University of Abuja Partners Guardian Girls International to Promote Women’s Safety and Empowerment
The University of Abuja has partnered with Guardian Girls International (GGI) to strengthen gender empowerment, safety education and self-defence training for young women in Nigeria.
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The University of Abuja has partnered with Guardian Girls International (GGI) to strengthen gender empowerment, safety education and self-defence training for young women in Nigeria.
The partnership was formalised during the official launch of Guardian Girls Nigeria (GGN) at the Embassy of Japan in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the university’s support for the initiative, highlighting the role of universities in advancing research, leadership development and safer environments for young women.
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Suzuki Hideo, commended the initiative, emphasising the role of martial arts in building confidence and equipping girls with self-defence skills.
He noted that the partnership would further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Japan in areas including development cooperation, culture and sports.
The Chairman of Guardian Girls International, Mr Shin Koyamada, said the initiative seeks to combine sports and martial arts with women’s empowerment and efforts to prevent gender-based violence.
Stakeholders at the event included the President of Guardian Girls Nigeria, Ambassador Ruqayya Ahmed; the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Ms Muriel Mafico; the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel; and the President of Guardian Girls Africa, Ms Mary Obande.
