The Center for Community Development, Health and Family Enhancement Initiative (CDI) has reiterated its commitment to tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and improving access to safe reproductive health services across Ogun State.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ijebu-Imushin E-Library, Catholic Mission Road, the Executive Director of CDI, Mr. Olumide Igbodipe, presented the organization’s progress report from its Salvage Program, supported by Amplify Change.

According to him, Ogun State records an estimated 15,000 domestic violence cases annually, alongside 250,000 neighbor disputes and 15,000 family disputes. He stressed the urgent need for sustained interventions to curb these issues.

Highlighting achievements of the program, Mr. Igbodipe revealed that over 10,900 individuals have been sensitized through community and market outreaches, 25 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) trained, 32 healthcare providers capacitated, and 35 media professionals empowered. He further disclosed that more than 100 survivors of gender-based violence received direct support during the year under review.

CDI also played a critical role in the Ogun State Technical Working Committee and collaborated with partner organizations in reviewing the Stop Guidelines documents aimed at strengthening response mechanisms to SGBV.

As part of the event, CDI decorated three journalists as Media Ambassadors for Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health. The honorees include Mr. Kayode Adedeji of Penpushing Media, Mr. John Felix of Galaxy TV, and Mrs. Patience Agbuza of Super FM 96.3.

Mr. Igbodipe emphasized that the media plays a pivotal role in advocacy and awareness creation, describing the new ambassadors as strategic allies in the fight against SGBV.