Follow Us on Google
By Chukwuma Umeorah
Stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence have identified weak institutions and poor coordination among agencies as major obstacles to protecting children from sexual abuse, calling for stronger institutional structures, adequate funding and improved public reporting of suspected cases.
They made the call at the Lagos premiere of A Tray of Locust Beans, a short film produced by Lufodo Productions in collaboration with Kinsman Studios, which examines child sexual abuse, institutional responsibility and the importance of timely intervention.
The premiere which held in Lagos featured a panel discussion involving gender advocate and former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi; veteran actress and Executive Producer of the film, Joke Silva; the film’s director, Orobosa Ikponmwen; lawyer and gender-based violence advocate, Barrister Rita Ilevbare; and Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.
Speaking during the discussion, Vivour-Adeniyi said although Lagos State had established laws, policies and institutions to address domestic and sexual violence, weak coordination among the agencies continued to undermine effective responses.
“We have the laws, we have policies, and we have institutions. But I think what is lacking is we need to strengthen those institutions,” she said.
She listed the existing child protection framework to include Family Support Units and family courts, but stressed the need for stronger collaboration among relevant institutions.
Vivour-Adeniyi also urged members of the public to develop a culture of reporting suspected cases of abuse, noting that protecting children required collective responsibility.
She said cases of domestic and sexual violence could be reported to the Lagos State DSVA through its toll-free line, 08000-333-333.
Similarly, Ilevbare, who coordinates the Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, called on government to provide adequate funding for survivor support services, stressing that legislative provisions alone could not guarantee justice for victims.
Recounting the real-life case that inspired the film, she traced its origins to a petition in 2011 and the subsequent intervention of the then First Lady of Ekiti State. According to her, the case contributed to policy developments and the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which has since served more than 630 women.
While acknowledging the importance of legislative progress, she said functional institutions, sustained resources and access to justice were necessary to translate policies into meaningful protection for survivors.
“Policy itself does not translate to justice, but it provides a foundation that gives us the basis to work,” she said.
Other News
Fayemi, whose short story inspired the film, also called for greater individual involvement in efforts to address violence against women and girls, saying social change should not be left to government officials and policymakers alone.
“Not all of us will be a first lady. But there’s something that you can do to ensure that we break that cycle of violence and oppression,” she said.
She urged Nigerians to recognise the responsibility that came with the positions and platforms they occupied, regardless of their status in society.
For Silva, the decision to bring the story to the screen was informed by its real-life origins and the importance of showing how timely intervention could change the future of an abused child.
The film follows Mabel, a 13-year-old girl who experiences sexual abuse and an ensuing pregnancy, navigating a system that often fails children in vulnerable circumstances.
Drawing attention to Mabel’s eventual academic achievement, Silva said the intervention she received was critical to ensuring that her circumstances did not determine her future.
“She was the best graduating student. Imagine if nothing had been done,” she said.
Director Ikponmwen said the film was deliberately told from Mabel’s perspective to enable audiences to understand her experiences and appreciate the importance of taking action against abuse.
“I like stories that when you watch them, it drives action. It drives change,” she said.
She said the intention was to move audiences beyond merely watching the story towards recognising their responsibility in addressing the issues it raised.
The film, based on a short story by Fayemi and drawn from a real case handled in Ekiti State, was written by Ololade Okedare and Ayobola Eniola. It features Somachi Chilaka, Joke Silva and Korede Lawal, with Silva, Soji Jacobs and Fayemi as executive producers.
The premiere also attracted former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, while Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare, representing the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, led a state delegation and conveyed goodwill from the government and people of the state.
