Abuja: Mr. Samuel Ola, an educationist and member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), has called for joint action by individuals, communities, institutions, and government agencies to combat rape. Ola emphasized that sexual satisfaction or emotional pleasure should never be obtained through force.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ola made the call during an interview, highlighting that rape remains a major societal menace despite ongoing awareness campaigns. He stressed that the physical and emotional impact on survivors can be long-lasting and deeply traumatic.
Ola pointed out that many perpetrators disregard the health risks associated with rape, including sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HIV, and AIDS, which compound the harm suffered by survivors.
He further explained that survivors often face trauma, stigma, shame, and loss of self-esteem, which can affect their mental health and social well-being for the rest of their lives. To address these issues, Ola urged collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and community groups to enhance prevention efforts and provide comprehensive support for rape survivors across Nigeria.
Identifying the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN) as crucial partners, Ola called for a coordinated effort to curb rape nationwide. He emphasized the importance of education and awareness about consent, healthy relationships, and debunking rape myths, urging individuals to respect boundaries and intervene safely when necessary.
Ola advised communities to foster a culture of consent, support survivors, and actively participate in awareness campaigns. He also highlighted the role of institutions in implementing policies, training, and creating safe environments.
Additionally, Ola urged governments to enact and enforce relevant laws, fund awareness campaigns, and support research and data collection to strengthen strategies for rape prevention. He appealed to all Nigerians to unite in the fight against rape, stressing that preventing it requires a sustained, collective effort from all sectors of society.