Ayodele Olalere
Sylvester Oromoni’s death has been described as ‘a slap’ on the educational system in Lagos State and the society in general.
While lamenting the negative image the death of the 12-year old Dowen College student had brought on the state government, First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, said the state was saddened at the ugly incident, and condoled with the parents of the deceased.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu spoke while addressing students of Dolphin Senior and Junior High School during campaign against sexual and gender violence.
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It’s recalled that Sylvester was allegedly bullied by four of his schoolmates who allegedly tried to force him into joining cultism. He was allegedly forced by the bullies to drink poisonous liquid. The government has commenced investigation into the incident and ordered the school to be shutdown.
The emotional First Lady advocated for subjects on gender violence to be taught in schools and how to stop it.
According to her, the Sensitisation Against Gender Based Violence began on November 5 and would end on December 16. She told the students to always let their NO be NO, adding they should speak out when being sexually and physically abused.
“The programme is being championed all over the world which is to end violence now. It’s being championed by the Nigeria’s Governors Forum and private individuals to ensure there is zero tolerance to violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular.
For the office of the First Lady, we decided the way we want to go about it is to do community sensitisation at the grassroots level. We realised it’s good to go to schools to catch them young so that they have a correct mindset and be informed about what the law says about vices in Lagos State,” she said.
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She added: ‘ Lagos is noted for zero tolerance to gender based violence. My position is to be the voice for the voiceless and victims of gender based violence.
On Dowen College’s incident, the First Lady added the state government has been preaching and campaigning against gender violence and expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation.