The much talked about Celebrity Walk Against Rape took place on Friday 16th April, 2010.The walk which was put together by Rubis Ink in partnership with Acada Magazine saw many Nigerian celebrities trooping to the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church ground which served as the convergence point as early as 7.00am. The celebrities later took off around 9.00am and walked to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation where they were received by the honourable commissioner, Mrs. Joke Adefulire.
The convener of the walk, Esther Ijewere later gave a speech titled, “RAPE: Its effects, consequences and the role of Government”.
In her response, the honourable commissioner promised to take the fight to end rape in our society and also violence against women more seriously and see that perpetrators of this shameful act were prosecuted and handed necessary punishments.
According to the Project Coordinator, Esther Ijewere, “Our aim is to help in encouraging victims to speak out and reduce the stigmatization attached to the victims of sexual abuse and Rape as well as use “Walk Against Rape” as a platform to inform the society about the soaring scourge of sexual abuse especially as it relates to young girls and women in general”.
Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, promised that the office of the Public Defender will henceforth take up rape cases free of charge.
The Lagos State Police PRO, Mr. Emeka Mba who also threw his weight behind W.A.R. also pledges strict punishments for offenders.
Among celebrities that took part in the walk are Ofunneka, Toni Payne, Bhaira Mcwizu, Uchey Udor, Omobaba, Ego Ogbaro, Lolade Facof, Saheed Mohammed, W4, Beanpole, Zara, Steel, amongst many others.
Also lending their support for the cause are top media practitioners like Azuka Ogujuiba, Wale Ademokoya, Kemi Akinyemi, Dayo Ephraim, MC Ice Water, etc.
The event was largely supported by Milo, Mediacon and the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Celebrities trooped out to walk against rape
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