By Aisha Audu
A coalition of Non Governmental Associations (NGOs), the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), embarked on an Awareness Walk as part of the activities to mark the 2025, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign, which concluded on December 10, 2025, was intended to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and as a demonstration of solidarity in the state.
The awareness walk began at Ganaja Junction and terminated at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
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Speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Acharu Okpanachi, explained that GBV was not merely an issue for women but one that concerns the society.
She described it as a family, community, economic, moral and developmental problem that harms children physically and emotionally and can permanently alter their life trajectories.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, she emphasised that when women, girls or persons with disabilities experience violence, the whole family suffers, and the productivity and peace of entire communities are undermined.
Hon. Okpanachi warmed that abused children threaten the future of society and that normalising silence turns injustice into a cultural norm.
She pledged the Ministry’s support and promised to collaborate with all stakeholders to end violence against women and girls in Kogi State.
The commissioner also urged mothers to be vigilant guardians of their children’s safety.
On her part, the team leader of this year’s 16 Days of Activism, Barrister Lilian Okolo, outlined the severe challenges faced by GBV survivors.
She urged the government to partner more closely with NGOs and CSOs to tackle the menace and to ensure that effective support mechanisms are put in place.
Contributing, the Executive Director of Recef Muraina, Idris Ozovehe, affirmed that the 2025 campaign was a joint effort of NGOs and CSOs, centred on the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
He reported that these organisations were working to keep sexual‑assault centres operational so that survivors receive timely assistance.
Ozovehe also appealed to the Commissioner for Women Affairs to increase efforts to establish and maintain such centres throughout Kogi State.
Also, the State Coordinator, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Barrister Joy Akinola, noted that this year’s activism stood out because of the strong collaboration between government bodies and civil‑society partners.
She then called for greater investment in infrastructure such as safe shelters and counselling in facilities to help survivors recover from trauma and to encourage more victims to come forward.
