Kwara’s first lady urged united action against gender-based violence
Kwara’s first lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for united and sustained action against gender-based violence.
Mrs AbdulRazaq said that no religion or culture justifies abuse, oppression, or harmful practices.
Mrs AbdulRazaq made the call at a town hall and community advocacy meeting for traditional, religious and community stakeholders on Tuesday in Ilorin.
The Kwara first lady urged communities, government agencies and civil society groups to collaborate in promoting dignity, justice, compassion and respect for human life.
Mrs AbdulRazaq promised structural support and safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence.
“Gender-based violence is not only a violation of rights; it is a barrier to development, peace and social cohesion. Yet, beyond physical acts of violence, we must confront the harmful social norms that enable it — norms that excuse abuse, silence survivors, normalise inequality and teach our children that violence is acceptable or private.
“I commend the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for its consistent leadership in championing the protection, dignity and well-being of women, children and vulnerable persons across the country. I also extend sincere gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its partnership, technical support and commitment to social justice, equity and community-driven change,” Mrs AbdulRazaq said.
The commissioner for women affairs, Oluwakemi Afolashade, outlined the state government’s interventions, including emergency response centres, confidential reporting channels, and survivor support systems, designed to guarantee safety and dignity.
Mrs Afolashade added that more than 1,000 traditional rulers across the state had been trained to enhance community-level prevention and response.
Mrs Afolashade described the engagement as a call to action, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and ensure that survivors are referred to appropriate authorities without fear or stigma.
She gave the hotline numbers 09035509221 and 08069710318, urging residents to contact the Ministry of Women Affairs whenever there are cases of domestic or sexual violence, abuse, neglect, among others.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 2
Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach
Nagelsmann resigned last week as the men’s national team coach following Germany’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Health
FG expands cancer funding, local drug production
“We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.
Heading 3
Remi Tinubu begs Asake, Davido, Burna Boy to come rescue poor Nigerians from hunger
The first lady stated that buying exotic cars is good, but noted that the singers can still establish foundations to assist the struggling population.
Heading 5
State police may be misused for political victimisation if systemic corruption persists, Anglican bishop says
“If corruption remains prevalent, those in state authority might use the structure to victimise their perceived enemies,” he said.
Heading 2
Lagos urges residents to take ownership of housing estates, maintain infrastructure
The state government noted that taking such responsibility would also enhance security and sustain property value.
States
Gov. Uzodimma urges Imo youths to embrace skills development
He charged the youths to be positive change makers.
