By Foster Akpore
OZORO, DELTA STATE – In a major step towards strengthening community-led efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the Ozoro Kingdom has inaugurated a Community Safeguarding Committee and Community SGBV Ambassadors under the Rapid Response and Norm Transformation Initiative to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Cultural Spaces in Delta State.
The inauguration, held at the King’s Palace, Ozoro, on Wednesday 15 July, 2026, brought together traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, women’s and youth groups, academics and other stakeholders committed to promoting safer and more inclusive cultural spaces.
Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Director of the Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ), Dr. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor, through Pastor Anthony Chukwuneme, described the inauguration as a watershed in the collective effort to ensure that women and girls can participate in cultural festivals and community life free from harassment, abuse and violence.
She explained that the initiative followed months of rapid assessments and extensive consultations with traditional rulers, women, men, youths, religious leaders and other stakeholders across Delta State to identify practical, community-driven solutions to sexual and gender-based violence in cultural spaces.
According to her, the consultations demonstrated that communities were determined to preserve their rich cultural heritage while eliminating harmful practices through stronger accountability, improved reporting and referral systems, survivor-centred support and sustained community engagement.
Dr. Otive-Igbuzor commended the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I (JP), for his steadfast support, noting that traditional institutions remain indispensable partners in protecting the dignity and rights of women and girls while safeguarding the values that define their communities.
She also acknowledged the contributions of ActionAid Nigeria, with support from Global Affairs Canada, Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development International, the Male Feminists Network South-South, the Nigeria Police Force, Southern Delta University, community leaders and other partners for their collaboration in implementing the initiative.
She stressed that the Community SGBV Ambassadors and Community Safeguarding Committee were established not to undermine culture but to strengthen it by ensuring that cultural practices reflect the values of respect, justice, dignity and collective responsibility.
Representing the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I (JP), Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Chairman of the Ozoro Council of Chiefs, conveyed the monarch’s apologies for his inability to attend due to official engagements and reaffirmed the kingdom’s unwavering commitment to protecting women and girls.
He noted that Ozoro Kingdom already has established structures dedicated to the welfare of women, including the Number One Woman Leader and the traditional council, which continue to play vital roles in preserving the kingdom’s cultural values.
Chief Edevor described the March 19 incident that attracted public attention as an isolated occurrence that should not define the identity of the Ozoro people.
“Our festival has existed for generations, and nothing like that had ever happened before. That single incident should not be used to judge our community,” he said.
He maintained that Ozoro is a peaceful kingdom where women are respected and protected, assuring participants that the traditional institution would continue to support initiatives aimed at making cultural festivals safer for women and girls.
He further congratulated the newly inaugurated ambassadors and safeguarding committee members and assured them of the full support of the palace and the Council of Chiefs in carrying out their responsibilities.
The programme featured a presentation on the Rapid Response and Norm Transformation Initiative to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Cultural Spaces in Delta State, highlighting the project’s implementation journey, key milestones and community engagement processes that culminated in the establishment of the safeguarding structures.
Building on the project’s findings, Pastor Julius Akpovwovwo presented the Policy and Advocacy Brief, which synthesised evidence generated during the initiative and outlined practical recommendations for strengthening safeguarding in cultural spaces across Delta State. He called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government agencies, security organisations, civil society groups and community leaders to institutionalise safeguarding measures, strengthen reporting and referral systems and ensure that cultural festivals remain safe and inclusive for women and girls.
The event also featured goodwill messages from development partners and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Male Feminists Network South-South, Pastor Egedegbe Edewor pledged the network’s commitment to supporting the newly inaugurated committee and ambassadors through continuous capacity building and technical assistance.
He said the network would work closely with the safeguarding structures to equip members with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities, stressing that sustainable safeguarding depends on informed and empowered community actors.
Pastor Edewor expressed optimism that the initiative would usher in a new era for Ozoro Kingdom, where stories of safety, respect and inclusion would replace reports of violence and abuse. He urged traditional institutions, women’s groups, civil society organisations, government agencies and community members to work together in building a society where the rights and dignity of women are respected and where mutual respect between men and women is promoted.
Thereafter, Ambassador Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe presented the Ozoro Community Safeguarding Mechanism, including the Terms of Reference for the Community Safeguarding Committee and the Community SGBV Ambassadors.
She explained that the safeguarding mechanism provides a structured, community-led framework for preventing and responding to incidents of sexual and gender-based violence within Ozoro Kingdom.
According to her, the Community Safeguarding Committee will provide leadership, oversight and accountability by coordinating safeguarding activities, promoting safe cultural practices, strengthening confidential reporting and referral systems, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring survivor-centred responses.
She explained that the Community SGBV Ambassadors would serve as trusted community advocates responsible for raising awareness on sexual and gender-based violence, promoting the campaign message, “Culture Should Protect—Not Harm,” encouraging confidential reporting, supporting referrals for survivors and working closely with community institutions to promote safer and more inclusive cultural spaces.
Ambassador Usikpedo-Oliseowe added that members of both structures are expected to uphold the principles of confidentiality, accountability, non-discrimination, human rights, gender equality, child safeguarding and cultural sensitivity while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The highlight of the event was the presentation and formal inauguration of members of the Community SGBV Ambassadors and Community Safeguarding Committee on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Barrister Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I (JP). The newly inaugurated members were charged to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and dedication, serving as champions for the protection of women and girls and the promotion of safer cultural spaces across the kingdom.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated ambassadors and committee members, their representative expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work collaboratively with the traditional institution, government agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure the successful implementation of the safeguarding initiative.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Delta State’s efforts to institutionalise community-based safeguarding systems and demonstrates the growing commitment of traditional institutions, government, development partners and civil society to ensuring that culture remains a source of identity, pride and unity while protecting the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls.