The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with support from UN Women, has launched a new policy to stop gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
The policy was officially approved and adopted during OAIC’s 2025 Annual General Assembly and Leadership Retreat, held over the weekend in Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said GBV is a serious human rights and public health issue in Nigeria. She urged religious leaders to spread messages against GBV in their churches and communities.
She explained that faith leaders play an important role in changing harmful social attitudes. Through preaching, teaching, and counseling, churches can help create safe places where survivors of GBV feel supported and can seek justice.
Elder Dr. Israel Akinadewo, President of OAIC, said the policy is a good step forward. He added that it challenges religious leaders to take action against GBV and could serve as a model for other religious groups.
He also said the policy will help fight harmful traditions and domestic violence at the community level, while making it easier for GBV survivors to get the help and justice they need.
“This policy will help us speak out against harmful traditions, domestic abuse, and all forms of gender-based violence at the grassroots. It will also make it easier for survivors to find support and get justice,” Akinadewo explained.
The three-day retreat brought together top religious leaders and important stakeholders from around Nigeria. They also discussed other important topics related to leadership, faith, and social change.
Some of the key attendees included Ibrahim Nurudeen, Programme Officer at ECOWAS; Most Rev. Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and Dr. Ayobami Akinadewo, Chairperson of the CAN Women Wing.
