On June 29, 2021, the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (now known as Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum), in collaboration with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) and the Ford Foundation, hosted a virtual webinar featuring prominent figures from the entertainment industry. These influential personalities, recognised as role models and community leaders, participated in the session to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The discussion highlighted the critical role of public figures in advocacy, awareness, and youth engagement on pressing social issues.
In 2020, the Forum launched its flagship initiative, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Against Gender-Based Violence (NGWA-GBV), in response to the alarming rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country. Deeply concerned by the escalating cases of rape, domestic abuse, and socio-economic violence against women, the First Ladies collectively took action. Through sustained advocacy and policy engagement, the NGWA-GBV successfully influenced the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to declare a state of emergency on SGBV on June 1, 2020, a landmark decision in the national response to gender-based violence.
In a webinar moderated by veteran actress Joke Silva, the speakers include Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo, Dija, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, Ali Nuhu, and Ifeoma Fafunwa.