Worried over the rising incidents of rape, particularly child sexual abuse in Nigeria, Solidstar, a Nigerian music act, has joined the fight to stop rape by launching his Solidstar Rape Campaign with particular interest in schools. While condemning the high rate of rape cases in Nigeria, Solidstar revealed that he wants to join the galaxy of stars and celebrities who use their power and status to fight the people’s cause and rights. “I want to use my fame and fortune to put the needs of others before mine and right the wrongs of our society, especially the rising trend of rape. That’s what gave birth to this anti-rape initiative, Solidstar Rape Campaign.”
In partnership with his music label, Achievas Music, the Solidstar Rape Campaign has already put things in place to start visiting schools all over Nigeria with a view to creating awareness on rape amid distributing free books on rape to students. The Solidstar Rape Campaign is more like an educational project and a charity project from the stable of Achievas Music. This anti-rape project is targeted at pupils in private and government-owned schools, including tertiary institutions. They intend to raise awareness about rape and sexual abuse by offering awareness, raising talks and workshops in schools. They will also distribute free educative books and materials on rape awareness. Notable among the books Solidstar will freely distribute to schools is the highly publicised and talk-of-the-town guidebook on rape, Breaking the Silence.
With the foreword written by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Breaking the Silence has also been endorsed by Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State. According to the author, Esther Ijewere-Kalejaye, “The handbook will educate and sensitize the society on sexual abuse, the importance of reporting rape cases, where to get help, who to talk to, help lines to call and other vital information on rape and sexual abuse. The book is a ‘must have’ for everyone; parents, guardians, teachers, students (secondary schools and tertiary institutions). I welcome this great initiative by Solidstar.” Solidstar is a Nigerian hip hop, R&B, dancehall, afro-pop singer, producer and songwriter. He sings in English, Pidgin English and other Nigerian languages. He achieved national fame on the basis of his hit single, One in a Million, featuring superstar, 2Face. Born Joshua Iniyezo, on November 8, 1988, he hails from the Isoko minority ethnic group in Delta State. He was born and bred in Ajegunle, but at present, resides in Festac Town, Lagos. He started singing and playing instruments such as drums at the age of eight in his church choir and took to singing professionally in 2004. He attended Goriola Primary and Oshodi Secondary School, Tolu Complex, Olodi Apapa, for both his primary and secondary school education. He is looking forward to furthering his education.