OZORO/Nigeria: Stakeholders, civil society groups and community leaders on Wednesday took to the streets of Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State in a peaceful procession against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), calling on men to use their influence and leadership to protect women and promote gender equality.
The campaign, which attracted support from traditional institutions, government officials, security agencies and students, was organised by The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ) in collaboration with Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development (NDWPD) and the Male Feminist Network (MFN), with support from ActionAid, Renewed Women Voice and Centre LSD.
Speaking during the procession, the Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network, Ambassador Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, said quality men have a responsibility to protect women and ensure that their voices are heard in society.
He stressed that masculinity should be deployed in promoting justice, dignity and respect for women and vulnerable groups rather than perpetuating discrimination and violence.
According to him, the campaign was part of efforts to mobilise communities and stakeholders to speak with one voice against all forms of violence and abuse.
“We are here to join other well-meaning Deltans in sending a clear message that violence in any form is unacceptable. Our traditions, religions and cultural festivals should unite us and not become instruments for division, oppression or violence,” Egedegbe said.
He reminded participants that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, domesticated in Delta State in 2020, remains a legal framework for protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
The activist noted that sexual, domestic, economic, social and verbal violence have all been criminalised under the law, emphasizing that cultural, traditional or religious practices cannot override the provisions of the legislation.
Receiving the campaigners at the palace, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, represented by Queen Ofejiro Elo Ogbogbo, commended the organisers for bringing the advocacy to the kingdom.
The Queen described Ozoro as a peaceful community that values and respects women, assuring the groups of the palace’s support for initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
“As a Queen Mother, I strongly believe in the protection of women and girls. We must continue to promote gender equality and reject practices that threaten their dignity, safety and livelihoods,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Deacon Godwin Ogorugba, applauded the organisers for championing what he described as a noble and timely cause.
He thanked participants for dedicating their time to the awareness campaign and reiterated the need to sustain advocacy efforts aimed at reducing incidents of gender-based violence across communities.
Ogorugba also stressed the importance of promoting decent dressing among women and girls, noting that it encourages dignity and respect within society. He added that his administration discourages indecent dressing within the council environment as part of efforts to promote moral values.
The procession, which moved through major parts of Ozoro, was accompanied by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Also participating were officials of the Gender Studies Directorate, students of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, representatives of civil society organisations and other community stakeholders who joined the call for a society free from violence, abuse and discrimination.
The event culminated in renewed appeals for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and vulnerable persons, as participants urged residents to speak out against abuse and support efforts aimed at building safer and more inclusive communities.
