By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Peace Ambassadors Advocacy Network (PAAN) has inaugurated its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) leadership for the Girls and Women Speak Ambassadors Initiative, marking a significant step toward strengthening advocacy for gender equality, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
The ceremony, held at the PAAN headquarters in Abuja, brought together stakeholders, advocates, and newly appointed ambassadors committed to promoting peace, social development, and inclusive participation in governance and
building a culture of Peace.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and President of PAAN, Ambassador Kingsley Onuche reiterated the organization’s mandate of mobilizing individuals, institutions, and communities to serve as ambassadors of peace and social development.
According to him, PAAN focuses on inspiring responsible leadership, encouraging dialogue, and empowering citizens—especially youth and women—to take ownership of peacebuilding and community transformation.
“Peace begins at the grassroots. Our goal is to cultivate a culture where citizens become active participants in maintaining harmony within their communities,” he said.
He explained that the organization promotes tolerance, mutual respect, and non-violent conflict resolution through advocacy campaigns, dialogue platforms, and community engagement programs.
Five Years of Community Impact
As PAAN approaches its fifth anniversary, the organization highlighted several community initiatives carried out across Nigeria.
These include outreach programs in communities such as Ashera, where PAAN engaged local youths—including groups often associated with social unrest—to promote peaceful coexistence and discourage criminal activities.
“We discovered that many young people involved in conflicts or crime simply lack awareness about peace and civic responsibility. Through sensitization and empowerment programs, we aim to change that narrative,” the PAAN president noted.
The organization has also conducted school outreach programs and partnered with institutions to strengthen advocacy around peace, gender equality, and human rights.
PAAN recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Human Rights Commission to support victims of abuse and promote justice and mediation in cases of domestic conflict.
Ambassador Bridget Awele Eze-David was officially appointed as State Director of the Girls and Women Speak Ambassadors (GWSA), FCT Chapter.
In her acceptance speech, she described the appointment as a call to service and emphasized the need to amplify the voices of women and girls across Nigeria.
She identified poverty and lack of awareness as major factors affecting women’s rights and participation in governance.
“Many women do not know their rights, and when people are unaware, they cannot challenge injustice. Our responsibility is to create awareness and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” she said.
Using a metaphor of a broom, she encouraged unity among the newly inaugurated team.
“A single broomstick cannot sweep effectively, but when many come together, they become powerful. That is how we must work—as a united force for women and girls.”
Launch of the “Shield Her Initiative”
A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of PAAN’s flagship project, the Shield Her Initiative, aimed at tackling gender-based violence (GBV) while empowering women with entrepreneurial and economic skills.
Ambassador Eze-David told journalists that the initiative will focus on:
Raising awareness about gender-based violence
Providing entrepreneurship training for women
Promoting economic independence for girls and women
“Most of the challenges faced by women stem from poverty. By empowering them economically and educating them about their rights, we can reduce vulnerability and create lasting change,” she said.
Ambassador Onuche explained that the inauguration of the FCT chapter is only the beginning of PAAN’s broader expansion plan.
“We are starting from the FCT, but our vision is to spread across all states in Nigeria,” he said.
The initiative will work closely with partners, including the UN Women, to strengthen advocacy against gender-based violence and promote women’s participation in leadership.
He stressed that women have a crucial role in national development.
“If you want to see the strength and potential of women, look at how they manage their homes. Imagine what they can achieve if given full opportunities in society.”
The newly inaugurated PAAN FCT Girls and Women Speak Ambassadors leadership team includes:
Amb. Bridget Awele Eze-David – State Director
Amb. Deborah Labija – Director, Media and Communications
Amb. Fatima Zarah Imam – Secretary
Amb. Chisom Jane Chude, Esq. – Legal and Compliance Advisor
Amb. Iwongo Ene Ameh – Facilitators Lead
Amb. Comfort Iregbenosi Adams – Director, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives
Amb. Chidera Rosalia Umole – Zonal Coordinator
Amb. Anita Odu Adimas – Director, Community Campaign and Program Outreach
Dr. Chinaemerem Iwuanyanwu – Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Lead
Amb. Maryam Tokura – Co-Lead, Media and Communications
Dr. Oluwagbemiro Favour Tolani – Director, Entrepreneurship and Skills Training
Dr. Rayyanatu Mohammed Haidara – Assistant Director, Community Campaign and Outreach
Amb. Milkah Diwua John – Director, Monitoring and Evaluation
Amb. Bridget Joy Habib – Director, Fundraising and Grants
Amb. Halimatu-Saadia Usman Ari Ogah – Programs Volunteer
Toward a peaceful and inclusive society,
PAAN reiterated that its long-term goal is to institutionalize a culture of peace where dialogue replaces violence, collaboration replaces division, and leadership is guided by integrity and service to humanity.
Through advocacy, ambassadorial programs, and grassroots initiatives, the organization hopes to build a peaceful, united, and progressive society where every citizen becomes an active stakeholder in nation-building.
