By Fatima Alih
The Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with NGOs and civil society groups to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the state.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Acharu Okpanachi, made this known during an event marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Lokoja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajiya Bilkisu Raji, she announced the designation of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which would soon be fully equipped to provide comprehensive support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Team Lead of the Coalition of NGOs and CSOs in Kogi State, Lilian Okolo, highlighted the 2025 global theme, “End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” and expressed the coalition’s readiness to work closely with the state government.
She noted that increased awareness efforts have encouraged more survivors to report cases of rape, physical abuse, and other forms of GBV.
In her remarks, Coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Kogi State Branch, Mrs. Joy Oluwaseun Akinolade, described this year’s activism as unique, pointing out that over 30 organisations have joined forces to speak against digital violence affecting women and girls.
Executive Director of the Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), Ambassador Idris Muraina, appealed to the government to fully upgrade and equip the designated SARC to adequately serve survivors in need of care and protection.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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