21/05/2026
The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ) on Thursday led a high-level delegation to the palace of the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM (Barr) Anthony Ovietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, as part of ongoing community engagement efforts aimed at addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) linked to cultural spaces in Delta State.
The monarch warmly received the delegation and pledged the support of the traditional institution towards strengthening safeguarding systems and promoting safer cultural practices within the kingdom and beyond.
The delegation, led by Ambassador Caroline Orobosa Usikpedo-Oliseowe, an Ozoro chief and Executive Director of Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development International, included Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of the Male Feminists Network (South-South Zone), alongside officers of PPJ including Pastor Anthony Chukwuneme and Pastor Julius Akpovwovwo.
The engagement forms part of the “Rapid Response and Norm Transformation Initiative to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Cultural Spaces in Delta State,” implemented under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership-Nigeria Project, with support from ActionAid Nigeria and Global Affairs Canada.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Caroline Orobosa Usikpedo-Oliseowe noted that the mission was not intended to confront tradition, but to strengthen it through accountability, protection, and community responsibility.
The initiative focuses on promoting structured dialogue, improving safeguarding mechanisms, supporting community-led reforms, strengthening reporting pathways for survivors, and reshaping harmful social norms while reinforcing positive cultural values that uphold dignity, safety, and justice.
The visit ended with a shared commitment among traditional rulers, community leaders, women’s groups, youth groups, security agencies, and civil society actors to strengthen prevention systems and promote responsible cultural expression across Delta State.
