The Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) has honoured Mrs. Labake Fadugba, Wife of the Executive Chairman of Moba Local Government, with the Gender Champion Award for her outstanding contributions to the protection and empowerment of women and girls at the grassroots.
The award was presented on Tuesday during the 2025 Cultural Contest Grand Finale and Award Ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti. GMI said the recognition was in acknowledgment of Mrs. Fadugba’s consistent advocacy and impactful interventions aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and girls in Moba Local Government.
The event also featured a keenly contested cultural competition in which Moba Local Government emerged Second Runner-Up, earning an outstanding prize for its impressive performance and commitment to promoting cultural heritage while advancing gender equity.
The ceremony provided a platform to intensify the nationwide campaign against digital violence targeting women and girls. It attracted gender advocates, development partners, and cultural groups, all united in the drive to combat gender-based violence, especially the increasing cases of online abuse. Colourful cultural displays from various local governments added vibrancy to the event.
Observers described the two recognitions—the award to Mrs. Fadugba and Moba’s strong outing in the contest—as a reflection of the administration’s continued commitment to promoting the safety, dignity, and advancement of women and girls across Moba land.
In her remarks, Mrs. Fadugba commended GMI for the honour, expressing delight that her efforts were being acknowledged. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing initiatives that would help eradicate gender-based violence in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large. According to her, the award would further motivate her to intensify efforts in ensuring that women and girls live free from abuse and molestation.
