Foster Akpore | Thursday, 21 May, 2026 | Ozoro
The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ) on Thursday led a high-level delegation to the palace of the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM (Barr) Anthony Ovietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, as part of a community engagement drive aimed at addressing sexual and gender-based violence linked to cultural spaces in Delta State.
The monarch received the team and pledged the support of the traditional institution for the intervention, which seeks to strengthen safeguarding systems and promote safer cultural practices within the kingdom and beyond.
The delegation led by Ambassador Caroline Orobosa Usikpedo-Oliseowe, an Ozoro chief and ED of the Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development International, also included Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of the Male Feminists Network (South-South Zone), and officers of PPJ, including Pastor Anthony Chukwuneme, Pastor Julius Akpovwovwo.
The engagement forms part of a broader initiative titled the “Rapid Response and Norm Transformation Initiative to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Cultural Spaces in Delta State”, implemented under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership-Nigeria Project, with support from ActionAid Nigeria and Global Affairs Canada.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Caroline Orobosa Usikpedo-Oliseowe, said the mission was not intended to confront tradition but to strengthen it through accountability and protection.
“The recent concerns around festival-related incidents present an opportunity for reflection and reform, not blame. Culture must never be used as a shield for harassment or abuse. Strong communities are those where dignity is protected and justice is respected,” she said.
PPJ explained that the intervention is designed to promote structured dialogue, improve safeguarding mechanisms, and support community-led reforms across cultural and social institutions.
The group outlined key components of the project, including community listening exercises, stakeholder engagement with traditional rulers and security agencies, youth engagement programmes, and improved reporting pathways for survivors.
The initiative also focuses on reshaping harmful social norms while reinforcing positive cultural values that promote respect, safety, and cohesion.
The Ovie of Ozoro, while receiving the delegation, expressed deep appreciation and welcomed the initiative. He stated that he is fully prepared and looks forward to the inauguration of the SGBV Ambassadors at his palace.
He also expressed readiness to work with stakeholders to ensure that cultural practices are preserved in ways that uphold public safety and human dignity.
The visit ended with a shared commitment to sustained dialogue among traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and security agencies to strengthen prevention systems and promote responsible cultural expression across Delta State.