Ekiti Okada Riders’ Chairman Pledges 3,000 Male Advocates to Combat Gender-Based Violence

In a move to promote gender equality and a violence-free society, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association in Ekiti State, Comrade Kunle Asaolu, has pledged to mobilize 3,000 men as advocates against gender-based violence (GBV).

Asaolu made the commitment during his inauguration as an Ambassador of the Male Feminist Network (MFN) at a two-day sensitization program organized by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in collaboration with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

He stated that the initiative aims to “raise the bar of gender equality” by promoting empathy, respect, and justice. “I will produce not less than 3,000 Male Feminist Network advocates who would be at the vanguard of justice for women in Ekiti state,” Asaolu affirmed.

The program, designed to actively engage men in preventing domestic violence and abuse against women and girls, operates through trade unions and artisan groups across the state.

Mr. Segun Ojo, Southwest Programme Officer of the MFN, explained that the network not only sensitizes members but also builds their capacity to combat GBV, calling it a “step-down strategy to create safe spaces.”

A representative of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Adeniyi Bisola Helen, emphasized that gender equality complements rather than threatens the role of men, noting that both genders can be victims of GBV.

The State Programme Officer of NISD, Mrs. Racheal Ome Olori, said Asaolu’s dedication to the cause led to his selection as an ambassador, expressing hope that his position would encourage wider participation.

The event also included interactive sessions, health talks, and free medical tests for attendees.