Kwara Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence, Strengthens Response Systems

The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) as part of broader efforts to enhance women’s development and empowerment across the state.

The government said it is strengthening response mechanisms, supporting survivors, intensifying public awareness campaigns, and working with stakeholders to ensure the enforcement of relevant laws.

This renewed commitment was announced on Tuesday in a statement by Iyanu Lawal, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Afolashade, explained that this year’s theme, “Accelerated Action: Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities,” highlights the urgent need to advance women’s rights and inclusion in all sectors.

“Women development and empowerment is not just a gender issue but a development priority that requires immediate and collective action,” she said.

She noted that global evidence consistently shows that empowering women leads to stronger economies, stable families, inclusive governance, and thriving communities.

“When women are empowered, communities prosper, economies grow stronger, families become more stable, and governance becomes more responsive,” Afolashade added.

The Commissioner reiterated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s dedication to ending all forms of GBV, adding that the state has reviewed its Action Plan on the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation and inaugurated a State Technical Working Group on GBV in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund.

She also disclosed that the government has paid counterpart funding for the Nigeria for Women Programme-Scale Up Project and continues to support women economically through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme.

Afolashade commended the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, for her sustained support for women through skills acquisition programmes, start-up grants, and the establishment of the Ajike People’s Support Centre.

Stakeholders at the event praised the government’s efforts. The Emir of Shonga, represented by Hon. Umar Shaba, described women as key drivers of economic growth when adequately empowered.

Similarly, the Olojoku of Ojoku, represented by Sir Ayodele Sijuwole, urged women to support one another in achieving their goals, while the Alangua Adewole, Alhaji Yusuf Yakubu, emphasised that empowering women is essential to nation-building.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of Save The Future of Children Initiative, Mr Olufemi Oyedeji, commended the state government for promoting inclusive governance and called for sustained efforts to protect women and children across Kwara State.