By Safia Abdulrahman
Guardian Girls International (GGI) has officially inaugurated its Nigerian arm, partnering with sports federations and universities to promote women’s and girls’ safety and empowerment through martial arts and other interventions.
Speaking at Wednesday’s event in Abuja, GGI Chairman and Secretary-General, Mr Shin Koyamada, said the organisation had expanded to more than 40 countries within four years, with Nigeria becoming its latest African destination.
He said martial arts, including judo, karate and aikido, could help girls develop confidence, inner strength, respect and essential personal safety skills.
The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GGI and Nigerian partners, aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing the initiative’s objectives.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, reaffirmed his country’s support, describing the partnerships as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria-Japan cooperation in promoting women’s and girls’ safety and empowerment.
“Creating a safe environment for girls is not something one group can do alone. It takes teamwork, Government, local communities, schools, sport organisations and individuals all have a role to play.
“This is why the MoU is being signed today. To represent our shared commitment and put it into action,” he said.
Ms Muriel Mafico, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the initiative.
Mafico welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and pledged to mobilise partnerships and networks to support the programme’s implementation.
She described violence against women and girls as a serious global concern, emphasising that preventing it required collective action across physical and digital spaces.
Similarly, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, pledged institutional support through academic expertise, research and practical assistance.
Fawehinmi said the university was committed to collaborating with the initiative to advance the protection and empowerment of women and girls.
Amb. Mary Obande, President of Guardian Girls Africa, emphasised the need to adapt continental lessons to local realities to ensure programmes delivered tangible benefits for women and girls.
Amb. Ruqayya Ahmed, President of Guardian Girls Nigeria, said the initiative would combine community engagement and institutional collaboration to address gender-based violence and strengthen support for women and girls.
She appealed to stakeholders to translate the initiative’s objectives into practical interventions that would benefit communities across Nigeria.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives of participating organisations, including GGI Secretary-General, Koyamada, Nigerian Olympic Committee President Mr Habu Gumel and Pencak Silat President Mr Abdulmumin Yusuf, among others.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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