Culture

African Leaders Unite to End Gender-Based Violence

Published

7 months ago

February 3, 2026

African traditional and cultural leaders convene in Lagos to boost coordinated action and community-led efforts to end gender-based violence across Africa

African traditional and cultural leaders, government officials, and development partners have convened in Lagos to strengthen coordinated action to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) across the continent.

Also read: AFRIK International Film Festival Set to Empower African Cinema

The Conference of African Traditional and Cultural Leaders on Gender-Based Violence Prevention opened on February 2, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, calling for cultural authority and community leadership to be central in ending GBV.

The event, organised by the Ford Foundation and UN Women in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, runs through February 3.

Participants include the Lagos State Governor, His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, the Emir of Fika, the Emir of Shonga, Chief Siansali of Zimbabwe, Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa Dr. Maxime Houinato, and other senior policymakers, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders.

Speaking for the Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi described GBV as a major challenge requiring urgent action.

“Silence about GBV is no longer acceptable; change must be intentional. Africa’s future depends on safe laws and just communities that nurture rather than harm,” he said.

Heather Gerken emphasised the need to collaborate with trusted cultural institutions, noting that “the immense potential of this region can inspire new ways forward.

We are proud to work with faith and traditional leaders transforming harmful social norms so women and girls can thrive.”

UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda warned against practices that mask abuse, describing GBV as a symptom of the need to affirm equality and justice across communities.

Dr. Maxime Houinato added that cultural authority can make communities safer when aligned with justice and dignity.

Dr. Chichi Aniagolu, Ford Foundation Regional Director for West Africa, stressed that tradition should never defend harmful practices.

“Ending harm does not weaken authority; it strengthens it,” she said.

The Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji Dr. Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, cautioned against misusing religion to justify violence, while UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed M. Malick Fall reminded leaders that their influence can save lives and transform futures.

The conference is expected to conclude with a Regional Declaration and Communiqué on social norms transformation and a Sustainability Roadmap to embed traditional leadership in long-term strategies.

Also read: IPADA Initiative 2025 Promises Vibrant African Celebration

Organisers aim to strengthen partnerships among governments, traditional councils, African Union bodies, and civil society, improving support for survivors and scaling prevention efforts across Africa.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”