediate implementation of the resolution of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum regarding the establishment of Mobile Courts dedicated to addressing sexual and gender-based violence, as well as child abuse and expedited trial of women and children in correctional facilities.

In addition, Governor Adeleke instructed his Commissioner for Justice to draft an executive order to release all unjustly incarcerated women in the state, in line with the spirit of Lent, Easter, and Ramadan periods. The Justice Ministry will compile a list of affected women across the state to grant them executive pardon, further safeguarding women’s rights.

In response, the Minister of Women Affairs commended Governor Adeleke for his swift action in approving the establishment of Mobile Courts in the state. She disclosed that Osun has been prioritized to receive industrial machines and modernized farming equipment to boost agribusiness and empower women sustainably.

Furthermore, the Minister applauded the Governor’s endorsement of partnership with the Ministry to train women in skills acquisition, particularly in producing local fabrics. She encouraged women in Osun to participate in the E-market portal recently launched by the Ministry to facilitate seamless business ventures and enhance the socio-economic status of women in the state.

The Ministry assured Osun of inclusion in its empowerment programs, emphasizing the state’s significance as a critical partner in advancing women’s rights and socio-economic empowerment.