By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A leading women’s rights organisation has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to provide sanctuary accommodation for vulnerable women, revealing that it has handled a staggering 82,000 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The Women Aid Collective (WACOL) made the announcement at a press briefing in Enugu to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, which falls on Sunday, March 8.
Professor Joy Ezeilo (SAN), the Founding Director of WACOL, stated that this year’s theme—”Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls”—serves as a stark reminder to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete change.
“For over 28 years, WACOL has handled more than 82,000 cases of violence against women and girls,” Professor Ezeilo said. “We are compelled to confront the heartbreaking truth that some of our nation’s heroes are being tragically betrayed by the very systems they trusted.”
To highlight the urgency of the appeal, dubbed the “Give to Gain” campaign, WACOL detailed two harrowing cases demanding immediate intervention.
The first concerns Officer Grace Ohiaeri, a policewoman who, in 1998, disarmed a dangerous criminal in an act of heroism. According to WACOL, instead of a commendation, she faced institutional cruelty. Her salary was stopped without just cause nearly three decades ago, and she is now facing eviction from her official quarters due to proposed renovations.
“This is a national disgrace,” Professor Ezeilo declared. “In the spirit of IWD 2026, WACOL officially petitions the highest authorities to restore her dignity.”
The organisation is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Olatuji Disu, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police to immediately pay her 28 years of salary arrears, grant her a promotion, and ensure an honourable retirement.
The second case involves Miss Faith Odoh and her four children, who were left vulnerable by extreme poverty. WACOL reported that Mrs Odoh’s 12-year-old daughter was systematically abused by five different men, the last of whom was a pastor and neighbourhood watch chairman who had offered the family free shelter.
While WACOL has ensured the suspect is awaiting trial, the family is now being evicted and the traumatised children are out of school.
“Our action today is about providing concrete solutions for these two women who represent the victims of institutional neglect and societal cruelty across Nigeria,” Professor Ezeilo said.
She appealed to the public, corporate organisations, and all people of conscience to support the fundraising drive to secure permanent and safe accommodation for those in desperate need.
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