By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY WEST, LAGOS – The Akoko community, in Badagry, in collaboration with global NGO ActionAid Nigeria and the Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), has launched a pioneering people-centred movement to eradicate violence against women and girls.
The event, held on 29TH DECEMBER, 2025 at Union Hall, Enuko, Akoko, Badagry West LCDA, Lagos State, Nigeria. Marks a strategic shift from top-down interventions to sustainable, grassroots ownership of the fight for gender justice.
The event, strategically aligned with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, brought together community leaders, residents, and institutional stakeholders with a unified mission: to end all forms of violence within Badagry Local Government.
Mr. Kehinde Kehinde, a key project facilitator, framed the initiative’s core philosophy, challenging the audience to move beyond waiting for external saviors. "Do we necessarily have to wait for the government or an NGO to bring interventions to our table before we ease the havoc of this gender-based violence? The consequences are borne by our women and children," he asserted, highlighting the urgent need for local agency in addressing a local crisis.
In a decisive move to institutionalize this commitment, the assembly witnessed the coronation of a seven-person Community Ambassador Team. Selected by leaders from the project communities of Akoko, Tafi, Ojogun, Pashi, Wesere, Aivoji, and Iragbo, these ambassadors are tasked with forming a common, powerful voice against GBV.
Their mandate includes deliberating on community-specific issues, planning advocacy visits to religious centers and local groups, and building consensus on actions to tackle violence, ensuring the movement is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the participating communities.
Community leadership offered strong endorsements. Chief Akinyanmi Afolabi, the Baale of Akoko, expressed profound appreciation for ActionAid’s developmental work. "I appreciate ActionAid for the work they've been doing in Akoko... I want all residents to take all they've been taught seriously, to make use of it, and have love," he urged, calling for unity and the application of new knowledge to foster community development without conflict.
The initiative received robust institutional backing from the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Mr. Kolawole, representing the Agency, emphasized the devastating, multi-dimensional impact of GBV. "It's a life-threatening issue... psychologically, emotionally, socially. The impact is devastating," he stated, affirming that the scourge affects all demographics. He commended the NGOs for their vanguard role, expressing belief that such community-focused partnerships are vital for building a peaceful Nigeria.
Mrs. Josephine Fideyon, wife of the Akoko Ward Councillor, highlighted the program’s practical impact on household harmony. "This programme has taught us how husband and wife will relate in the house. I plead with all women here to remain peaceful in their homes," she said.