Gender Based violence Experts have emphasised the need for strong leadership and collaborative efforts among key stakeholders to effectively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in the society.

This perspective was shared during an awareness programme, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in partnership with Wural Integrated Services Limited aimed to address the prevalent occurrences of GBV in the society. The event, had in attendance, grassroots politicians, Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors and Department Heads, took place at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, underscored the significance of the sensitisation initiative, stressing its role in alerting relevant authorities to the pervasive issue of GBV, particularly at the grassroots level.

Hamzat, highlighted the event's theme: ‘Effective Leadership and Community Protection: Strengthening Local Government Responses to Gender-Based Violence’, as crucial for fostering peaceful homes, communities and a harmonious society at large.

He noted that gender-based violence could occur between men and women in either direction, emphasising that the theme was essential for addressing gender-related crises, as no one deserved to be violated.

In her goodwill message, Chairman of Odeda Local Government and Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Folashade Adeyemo, reminded participants of existing laws against GBV. She called for intensified campaigns and encouraged the reporting of abuse cases to Authorities in order to support victims.

Dr. Adeyemo, also highlighted that GBV was not confined to the female gender alone, acknowledging that men could also be victims, often suffering in silence due to fear of shame.

In his keynote address, Principal Consultant at Wural Integrated Services, Mr. Olusoga Otelaja, emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) could affect both men and women, highlighted that it was a pressing local emergency that required collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, stressing that GBV had the potential to destroy homes and hinder grassroots development.

Resource experts Dr. Adebusola Okedele and Mr. Teliat Obafemi, reported that as of December 2025, Ogun State recorded 502 cases of GBV. They explained that GBV could manifest in various forms including; economic, physical, sexual, emotional/psychological and digital abuse, while its consequences included; trauma, injury, fear, loss of self-worth, distraction and depression, that could affect both children and adults.

The speakers stressed the importance of leadership in combating GBV through influence, action and modelling. They advocated for continuous awareness campaigns, prompt reporting of cases to relevant authorities, dissemination of information on existing legislations that address GBV and strict enforcement as effective measures to address the menace.

They called for a concerted effort from political leaders, religious organisations, journalists, market women, police, clerics and other stakeholders to work collaboratively and develop mechanisms to combat gender violence at the grassroots level.

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi; Permanent Secretary of Local Government Service Commission, Engr. Olanike Ogunbona; Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Babatunde Emilola-Gazal.