Protect the Child Foundation (PTCF), a non-governmental group, is asking the Kogi government and religious leaders to act fast against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kogi. SGBV means hurting someone because of their sex or gender. It includes touching without permission, forced sex, beating, and treating girls or boys as less important. The group says this problem is real in Kogi and must be taken seriously.
What Happened in Lokoja
PTCF, with support from the French Embassy, held a three-day awareness and advocacy program in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi. The team was led by the group’s Executive Director, Barrister (Mrs) Elizabeth Ebulejonu Achimugu. Before going to the markets in Kogi to speak with traders and shoppers, the team met briefly with the Market Union leaders to explain the purpose of the visit. After the meeting, they moved into the market areas to speak directly with the public about SGBV.
Why PTCF Came to Kogi
Mrs Achimugu said many people in Kogi do not understand what SGBV is, and this lack of knowledge allows abuse to continue. She said SGBV happens in both city and small-town parts of Kogi. When people do not know their rights or feel afraid to speak, abusers keep hurting children and adults. Teaching people the facts is the first step to stopping abuse.
PTCF’s main work is to stop child sexual abuse. The group gives information, emergency help, legal support, and other services to protect children. It wants Kogi communities to become safe places where no one is shamed for reporting abuse.
Key Messages from the PTCF Market Visit
- Speak out: If you see or suspect SGBV in Kogi, report it.
- Do not blame survivors: People who are hurt need care, not shame.
- Protect rights: Women, children, and persons with disabilities in Kogi deserve safety.
- Learn the signs: Knowing what abuse looks like helps stop it sooner.
What Communities in Kogi Can Do Now
- Market leaders in Kogi can share SGBV information during meetings.
- Religious leaders can teach families to report abuse early.
- Parents can talk to children about safe and unsafe touches.
- Local groups can link victims to emergency and legal help from PTCF.
Working With Leaders Across Kogi
PTCF has asked traditional rulers, government officers, and faith leaders in Kogi to help change harmful customs that limit safety, dignity, and justice for girls and boys. The group says leaders can make reporting easier, support police work, and link survivors to health care. When leaders speak clearly, people listen—and change begins.
Why This Matters for Kogi’s Future
When SGBV is ignored, families suffer. Children stop school. Women lose hope. Trust breaks down. But when Kogi protects children and respects every person, farms grow, markets stay strong, and families feel safe. Ending SGBV is not just about safety—it helps development across Kogi.
Conclusion
Protect the Child Foundation’s visit to Lokoja shows that communities in Kogi are ready to talk about SGBV and stop hiding abuse. With help from government, markets, and religious leaders, Kogi can become safer for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Speaking up is the first step. Acting together is the next step.
References and Where to Learn More
For simple guides on safety, child protection, and support for survivors, visit genderpedia.ng/shop. You will find tools that community leaders in Kogi can use.
