The Zach and Eunice We Care Foundation (ZEECFoundation) joined forces with local leaders and state agencies on Wednesday, April 21, 2026, to bring the conversation around sexual and gender-based violence out of the shadows.
The day’s activities began with a heartfelt visit to the Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom, Oba Nojeem Abidemi Aberejo. For the foundation, the visit was more than just a formal meeting; it was a chance to say thank you to a leader who has made the safety of children a personal priority.
Following the palace audience, the group took to the streets for an advocacy walk through Akesan Town, carrying a simple but urgent message: “END SEXUAL VIOLENCE.”
Aderemi Blessing, the Program Director of ZEECFoundation, spoke warmly about the impact the monarch has had on the lives of residents since taking the throne.
“We are here today because we see the heart the Alakesan has for his people,” Blessing shared. “In such a short time, he has built a strong referral system that ensures no victim is left to fend for themselves. Because of his leadership, cases now follow due process, ensuring that rescue is timely and that justice isn’t just a hope, but a reality for those who have been hurt.”
The Alakesan, visibly moved by the mission, pledged that his palace would remain a sanctuary for victims and a dead end for predators. He spoke candidly about the danger of silence and the necessity of accountability.
“Setting an alleged perpetrator free only emboldens others to commit the same crime,” Oba Aberejo remarked. He emphasised that for a community to truly heal and feel safe, the law must be felt. “When perpetrators face the full weight of the law, it serves as a powerful deterrent to anyone else who might consider causing such harm.”
The advocacy walk, which turned heads and started conversations among local shopkeepers and families, was organised by the Idera Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Alimosho General Hospital. The effort brought together a diverse “village” of support, including the Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP).
Reflecting on the day, Aderemi Blessing noted that the presence of the ZEECFoundation was fueled by a shared belief in human dignity, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC) through IIDEA.
By the time the walk concluded, the air in Akesan felt different; it felt like a community that had decided to look out for its own. #Securitynewsalert.com
