Kogi CSO Calls for Action Against Gender-Based Violence

On March 6, 2026, during a press conference held in Lokoja to commemorate International Women's Day, the civil society group 16 Dai Continuum, chaired by Barrister Ajuna Lilian Okolo, called on the Kogi State government to take urgent and concrete actions to end gender-based violence and advance the rights of women and girls across the state. The group emphasized the need to move beyond promises and take decisive steps towards achieving gender equality, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Barrister Okolo highlighted the significant role women play in social and economic development, particularly in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, and public service. The group urged the government to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination and to increase funding for support services, including safe shelters and legal aid for survivors.

Roselin Alabi, a member of the group, also expressed concerns about water scarcity in Lokoja, which affects women disproportionately, and called for cultural reforms to protect women's rights.