Femi Makinde, Ado-Ekiti

Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, has raised the alarm over the high rate of minors' rape in the state.



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She said this at a news conference in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

She appealed to residents of the state to be vigilant due to the growing cases of minors' rape in the state.

A policeman was arrested last week for raping a 12-year-old orphan. Fayemi said her intervention led to the arrest of the policeman.

Also, a 37-year-old man is now with the police in the state for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.

The governor's wife said the Child Rights Act would assist her and others to protect the rights of children in the state.

She said, "This (rape cases) angers me and I am sure it must anger all of you who are fathers, mothers and others.

"There is a worrying increase in the cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and violence against girls in schools. The Ekiti Development Foundation will promote zero tolerance of all forms of abuse and exploitation of young girls."

Fayemi, while announcing the establishment of the EDF, said the initiative would focus on economic empowerment, healthcare and education.

The governor's wife noted that the foundation would also provide technical assistance and support to the Ekiti State Government in the area of programmes related to women empowerment and gender equality as outlined in the state government's eight-point agenda.

She said the EDF would also focus on supporting initiatives which could empower women and youth in the state, while providing revolving loans for women.

According to her, the foundation which will be run as a non-governmental organisation, will source funds from donor agencies, both local and foreign, private individuals and the government.

She said measures would be taken to ensure that the project outlasts her husband's administration.