By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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Ondo State House of Assembly has urged religious leaders to put in more effort at preaching peace and unity to ensure peaceful co-existence and development of the State.

The House also assured of legislative support at ensuring that all forms of Gender Based Violence, (GBV) are put at bay.

The House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, led by its Chairman, Princess Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu stated this when she led other members of the committee on a visit to the State Christian, Muslim Welfare Boards and the Agency Against Gender Based Violence in Akure.

Olawumi who commended the Management of the Board and Agency for demonstrating good leadership, urged them not to relent in achieving the set goal.

The Committee assured of approaching the executive to ensure government sponsor people on holy pilgrimage and for the Agencies to be more empowered to function effectively.

Members who noted that the job of OSAA-GBV is enormous and important, encouraged the Management to continue to be proactive.

The Committee stressed the need for the Agency to partner with more medical centers in rural areas to save victims, provide more preventive measures to put the menace at bay and ensure more sensitisation programme.

 Earlier, the Chairman, Christian Welfare Board, Very Rev. Raphael Agboola who reeled out their activities and challenges, affirmed that about 35 pilgrims went to holy land this year on self sponsorship.

“He sought for the support of the Committee to get more fund in the budget.He equally said preparation for the 2023 November pilgrimage is ongoing while the monthly prayer and fasting programme has been constant.

Also at the Muslim Welfare Board, the Chairman, Alhaji Zikirulahi Chandy informed that the board needs adequate funding to run programmes, supports and smooth Hajjs.

 He also stated that the present government has laid a solid foundation for inter- religious relationship in the State, and craved for the support of members to be more effective.

Also at OSAA-GBV,the Secretary of the Agency, Mrs Bolanle Afolabi explained how they have been operating since establishment in January 2022 through various interventions ranging from law enforcement,justice, medical, shelter and other social services for victims and survivors of  gender based violence in the State. She however sought for support of the committee in getting adequate funding to be more effective.