Fisayo Akinduro Osogbo

As part of efforts to curtail gender-based violence, Osun state government has begun martial arts training for women and the girl-child in the state.
Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Mrs Bukola Olaboopo who disclosed this said the martial arts skill acquisition is open to children from the age of four and women across different ages.
She noted that the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs was working with Osun Sports Council and the National Association of Women in Sports on the project.
Olaboopo said the training would be done every weekend by talented coaches .
“It is one of the state government’s efforts at ensuring that there is a reduction of gender-based violence, especially rape.
“So, we want our women to be able to defend themselves and be less vulnerable to rape attacks.”
She added that interested participants shall only be required to obtain the enrolment form at a cost of N500 for the sake of getting them committed, while other materials and logistics required shall be provided by the government.
“Speaking on the venues of the programme, Olaboopo said that ‘it is not going to be centred in Osogbo alone. It is going to be across the state, but first, we are taking it on the basis of federal constituencies, after which we shall be extending it to local government areas as soon as we are able to get more coaches.’”