Prof. Joy Ezeilo (2nd from left) with other officials of WACOL during the Press Briefing in Enugu on Saturday
By Tony Adibe, Enugu
The Women Aid Collective (WACOL) said that it has launched fundraising for sanctuary accommodation for the vulnerable just as the pro-women Non-Governmental Organisation treated 82,000 cases of Gender Based Violence in the country.
The Executive Director, WACOL, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), made this known at a 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Press Briefing held in Enugu.
NewsBits reports that the 2026 IWD was themed: “Rights. Justice. Action. For all Women and Girls,” while the campaign slogan for WACOL fundraising was, “Give to Gain”.
Prof. Ezeilo said that the 2026 IWD, to be held on Sunday, March 8, remained a call for action; thereby, moving beyond mere talks and towards concrete action for women and girls both on justice, protection and empowerment.
We are compelled to confront the heartbreaking truth that some of our nation’s heroes and women are being tragically betrayed by the very systems they trusted; as women and girls getting justice remain difficult, according to her.
Ezeilo said:Â “For over 28 years, WACOL has handled more than 82,000 cases of violence against women and girls. Today, we shine a spotlight on two harrowing cases, one on institutional neglect and another on predatory abuse that demand immediate and decisive intervention.
“Let’s start with the painful case of Officer Grace Ohiaeri—a woman who spent nearly three decades as a victim of the institution she swore to serve. In 1998, Officer Grace Ohiaeri performed a heroic act, disarming a dangerous criminal to protect Nigerian citizens. Her reward was not a commendation, but malice and institutional cruelty.”
She recalled rather pitiably that within 28 years of silence and suffering: her salary was abruptly stopped in 1998 without a just cause and this was ongoing even while she is technically still in service.
According to Ezeilo, “Now, elderly and frail, the Police Force is evicting her from her official quarters because of proposed “renovations,” leaving a national hero with absolutely nowhere to go. This is a national disgrace. In the spirit of IWD 2026, WACOL officially petitions the highest authorities to restore her dignity and her future.
“We, therefore, call on the Inspector General of Police, Olatuji Disu, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, to take immediate action: Pay Officer Grace her full salary arrears for the past 28 years and promote Officer Grace to her appropriate rank and grant her an honorable retirement.”
Ezeilo said that the second case remained that of Miss Faith Odoh and her four children under extreme poverty, which left her family vulnerable and preyed upon by the worst in our society.
“Odoh’s 12-year-old daughter was systematically abused by five different men. The final predator was a man who abused the power given to him as a pastor and Neighborhood Watch Chairman—the very person providing their “free” shelter.
“While WACOL has ensured the suspect is awaiting trial, this family is now being evicted. These traumatised children are out of school and in desperate need of a safe sanctuary to begin healing.
“This is where our “Give to Gain” Campaign steps in. Our action today is about providing concrete solutions for these two women who represent the victims of institutional neglect and societal cruelty across Nigeria.
“We call on the public, corporate organisations, and all people of conscience to join us in an urgent fundraising drive to secure permanent and safe accommodation for the vulnerable,” according to Ezeilo.
