BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, has called on the Christian community to rise as a moral force against the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
She made this appeal during an advocacy visit to the state headquarters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Asaba, as part of an ongoing campaign to mobilise key institutions in partnership with UN Women.
Addressing CAN executives, Hon. Ajudua revealed that the visit was not just ceremonial but a strategic move to galvanise the influential voices of spiritual leaders towards the collective fight against violence targeting women and girls.
“This moment demands a united response from every voice of truth and conscience in our land. Religious leaders are not only guardians of faith but also defenders of moral order. Violence against women and girls is not just a societal evil, it is a sin against humanity and a betrayal of our spiritual values,” she remarked
The commissioner outlined key areas where churches and religious leaders can lead the charge: preaching against abuse, challenging harmful traditional norms, creating safe spaces for survivors, raising awareness within congregations, promoting girl-child education and women’s empowerment, and partnering with government and civil society to uphold justice.
She revealed that the state, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, is rolling out a comprehensive Action Plan on GBV, informed by survivor experiences and grassroots data. The plan includes the establishment of a Situation Room to feed data into the National GBV Dashboard, operationalisation of three Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), and enforcement of domesticated laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Law.
“Delta is also engaging male champions through the HeForShe initiative, but these efforts can only succeed with the support of the Church,” Ajudua added.
Responding, the Delta State CAN Chairman, Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, affirmed the church’s readiness to partner with the government in the fight.
“CAN in Delta is structured down to the ward level. We are already addressing GBV issues, but this visit has given renewed energy to the cause. Our churches have always condemned abuse, prostitution, and child neglect, and we will amplify those messages,” he said.
Rev. Osagbakhoe also highlighted the need to confront cultural and parental barriers and support vulnerable groups, including persons with special needs.
