The Idoma paramount ruler, Och’Idoma, His Royal Highness, John Elaigwu Odogbo has canvassed gender equality and inclusivity for peace to reign in the country.

Speaking at an event on Father’s Day 2025 organized by the African Center for leadership strategy and development held yesterday in Abuja, he argued that it behooves Nigerians to treat both male and females as equals to ensure sustainable peace and development.

Represented by Chief John Ochai, he said as a monarch of the Idoma ethnic nationality, he ensured that his subjects irrespective of their gender are not only treated with empathy, but are inculcated with the virtues of discipline, hard work, acquisition of education and skills in various field of human endeavours.

He disclosed that age old discriminatory practices against women on matters relating to inheritance and burial rites are no longer tolerated in Idoma land adding that deceased women married for several years with children can now be buried in their husband’s ancestral lands as against the old practice whereby her remains had to be taken to her father’s domain for internment.

At the event themed: “Father’s as feminists: redefining fatherhood for equality and justice”, a don of the Baze University Abuja, Dr Iroro Izu called on men to be affectionate, considerate and caring to women in their midst.

For Dr. hussaini Abdu who decried the existence of gender based violence acknowledged the role women and men play for the socioeconomic development of the country.

Executive Director Center LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor who moderated the discussion on the issue reiterated the group commitment towards the amendment of Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution to allow women married to Nigerian men to be treated equally as citizens.

Lamenting the exclusion of women from the governance of the country, he remarked that his outfit remain resolute in the pursuit of the passage of the Bill to reserve special seats for women in both the state and national Assemblies.

In a welcome address by Mr. Monday Osasah, Executive Director, Centre LSD who stressed the need to empower citizens to transform society explained that the event was aimed at celebrating the progress we have made in promoting gender justice and to acknowledge the contributions of male allies who have shown commitment to feminist values.

At Centre LSD, we believe that men have a crucial role in challenging harmful masculinities and promoting gender equality, and we are committed to equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become effective allies.

He added that tje implementation of the project – “Male Feminists Network (MFN) project” will involve building the capacity of male leaders in gender advocacy, feminist principles and GBV prevention; as well as strengthening male feminist Network; engaging Traditional and Religious Leaders; increasing public awareness on gender equality and GBV prevention; mentoring male advocates and collaborating with Women Rights Organisations and female feminists.

He disclosed that project aims to train over 1,000 male leaders and influencers within the next two years to become active allies within their communities and sectors.