Korede Abdullah 
OYO, Nigeria – A leading advocacy group scales up intervention programmes in schools to tackle sexual and gender-based violence, reaching thousands of adolescent girls across southwest Nigeria.
Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) on Wednesday expanded its school-based initiative to four secondary schools in Ogun and Oyo states, targeting 5,500 girls with life skills and protection training.
The programme, supported by the Girls Opportunity Alliance, equips students with leadership skills and establishes peer-led reporting systems to improve safety within schools.
“Investing in girls is critical. When girls are safe and informed, entire communities benefit,” says Tsehaitu Retta, Director of International Programmes.
WARIF reports measurable improvements in awareness, behavioural change, and increased reporting of abuse in previous intervention schools.
Education experts say scaling such programmes remains crucial amid rising concerns over school safety and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
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Mirian Gom 
Koko Maxwella 
Hussaini Ibrahim 