The Oyo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has commenced a statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation and awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) as part of efforts to strengthen safeguards across the livestock value chain in the state.
The sensitisation programme began in Akinyele Local Government Area on July 14, 2026, and continued in Oorelope Local Government, Igboho, on July 15, with participants drawn from traditional institutions, security agencies, Women in Agriculture, health professionals, legal practitioners, farmers’ associations and other critical stakeholders.
Speaking during the opening session in Akinyele local government, the Gender Officer of the Oyo State L-PRES Project, Mrs. Bolanle Olorode, described the stakeholders’ engagement as a key safeguard requirement under the World Bank-funded project.
She explained that the World Bank loan-funded Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project is designed to improve livestock productivity and resilience in Nigeria, with Oyo State among the benefiting states.
According to her, the sensitisation is aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders understand issues relating to gender-based violence and are equipped to prevent cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment throughout the implementation of the project.
She noted that the project covers major livestock value chains, including cattle, dairy, poultry, sheep and goats, as well as pig production, adding that interventions would be tailored to the areas where each value chain operates across the state.
Olorode stressed that although gender-based violence can affect both men and women, women often remain more vulnerable, making it necessary to prioritise their protection while ensuring equal opportunities for everyone involved in the project.
She said the engagement of traditional rulers, security agencies, livestock association leaders, healthcare providers, legal professionals and local government officials was essential to addressing cultural, legal and social issues associated with gender-based violence and safeguarding.
She further disclosed that after Akinyele and Oorelope LGAs, the sensitisation exercise would continue across other local government areas in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and other parts of Oyo State.
Reacting to the programme, the wife of the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Funmilola Akinleye, represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Fagbade Bukola, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
She said awareness programme of such nature help bridge information gaps within communities, adding that participants would serve as ambassadors by sharing the knowledge acquired with others in their respective communities.
Mrs. Bukola noted that the office of the local government chairperson regularly supports campaigns against gender-based violence in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Oyo State Governor through rallies, advocacy campaigns and community enlightenment.
She reiterated the need to protect the rights of girls, discourage female genital mutilation, promote equal educational opportunities for girls and boys, and encourage children, especially girls, to speak up whenever they experience abuse.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Akinyele Local Government Chapter, Comrade Ayoola Abdul Salam, expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government and the World Bank for supporting livestock farmers through the L-PRES Project.
He said the sensitisation would help prevent gender-related abuses capable of hindering the success of the project and promote a safer environment for farmers and other beneficiaries.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Sheep and Goat Farmers Association in Akinyele Local Government and Public Relations Officer of AFAN in the council, Prince Olasupo M. Adekunle, lauded the organisers for bringing the programme to the grassroots.
He expressed optimism that the awareness campaign would contribute significantly to the success of the project while promoting peace, inclusion and sustainable development within the livestock sector.
...For the latest news update, Subscribe to our Whatsapp Channel (Click Here) and join our Telegram Update Group (Click Here)
You can also advertise your Product and Services on our page for more patronage
Contact us today by sending your Stories, Articles, Events, and Eyewitness Reports for publications as well as products and services for advertisement to westerndailies2018@gmail.com or WhatsApp (+2348058448531) for more information
