NDDC MD’s Wife, Amaba Ogbuku, Inducted into Gender Champions Hall of Fame, Urges Men to Join Fight Against GBV
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Her Eminence Amaba Samuel Ogbuku, wife of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been inducted into the Niger Delta Gender Champions Hall of Fame Project 2026, with a call for greater male involvement in tackling gender-based violence and promoting the rights and safety of women and girls.
Amaba Ogbuku, who was represented by Lady Letty Barclays Ayakoromo, made the call in a goodwill message at the induction ceremony organised by the Dise Ogbise Foundation in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education.
She stressed that ending gender-based violence required collective responsibility, urging men, boys, traditional rulers, religious institutions and community leaders to promote gender equality, respect and non-violent relationships.
She also called for a more compassionate response to survivors of abuse, insisting that they should be supported rather than blamed when they speak out.
According to her, survivors should be listened to without judgment, their confidentiality protected and their access to medical care, legal assistance and safe accommodation facilitated where necessary.
On leadership and community advocacy, Ogbuku said true leadership was measured not by titles or positions but by service, integrity, compassion and the positive impact made on people’s lives.
She noted that women in leadership had a responsibility to amplify the voices of vulnerable people, support initiatives that advance women’s well-being and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Ogbuku commended the founder of the Dise Ogbise Foundation for establishing a platform that recognises contributions to gender advocacy and draws attention to the campaign against gender-based violence.
She described the initiative as commendable, noting that recognising advocates would encourage more people to become agents of change and sustain conversations around the dignity, safety and advancement of women and girls.
Expressing appreciation for the honour, she said the induction was a recognition she and her team valued, adding that they did not take the confidence reposed in them for granted.
She urged parents to teach their children the importance of respect, while encouraging men to demonstrate strength through protection, encouragement and respect rather than intimidation or control.
She also called on traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote justice and protect vulnerable persons, while urging government institutions to strengthen prevention measures, survivor support services and accountability mechanisms.
Ogbuku further charged foundations and civil society organisations to sustain advocacy, public education and engagement with stakeholders.
She urged all participants to look beyond the ceremony and commit to building safer homes and communities, stressing the need for collective action to challenge violence and protect vulnerable persons across society.
