SGBV: ATLAS Begins New Phase of ELiTE Project | ClipTV Online

In its efforts to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against adolescent girls and young women in Nigeria – Access To Learning And School (ATLAS) Initiative has officially commenced the 4th edition of the Enriching Lives Through Empowerment (ELiTE) Project, a community-driven intervention aimed at strengthening SGBV prevention and response mechanisms for adolescent girls, young women, and community stakeholders in Lagos and Ogun States.
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‎The ELiTE Project, funded by the Irish Aid, is being implemented in four communities: Ojodu Abiodun, Ijora-Badia, Ogijo, and Ikorodu.
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‎The project aims to promote collaboration among key actors responsible for child protection and women’s safety, identify community-specific concerns, gaps, and opportunities, and establish action plans for coordinated SGBV response.
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‎In a press statement made available to this medium reported The Executive Director of ATLAS Initiative Mr Habeeb Balogun saying by equipping local stakeholders with knowledge and practical tools, ELiTE is helping communities break the silence around SGBV and establish a sustainable support system for survivors.
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‎Newsconnect gathered that across all communities, domestic-related Sexual and Gender Based Violence was reported as the most common. This often involves partners, family members, neighbours, and authority figures. Hence, stakeholders stressed the need for confidential reporting channels.
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‎A traditional ruler in one of the host communities Oba Ologijo of Ogijo Kingdom said he was initially skeptical with regards to SGBV intervention project, but since the sensitisation has established clarity, he has endorsed the project.

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‎In his words, he said;
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‎”I was initially skeptical about the SGBV project, given several past experiences with interventions that were not sustained. However, after understanding the project’s emphasis on prevention, community empowerment, and a clear referral pathway, I fully endorse it I am looking forward to working closely with them to strengthen protection systems in my community.”. He said.
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‎The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Ogijo Police Division reaffirmed his commitment towards supporting the ELiTE Project and collaborating with ATLAS Initiative to ensure effective reporting and follow-up processes.
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‎Newsconnect reports that underreporting remains a major challenge. Participants at the launch of the intervention in the two states Lagos and Ogun highlighted stigma, cultural norms, fear of intimidation, and lack of confidentiality as key reasons many cases are silenced.
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‎Stakeholders also revealed limited knowledge on proper response, especially where to report, how to document incidents, and how to protect survivors safely. This confirmed the need for consistent capacity building.
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‎ “We commend the community’s strict laws and enforcement protocols against child abuse and defilement. The police division reaffirms its commitment to supporting the ELiTE Project and collaborating with ATLAS Initiative to ensure effective reporting and follow-up processes, making our community a safer place for all.” – Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Ogijo Police Division
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‎Underreporting remains a major challenge. Participants highlighted stigma, cultural norms, fear of intimidation, and lack of confidentiality as key reasons many cases are silenced. Stakeholders also revealed limited knowledge on proper response, especially where to report, how to document incidents, and how to protect survivors safely. This confirmed the need for consistent capacity building.
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‎One of the participants from Ijora Badia Mr Razak said;
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‎”The discussions inspired us to handle the recent incident properly. Instead of ignoring it or addressing it in the community like before, we reported it to the right authority,”. He said.
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‎Programs Manager of ATLAS Initiative on ELiTE Project Ms Bushroh Olatunji in an interview with this medium said the ELiTE Project is part of the organization’s efforts to empower individuals and communities through education, skill development, and environmental sustainability.
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‎”The ELiTE Project is a critical initiative that addresses the pressing issue of SGBV in our communities.
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‎”We are proud to be working with community stakeholders to create a safer and more supportive environment for adolescent girls and young women.
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‎”The project has already shown promising results, with stakeholders from the four communities showing a strong willingness to work together to prevent and respond to SGBV”. She said.
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‎ATLAS InitiativeATLAS Initiative is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting accessible lifelong learning opportunities, particularly in developing countries. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities through education, skill development, and environmental sustainability.For more information about our work kindly visit our website or contact us:www.atlas.org.ngatlasinitiativenigeria@gmail.com