The Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation (KTDF), Gboko, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, has inaugurated the Male Feminist Network (MFN) Project North Central Zonal Steering Committee as part of its commitment to strengthening coordinated efforts towards ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across North Central Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement Signed and issued by Akpen Manfred,
Programme Officer
Male Feminist Network Project
Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation (KTDF), Gboko and made available to newsmen.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation, Rev. Fr. Bar Isaiah Ter, warmly welcomed the distinguished traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, and members of the media to the historic inauguration.
He noted that the fight against Gender-Based Violence requires collective action and that the inauguration of the Steering Committee marks another significant milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to build strong partnerships capable of transforming harmful social norms and promoting gender justice across North Central Nigeria.
The Male Feminist Network Project, supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), seeks to address the persistent challenge of Gender-Based Violence by engaging men and boys as active allies for gender justice.
The project promotes the elimination of all forms of discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls while encouraging positive models of masculinity built on respect, equality, and shared responsibility.
” Within its first year of implementation, the project has recorded significant milestones.
” The Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation has trained over 300 Male Allies drawn from motorcycle riders’ unions, mechanics, tricycle (Keke) riders, and barbers’ associations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States.
” These trained allies have championed community sensitization, challenged harmful gender norms, and contributed to several success stories demonstrating the positive impact of engaging men in the prevention of Gender-Based Violence,” he said .
Addressing members of the press on behalf of the newly inaugurated North Central Zonal Steering Committee, the Chairman of the Committee, His Royal Highness, Chief Anthony M. Yamusa, District Head of Akwanga, commended the Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation for initiating what he described as a timely and strategic intervention for the region.
He stated that members of the Steering Committee have a critical responsibility to provide leadership, strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
” And use their various institutions and platforms to influence policies and actions that will contribute to ending Gender-Based Violence,” he said.
He further assured members of the media that the committee is fully committed to ensuring that the vision and objectives of the Male Feminist Network Project are successfully realized across North Central Nigeria.
The North Central Zonal Steering Committee comprises respected traditional rulers, law enforcement officers, faith-based leaders, civil society actors, and gender advocates. Members include His Royal Highness, Chief Anthony M. Yamusa, District Head of Akwanga (Chairman);
DSP Helen Jande, Officer Commanding the Gender Desk, Benue State Police Command; Mrs. Dooshima Agur, Founding Director of the Women Rights Advocacy Initiative (WRAI); Rev. Fr. Maigari, Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission, Catholic Diocese of Lafia; Rev. Fr. Basil Kassam, Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission, Catholic Diocese of Pankshin; Barr. Bagudu of Jos; and His Royal Highness, Chief Edward Ujege, Tor Jechira, among other distinguished stakeholders.
The inauguration of the Steering Committee marks another important step in building a coordinated regional response that brings together government institutions, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and community influencers to promote safer communities where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
