Lagos, Nigeria – May 20, 2025 – His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal CON (Abisogun II), the Oniru of Iruland, successfully hosted Nigeria’s 3rd Men-Only Townhall Meeting at the Oniru Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The event, themed “Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls,” brought together dignitaries, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, faith leaders, and professionals to address actionable strategies for fostering cultural accountability and collective responsibility. 

In his opening remarks, Oba Lawal emphasised the gravity of fatherhood and the need for continuous learning among men. He highlighted the critical role of religious leaders in safeguarding women and girls, advocating for expanded educational initiatives to build safer communities. “Iru Land will always welcome programs like this,” he stated, pledging the community’s ongoing support, including financial backing for future efforts. 

Chief Abayomi Daramola Balogun of Iruland who is Chairman of the townhall meeting underscored Nigeria’s challenges in child-rearing, stressing that fathers play an irreplaceable role in shaping children’s character. “A father’s influence in the family is critical,” he asserted.  Keynote speaker Tpl Balogun Murtala Adekunle (FNITP) called on men to raise empathetic sons and actively oppose the marginalization of women. “Men must create safe spaces for women to thrive and freely express themselves in society,” he urged, advocating for community-wide dissemination of messages promoting care and responsibility toward women and girls. 

Sheikh Abulabeebah Taofeeq Busari Chief Imam and director at Daaru-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre emphasised early education for boys on marriage and gender equality, stating, “Men must commit fully 100% to the protection and care of women and girls.”  Pastor Adewara Olamilekan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God reinforced the importance of genuine love and accountability, urging men to lead by example: “Fathers must take full responsibility for raising children with strong values.”  The Ashipa of Odi Olowo Kingdom His Highness Omooba Oluwalonimi Deji Irawo stressed that many of the problems in African communities originate from the home. Stating that traditional and royal institutions must boldly address these issues.

Organised by Women Radio 91.7FM in partnership with the Ford Foundation and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, the event marked a pivotal step in mobilising men as allies against gender-based violence. Stakeholders committed to sustaining momentum through community outreach, education, and advocacy. 

Key Commitments from the Townhall include: 

1. Cultural values that promote respect and protect women must be taught to boys and men as part of their rite of passage.
2. Men should speak out against all forms of abuse and create safe spaces for them
3. Men should stop seeing women as properties but rather as equal partners with equal rights, voices and aspirations
4. Financial Responsibility should be for the men as they are traditional regarded as providers for their families.
5. Caring for women and girls is not optional but mandatory duty of every family community and traditional institutions
6. Fathers must create quality time for their daughters as well as encourage open communication
7. The support and backing of the father is crucial for the daughter’s confidence
8. Fathers should be responsible to their daughters and wives.

The event concluded with pledges to implement these resolutions through collaborative action.

For media enquiries contact: communications@wfm917.com