More than ever, our world urgently needs champions of peace—and it is only fitting to recognize individuals and institutions that tirelessly advance harmony, dignity, and justice across the globe.
One such remarkable catalyst is Mrs. Ladi Clark, whose unwavering commitment to peacebuilding continues to earn well-deserved recognition.
In a bold demonstration of commitment to protecting women and girls, the Borno State Women-Led Civil Society Organizations (BONWOC), led by the Executive Director of Life At Best Development Initiative (LABDI), Madam Ladi Clark, convened a strategic gathering today to spotlight the urgent issue of digital gender-based violence (DGBV).
The convergence was done in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and with strong support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). And it brought together a wide range of organizations under the BONWOC umbrella—and partners beyond it—each showing up with purpose and solidarity. Their participation reaffirmed a shared belief that women and girls deserve to be safe, empowered, and respected, both offline and online, across cities and rural communities alike.
More than just a meeting, the session ignited renewed energy and collective resolve. Participants left with a strengthened commitment to collaborate with government institutions, tech stakeholders, community leaders, and grassroots actors to combat technology-facilitated violence in all its forms.
Together, BONWOC and its partners are not just raising awareness—they are building a safer digital future where every woman and girl can thrive without fear.
Life At Best Development Initiative (LABDI) joined government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society partners in Maiduguri as Borno State formally launched the 2025 observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The event, convened by the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Borno State Government, brought together UNFPA Nigeria, ActionAid, UN Women Nigeria, CARE Nigeria, Danish Refugee Council, FHI 360, CATAI, CASFOD, Elela-Care, GISCOR, and many other actors committed to advancing protection for women and girls.
At the event, the Executive Director of Life At Best Development Initiative (LABDI) and President of the Borno State Women-Led Civil Society Organizations (BONWOC), Madam Ladi Clark, delivered a powerful call for all stakeholders to “UNiTE! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
She highlighted that in a region where insecurity disproportionately impacts women and girls, the 16 Days of Activism is far more than a global observance — it is a symbol of hope, solidarity, and collective responsibility. It reflects a commitment to strengthening protection systems, building informed communities, and enhancing coordinated humanitarian responses.
Her compelling address set a clear tone for urgent, unified action to safeguard the rights and safety of women and girls in every space, including the digital environment. LABDI stood alongside national and international partners to amplify this message, especially for individuals in conflict-affected communities across Borno State who face heightened risks.
LABDI remains committed to supporting survivors, advancing prevention efforts, working with government structures, and promoting community-driven solutions that uphold dignity, equality, and safety.
Let us unite.
Let us turn awareness into action.
Let us Orange the World and end GBV.
The visit offered the delegation firsthand insight into how the PACT-LAB Project (Protecting Women, Children, and Youths Affected by Conflicts Through Local Actors in Borno State), led by Life At Best Development Initiative (LABDI), is positively transforming lives and strengthening community resilience.
During the visit, the team engaged directly with project participants across different age groups, listening to their stories and witnessing the tangible impact of our interventions.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, (Dr.) Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, whose continuous support and collaboration have been instrumental to the project’s success.
Beyond routine project monitoring, the visit served as a valuable learning and reflection platform for us at LABDI – helping us identify opportunities to further enhance the quality, inclusivity, and sustainability of our work.
We extend our deep appreciation to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria for their unwavering partnership and support, and to our technical partners, Terre des hommes foundation, for their consistent collaboration and commitment to shared humanitarian goals.
Together with partners like YOUTH INTEGRATED FOR POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (YIPDI), we continue to build pathways for sustainable impact across Borno State and beyond.