The Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has strongly condemned the rising menace of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kwara State, emphasizing that it goes against cultural and religious values of compassion, justice, and protection of the vulnerable.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), the Emir 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.”
The event, themed “Mobilising Stakeholders for Action Against GBV in Kwara,” brought together stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials, media representatives, religious and community leaders, security agencies, and civil society actors.
The Emir encouraged fellow traditional rulers to join him in championing the fight against GBV, emphasizing that collective effort is required to prevent violence, support survivors, and promote lasting change. He also launched some resource documents on GBV, including a Factsheet, Issue Brief, and the GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit, developed by BBYDI.
The GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit provides comprehensive strategies for preventing violence, supporting survivors, and fostering lasting societal change. Sulu-Gambari described the toolkit as a timely and vital resource for traditional rulers and other leaders to lead the fight against GBV.
The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling GBV through policy enforcement, legal action, and community-driven initiatives. He commended BBYDI for its advocacy efforts against GBV in Kwara and for working towards creating a safer and more inclusive society.