Health

GBV: Foundation builds capacity of community members to check menace

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2024

The Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), a non-governmental organisation, has built the capacity of no fewer than 35 members of various communities in Abuja and Nasarawa State to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the capacity building is part of the Flagship Actions on Girls’ Safety (FLAGS), a GBV prevention and response project.

The Executive Director, TCF, Mrs Tayo Erinle, on Thursday said that the foundation works basically to support survivors.

Erinle, who was represented by the Programme Manager, Mrs Nendirmwa Ohah, explained that the programme which is in the last phase, started in 2021.

According to her, the capacity building is to ensure sustainability of the programme at the community level.

“We were able to select members of the Community Action Committee (CAC) from various communities. We were able to build their capacity during the sensitisation and implementation of the programme.

“The capacity we are building today is a kind of refresher course to remind them of their roles as members of CAC, in addressing and checking GBV in their communities.

“We got massive support from them because they were able to follow up incidences of GBV in their communities. They have created impact in addressing the issue of GBV in the communities..

“Their capacity and knowledge have been built and it is something important. Without knowledge, you will not be able to support anyone. So the knowledge and capacity is a lasting solution to GBV prevention.

“We expect the members of CAC to serve as watchdogs in the communities that we are working in, so that every incidence of GBV is reported to us or other service providers.

“This is because we have linked them up to NAPTIP, Police and Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), where they can get free legal services and justice and other relevant agencies,” Erinle said.

Erinle said that the CAC members could now support victims and survivors of GBV, adding that the foundation will continue to assist them and campaign against the menace.

Meanwhile, one of the CAC members from Mpape Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Aisha Saidu, appreciated the foundation for the initiative.

“I am happy because I have gained more knowledge through this programme, especially today’s capacity building; I was able to learn a lot of things that hitherto, I did not know.

“In my community, we have the issue of early marriage. I will like the government to please come to our rescue. Also, organisations should sensitise religious leaders in our community to enable them speak against GBV,” Saidu said.

Another member of CAC from Nyanya Community in FCT, Mr Danladi Iya, said the programme had helped a lot of youths in his community not to engage in GBV and other social vices.

“From what I have learnt today, I will go back to my community and inculcate it on members of my community so that the impact, with support of TCF, will reverberate throughout the entire community.”

NAN reports that during the capacity building, the CAC members were treated to topics like, ‘Roles of CAC Members in Fight Against GBV’, ‘Understanding GBV and How it Affects Girls and Women’.

Other topics are: ‘Ways to Provide Support and Resources for Survivors of GBV and GBV Referral Pathways and Dissemination of TCF toll-free line among others.

NAN

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Health

APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.

Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.

Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.

Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.

Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.

“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.

“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.

He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.

“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.

“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.

Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.

“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.

Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.

“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.

He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.

The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.

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