Youth development ministry pledges partnership to curb GBV in Kwara

… invites Africa Rise Right Initiative to statewide CBO engagements

‎The fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kwara State received a major boost as the Ministry of Youth Development expressed its readiness to partner with Africa Rise Right Initiative (AFRRI) in tackling the menace across the state.

‎During a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Youth Development, Kwara state, Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu commended the Africa Rise Right Initiative (AFRI) innovative GBV Reporting System Project, describing it as a timely intervention that complements government efforts in creating safer communities for young people.

‎Speaking during the meeting, Ndanusa, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Kwara state, emphasised that conversations around GBV often focus on women and girls, while men and boys who also experience abuse are largely ignored due to stigma and societal disbelief. “GBV affects everyone. We cannot continue to act as if men are immune. Silence only deepens the pain,” he stated.

‎In a landmark gesture of support, Ndanusa announced that Africa Rise Right Initiative will join the Ministry in its statewide engagement visits to Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Registered Youths Associations and Uniformed Voluntary Youth Organisations (UVYOs) under the ministry’s auspices across all 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State. These visits aim to strengthen grassroots advocacy and ensure that communities have the tools to prevent and respond to GBV.

‎According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018, 31% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 11% have suffered sexual violence. Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Male victims, though fewer, face unique challenges, as most incidents go unreported due to fear of shame and lack of support systems.

‎“Our partnership with AFRI is a significant step forward. This administration, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remains committed to policies that protect vulnerable groups and promote equality for all,” Ndanusa said.

‎In their response, Jimoh Mohammed Bawa, the Co-Founder & Executive Director and Ajibare Oluwasegun Gbemileke, the Co-Founder and Chairman Board of Trustees AFRI, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for embracing collaboration and outlined the goals of the GBV Reporting System. “We developed this platform to provide safe, fast, and anonymous reporting channels for survivors and witnesses. No victim should suffer in silence, whether woman, man, or child. Together, we can make justice and rehabilitation accessible to everyone.

‎The GBV Reporting System Project is set to launch soon in Ilorin by October, attracting key stakeholders, civil society organisations, and government representatives. Africa Rise Right Initiative aims to leverage this platform to increase awareness, enhance reporting, and strengthen support for survivors of violence across Kwara State.

‎With the Ministry’s endorsement and inclusion in its CBO and UVYO outreach program, this partnership signals a new era of collaborative action against GBV in Kwara State.

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