The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES Project) has launched a Stakeholders Engagement and Sensitisation program on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Sexual Harassment (SH) for its contractors and service providers in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria.
The programme, aimed at promoting responsible and ethical project implementation, emphasises the project’s zero-tolerance policy for Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Exploitations and Abuse, SEA and Sexual Harassment (SH) in Kogi State.
In his welcome address, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Kogi L-PRES, Mr. Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, welcomed participants and highlighted the need and importance of the Stakeholders Engagement and Sensitisation program as a key requirement under the L-PRES Project to address and ensure social safeguard across the livestock value chain clusters in Kogi State.
The state project Coordinator said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo created the enabling environment for the scheme to succeed with the prompt payment of counterpart funding to the implementation of L-PRES Project in Kogi State.
Otaru said the L-PRES project’s zero-tolerance policy for GBV, SEA, and SH, was to advise the contractors and service providers against all forms of sexual harassment and other gender issues that directly impact the safety, dignity, and trust of the communities they serve.
The SPC emphasised that contractors and service providers are expected to maintain professional and respectful behavior at all times, and avoid abuse of power or authority.
He added that they must ensure all workers understand and sign the Project Code of Conduct, prevent and report any form of exploitation, harassment, or violence, and treat community members with dignity, regardless of gender, age, or status.
Otaru stressed the importance of the Do No Harm principle, requiring project activities to: not worsen existing community tensions, not marginalize women, youth, or vulnerable groups.
Otaru further stressed the need not to create fear, intimidation, or social conflict, that undermines trust between the Project and host communities
“The Project has established confidential and survivor-centered Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) to ensure that complaints related to GBV, SEA, or SH are reported safely and handled promptly,” Mr Otaru said.
The Executive Director of RECEF, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, presented a paper on mainstreaming gender in livestock value chains, highlighting the need to address unequal roles, resources, and decision-making.
Muraina defined the World Bank’s four primary domains of SEAH risks and emphasised the importance of prevention and response.
Amb. Muraina highlighted the importance of integrating gender analysis into livestock value chains to address unequal roles, resources, and decision-making.
He stressed that the project has developed a survivor-centered framework for reporting and responding to GBV, SEA, and SH complaints, prioritizing safety, confidentiality, dignity, and informed consent.
According to him, the framework includes multiple reporting channels, trained SEAH focal points, and referral pathways to support services.
Barr. Lilian Ajuma Okolo presented a paper on SGBV Case Management, emphasising the need for timely, coordinated response and survivor-centered referral pathways.
Okolo stressed that contractors and service providers have legal and ethical duties to do no harm and protect community members.
Dr Aisha Abimbola Adaranijo, Lecturer at Federal University Lokoja, stressed that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The Director GBV, Kogi State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Atule Stanley, stressed the need for participants to abide by the sensitization.
The Chairman Persons with Disabilities Association, Mr. Daniel Ibrahim Arome, commended the initiative and emphasized inclusivity.
A panel discussion highlighted practical steps for contractors to mainstream gender in their operations and ensure compliance with GBV, SEA, and SH policies.
The event featured the unveiling of the Kogi L-PRES Illustrative Handbook on Gender-Based Violence and PSEAH, and the signing of Code of Conduct Attestation by the Contractors.
The Gender/GBV Officer, Kogi L-PRES, Sarah Ojoma Amanabo, appreciated participants and commended the SPC and staff for their support.