FCTA WAS FLAGS OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM WITH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
By: Martha Yusuf Shibayan
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with UN Women, has flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with Community engagement in Gwagwalada Area Council.
The event was held at the palace of the Aguma of Gwagwalada on November 25th.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary, Honourable Dr Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, emphasized that the campaign is deeply rooted in community engagement, cultural respect, and traditional leadership collaboration.
According to her, the intervention was inspired by the directive of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she described as a strong advocate against maternal and infant mortality, as well as gender-based violence.
“Three years ago, Her Excellency told me she did not want a cosmetic campaign. She wanted this message taken directly to the people at the community level,” she stated
She stated that the 16 Days of Activism, which runs from November 26 to December 10, aligns with global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.
This year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the urgent need to protect women and girls from abuse in both online and offline spaces. She added that FCT has become a model for community engagement in GBV prevention through its partnership with royal fathers and royal mothers.
“Where you have fathers, you will go far. Fathers are like feathers; with them, you will fly,” she said while greeting members of the traditional institutions.
Banjamins-Laniyi also stressed the importance of training both male and female children on good conduct, noting that preventing GBV starts with early education and moral upbringing.
The Mandate Secretary commended UN Women for their continuous support and described them as “super women who make other women super wherever they go.”
In her remarks, the UN Women Country Director, Beatrice Young, who was represented by Amb. Ojineme Enakeme praised the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat for its leadership and innovative grassroots approach to tackling gender-based violence.
“We are proud of the Secretariat’s work. We have seen not just advocacy, but sustainable structures being built here in the FCT. Their engagement at the community level is becoming a national template,” she said.
She also acknowledged the wives of traditional rulers for strengthening community mobilization and synergy.
The Aguma of Gwagwalada, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Magaji, who was represented by the Waziri of Gwagwalada, Alh Bala Madaki, described gender-based violence as a societal disease that can be cured through wisdom and collective action.
“God Almighty has given humans wisdom to solve problems, not to wait for miracles. His Royal Highness has opened his palace to anyone seeking guidance or assistance. His doors remain open,” the Wasiri said.
He urged mothers to provide proper sexual education to their daughters to prevent them from falling victim to abuse.
The Royal Mother, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Magaji, also delivered a strong message on the importance of protecting the girl child.
“When you give birth to a girl child, you have given birth to a nation. Every girl represents a whole nation,” she declared.
She called on communities to move beyond mere discussions and take actionable steps against GBV, adding:
“We must not gather here and forget afterward. Everyone here is now a messenger. If you see something, say something.”
Abuja Digest reports that the event served as a symbolic and practical kick-off of the 2025 activism campaign, focusing on eliminating digital and offline violence against all women and girls, in line with this year’s global theme.
