A global non-profit, Freedom Foundation Nigeria, marked a significant milestone with the relaunch of Genesis House alongside the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), reaffirming its commitment to the restoration, protection, and empowerment of vulnerable girls.
The event which was held on March 26th at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was a powerful celebration of resilience, restoration, and women’s empowerment, bringing together partners, stakeholders, and advocates dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of girls and young women.
In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Genesis House Board, Mrs. Toyin Bakare, described the relaunch as more than a reopening of a facility, stating, “Genesis House is not just a shelter, it is a promise that no girl, no matter her past, is beyond restoration.” She reflected on the journey of the initiative, highlighting its resilience despite setbacks, including the vandalisation of the facility in 2024, and emphasized that the relaunch symbolizes renewed commitment to “mentorship, restoration, empowerment, and legacy.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Nkoyo Rapu underscored the urgency of investing in women and girls, noting, “When you enable and build the capacity of a young woman, you do not just change her story, you change the story of everyone connected to her.” She further called for collective responsibility, warning that “the cost of doing nothing is too high,” and urging stakeholders to move beyond awareness to action.
The event featured panel sessions with experts and practitioners who explored pathways for strengthening support systems for vulnerable girls, addressing prevention of abuse, and scaling community-based interventions. The discussion emphasized collaboration, early intervention, and the role of safe spaces like Genesis House in breaking cycles of trauma.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Freedom Foundation Nigeria, Chidi Koldsweat called on partners, stakeholders, and the public to support the continued work of Genesis House through funding and donations, stressing that sustaining the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable girls requires collective commitment and tangible investment to ensure more survivors can access safety, healing, and long-term empowerment.
The relaunch marks a new chapter for Genesis House as it continues to provide a haven where girls can heal, rebuild their confidence, and reclaim their futures. You too can be a part of this.