Training Tomorrow’s Trainers: GS-Foundation Empowers Gender Officers Across Nigeria

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NPF Gender Desk officers during training

Nigeria. The GS-Foundation continues its mission to strengthen institutional capacity within Nigeria’s Police Force. In June, the fifth “Train the Trainer” course empowered Gender Desk Officers with the tools to lead, teach, and protect – with compassion and professionalism.

From 23 to 27 June 2025, the GS-Foundation, in collaboration with the Gender Department of the Nigerian Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), hosted the fifth edition of its “Train the Trainer” course for Gender Desk Officers of the Nigerian Police Force. The seminar took place at the Kapital Klub Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja.

This one-week workshop focused on improving the handling of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases within police structures. Topics included:

  • Providing psychological first aid
  • Trauma-informed support to victims
  • Interviewing both victims and suspects
  • Preserving evidence
  • Building trust and facilitating access to justice for SGBV survivors

Equally important was the didactic component: participants learned how to design lesson plans, teach interactively, identify useful tools, and conduct exercises and role-plays – preparing them to train their peers across Nigeria.

The qualified team

The master trainers included:

  • DCP Dr. Rita Oki Emesim, Head of the Gender Department (FCID)
  • Chief Superintendent Adenike Omolabi
  • Superintendent Victoria Moses
  • Inspector Morgan Onche
  • Inspector Emmanuel Olabiyi

From the GS-Foundation, Utek Grace Ishaku (Clinical Psychologist, Lecturer at the University of Jos) and Nkiruka Stella Okonkwo (Lawyer, Co-Founder of the Leonard & Nkiruka Okonkwo Foundation – LANOF) provided technical expertise. They were supported by GS-F staff ThankGod Umaje, a retired NPF officer, and Peter Heepen, GS-F Project Coordinator in Nigeria.

Guest speaker ’Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of Partners West Africa–Nigeria, gave valuable insights on legal empowerment and institutional change.

Further trainings ahead

Looking ahead: similar trainings are planned for August and October, targeting Gender Officers from rural communities. In November, a second, larger workshop will provide space for reflection, supervision, and exchange among the newly trained instructors.

📸: Inspector Morgan Onche FCID