By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Stakeholders in Kogi State have intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices, using art, culture and advocacy to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The event, held in Lokoja, brought together government officials, civil society groups and community leaders under the global theme, “Rights, Action, Justice for All Women and Girls.”
A key highlight of the gathering was Project Ebulejonu, an initiative led by the Protect the Child Foundation (PTCF) with support from the French Embassy Fund.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PTCF, Barrister Elizabeth Achimugu, said the programme went beyond celebration, serving as a platform to amplify voices, showcase impact and reinforce commitment to ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
She noted that culture remains a powerful tool for driving social change, adding that the initiative simplifies critical legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Law, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Disability Law to improve access to justice for citizens.
Achimugu said the project is focused on building an inclusive society where the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities are protected.
According to her, economic empowerment is a central component of the initiative, with at least 92 women and adolescent girls trained in vocational skills including tailoring, catering, cosmetology and cinematography.
“Today, the results speak for themselves. About 86.7 per cent of beneficiaries are actively using these skills to generate income, while 68 per cent report significant increases in earnings,” she said.
Participants at the event described the programme as transformative, noting that it has enabled many women to achieve financial independence and contribute to their households.
Also speaking, Dr. Atule Stanley, Director of Gender-Based Violence at the Kogi State Ministry of Justice Directorate, highlighted the impact of school-based interventions.
He said the Directorate, in collaboration with the Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH), has carried out sensitisation campaigns in schools and established Anti-GBV Clubs in selected institutions.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to curb gender-based violence in Kogi State and promote awareness, prevention and access to justice for victims.
