By Ahmed ‘Lateef
The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has said that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is undermining dignity, security and well being of victims, families and communities as a whole.
Sulu-Gambari stated this on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting a nongovernmental organization, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), convened in Ilorin, the state capital.
The stakeholders’ meeting was organized to harvest ideas to help combat GBV in the state.
Themed, “Mobilising Stakeholders for Action Against GBV in Kwara,” the event attracted stakeholders such as traditional rulers, government officials, the media, religious and community leaders, security agencies and civil society actors.
It featured the unveiling of some resource documents on GBV, including a Factsheet, Issue Brief, and the GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit, at the instance of BBYDI.
The Emir of Ilorin, at the meeting, condemned the rising menace of GBV, declaring that it “goes against our core cultural and religious values of compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable”.
Acknowledging the significant role that leaders play in shaping societal norms and values, Sulu-Gambari encouraged fellow traditional rulers to join him in championing the fight against GBV.
He said that collective effort is required to prevent violence, support survivors, and promote lasting change.
The monarch said, “Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive challenge that undermines the dignity, security, and well-being of countless individuals. As leaders and custodians of tradition, we have a profound responsibility to ensure that our communities become havens of peace, respect, and equality.”
Sulu-Gambari described the toolkit as a timely and vital resource for traditional rulers and other leaders to lead the fight against GBV, noting that he was particularly encouraged that the document places emphasis on partnership and community engagement.
He stressed that ending GBV requires collaboration between traditional rulers, government agencies, and civil society organisations to challenge harmful norms and empower both women and men to be part of the solution.
“This toolkit is a call to action. I encourage every traditional ruler to embrace the guidance it provides, to adapt it to their unique contexts, and to commit to a future where violence has no place in our homes, our streets or our hearts.
“Let us honour the sacred trust placed in us as leaders and create a legacy of peace, dignity, and progress,” the Emir stated.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Community Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, who represented his principal, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling GBV through policy enforcement, legal action, and community-driven initiatives.
He noted that GBV was not only a criminal offence but also a deep-rooted societal problem that requires collective action from government, traditional leaders, and civil society.
Olohungbebe commended BBYDI for its advocacy efforts against GBV in Kwara and working towards creating a safer and more inclusive society.
The BBYDI’s Global Director, Abideen Olasupo, explained that the GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit provides comprehensive strategies for preventing violence, supporting survivors, and fostering lasting societal change.
