The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has called on men to take greater responsibility in promoting peace, protecting women and girls, and strengthening family values.
The monarch made the call at the fifth men-only town hall meeting held at his palace in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The event was attended by traditional and religious leaders, political party leaders, and civil society advocates.
He said men must demonstrate leadership through patience, discipline and respect for women and children, stressing that the wellbeing of the society depends largely on how women and girls are treated.
“Our culture places great responsibility on men as leaders of families and custodians of our traditions. We must reject all forms of violence and injustice against women and girls. True strength lies in protecting, supporting, and uplifting them,” he said.
In his remark, the Otun Aguro of Ilaro, Ayorinde Dawotola, said protecting women and girls is a collective duty, urging men to maintain respectful relationships at all times.
Religious leaders also stressed the need for strong moral values, noting that men must act as protectors, responsible providers and uphold spiritual discipline.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Yewa South, Akapo Sewanu, called for closer collaboration among religious and community institutions to guide young men towards responsible behaviour.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of GNOSIS Help Initiative, Olumide Omosebi, cited data showing that many girls experience abuse, linking the trend to absent fathers and lack of accountability.
He urged men to speak up and support efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
The meeting ended with a commitment by stakeholders to continue engaging men and boys in efforts to curb gender-based violence, strengthen family structures and promote respect for women and girls.
The townhall forms part of ongoing advocacy initiatives to encourage men to play active roles in building safer and more inclusive communities.
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