The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari, have lent their support to the campaign against gender- based violence (GBV) in the state.
The governor and the Emir spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) to combat GBV in the state, held in Ilorin, the state capital.
Themed, ‘Mobilising Stakeholders for Action Against GBV in Kwara’, the programme brought together stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials, the media, religious and community leaders, security agencies and civil society actors.
Represented by his senior special assistant on Community Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling GBV through policy enforcement, legal action, and community-driven initiatives.
AbdulRazaq noted that GBV was not only a criminal offense but also a deep-rooted societal problem that requires collective action from government, traditional leaders, and civil society.
He commended BBYDI for its advocacy efforts against GBV in Kwara and working towards creating a safer and more inclusive society.
For his part,the Emir said that GBV “goes against our core cultural and religious values of compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable.”
The Emir, who was represented by Alh. Alheri AbdulWahab, stressed that GBV undermines the dignity, security, and wellbeing of not only the victims but also their families and communities at large.
While acknowledging the significant role that leaders play in shaping societal norms and values, the Emir encouraged fellow traditional rulers to join him in championing the fight against GBV, noting that collective effort was required to prevent violence, support survivors, and promote lasting change.
The highlights of the event included the launch of some resource documents on GBV, including a Factsheet, Issue Brief, and the GBV prevention and advocacy toolkit, developed by BBYDI.
The global director of BBYDI, Abideen Olasupo, explained that the “GBV Prevention and Advocacy toolkit provides comprehensive strategies for preventing violence, supporting survivors, and fostering lasting societal change.”
Earlier, the executive director of BBYDI, Nura Jimoh-Sanni, had said that her organisation remains committed to combating GBV, ensuring that no survivor suffers in silence, and that communities take a stand against all forms of violence.
She commended the Kwara State Traditional Council and the Council of Ulama (Islamic scholars) for embracing and supporting her organisation’s advocacy efforts to address GBV in the state.
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