She stated that despite continuous attempts, a more inclusive and student-centered approach to the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to eradicate SGBV is acknowledged to be necessary.
She made this statement at an event honoring this year's International Human Rights Day that was sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, ActionAid, Women's Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and the Center for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.
Other speakers at the event discussed violations of human rights in Nigeria, including the pervasiveness of gender-based and sexual assault in the nation's educational institutions.
Akiyode-Afolabi stated at the event, which was planned especially to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), that "today marks a significant step towards fostering a safer, more inclusive educational environment." Change begins with discussions.The path toward ending SGBV and advancing a campus culture based on equality, respect, and empowerment will be shaped by the voices of the students.
Speaking in addition, Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, stated that the global theme of this year's International Human Rights Day is "Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All." Mamedu was speaking on behalf of Anawyat Yakubu. Mamedu called on all relevant parties to come together and protect each person's inalienable rights.
"The Declaration of Human Rights is more relevant than ever, yet the promise of equality in rights and dignity for all people remains unfulfilled in the face of numerous wars, a climate emergency, and rising living expenses. In order to combat poverty in Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria is committed to advancing human rights through programming. As we work to construct our new Country Strategy Paper, we will continue to do so, according to Mamedu.
Ayo Obe, the former president of the Civil Liberty Organization (CLO), and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, the president of Women Arise, are two Nigerians who have received recognition for their advocacy of human rights matters.
Almost a thousand students attended the event. A panel discussion on the National Gender Policy, an inter-faculty debate with a N200,000 cash award, and the Human Rights Lifetime Award presentation to renowned lawyer and Professor of Public Law and Criminology, Prof. Gbenga Akingbehin