Ilorin Feb. 11, 2026(NAN) The Wife of the Kwara Governor, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has urged spouses of local government chairmen in the state to take active roles in the fight against and prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
AbdulRazaq made the call at a capacity-building programme for wives of local government chairmen, held on Wednesday in Ilorin.
She described the council chairmen’s spouses as critical agents of change at the grassroots, urging them to ensure the elimination of GBV in their communities.
AbdulRazaq also commiserated with the people of Kaiama Local Government Area of the state over the terrorist attack that left many dead.
She emphasised that social change begins at the community level, noting that harmful social norms such as victim-blaming, early and forced marriage, and rigid gender roles must be challenged.
“Gender-Based Violence is not only a violation of rights; it is a barrier to development, peace, and social cohesion.
“This training equips you with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to engage communities constructively and support survivors with empathy.
“It will also help you promote positive values that uphold respect, equality, and non-violence,” she said.
A sexual and gender-based violence expert, Dr Christy Abayomi, said the training was designed to strengthen community response, documentation, and referral mechanisms.
According to her, one in three women globally will experience violence in her lifetime.
Abayomi noted that under-reporting remained a major challenge due to fear, stigma, and social pressure.
In a lecture titled ‘Legal and Policy Frameworks on SGBV’, Prof. Yusuf Abdul-Hamid urged community and religious leaders to promote legal awareness and accountability.
Abdul-Hamid said grassroots champions could challenge harmful norms and support girls’ education.
He said courts must tighten the interpretation of consent, recognise economic deprivation and psychological harm, and award damages to survivors.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Oluwakemi Afolashade, encouraged the participants to use their influence to change community attitudes.
Afolashade said that with unity of purpose, communities could build strong networks that not only respond to GBV cases but also prevent them through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Office of the Wife of the Governor, in collaboration with the Ajike People Support Centre, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), and the Ford Foundation. (NAN)
