VALUE REBIRTH & EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

11/06/2026

03/06/2026

The Founding Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, speaking during a peaceful procession organized by The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ), in collaboration with Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development (NDWPD), and the Male Feminist Network (MFN), with support from ActionAid, Renewed Women Voice and Centre L*d, to campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
‎

02/06/2026

MFN South-South Coordinator Advocates Protection of Women, Condemns Gender-Based Violence in Ozoro Peace Walk.
‎
‎Quality men should protect women and use their masculinity to ensure that the voices of women are heard and that the dignity and worth of every human person are upheld.
‎
‎This was stated by the Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, during a peaceful procession organized by The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ) in collaboration with Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development (NDWPD) and the Male Feminist Network (MFN), with support from ActionAid, Renewed Women Voice and Centre L*d, to campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
‎
‎Speaking during the procession, Amb. Egedegbe emphasized the need for collective action in building a violence-free society. He noted that the march was aimed at joining voices with well-meaning Deltans to send a strong message that violence in any form is unacceptable.
‎
‎According to him, traditions, religion and cultural festivals should serve as platforms for unity rather than division and violence.
‎He further stressed that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law domesticated in Delta State since 2020, remains in force and takes precedence whenever cultural, traditional, or religious practices conflict with the law.
‎
‎"There are laws that prohibit violence. Sexual, domestic, economic, social, and verbal violence have all been criminalized under the VAPP Law," he stated.
‎
‎Receiving the groups at the palace, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, JP, who was represented by his wife, Queen Ofejiro Elo Ogbogbo, expressed appreciation to the various organizations for the peaceful procession and the important message they brought to the kingdom.
‎
‎She described the people of Ozoro as peace-loving and respectful of women, adding that as a Queen Mother, she strongly believes in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

‎Queen Ogbogbo reaffirmed her commitment to promoting gender equality and opposing all forms of actions and practices that threaten the dignity, safety, and livelihoods of women and girls.
‎
‎Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Deacon Godwin Ogorugba, commended the organizers for championing a noble cause. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and praised the participants for making out time from their busy schedules to support the campaign against gender-based violence.
‎
‎He emphasized the importance of promoting decent dressing among women and girls. He stated that decent dressing encourages respect and dignity, adding that he does not tolerate any form of indecent dressing within the council as a moral wake up call.
‎
The peaceful procession was accompanied by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), members of the Gender Studies Directorate, and Students of Southern Delta University, Ozoro amongst others who participated throughout the event.
‎

01/06/2026

Welcome To The Month of June🙏

31/05/2026

MFN Takes Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence to Oguno-Orogun Community in Delta State.

The Male Feminist Network (MFN) has intensified its advocacy for gender equality and the elimination of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through a step-down sensitization programme held at the Palace of Priest Assembly Church Auditorium, Oguno-Orogun, on Saturday, 30th May, 2026.

The awareness session was facilitated by Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI) and Zonal Partner Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), South-South Nigeria.

Addressing participants drawn from the community, the facilitator highlighted the vision, objectives, and activities of the Male Feminist Network, noting that the organization is committed to mobilizing men and boys as allies in promoting gender justice, equality, and the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence and discrimination.

He explained that feminism promotes fairness, dignity, justice, and equal opportunities for women and girls, stressing that it is not a movement against men but a call for a society where everyone enjoys equal rights, respect, and opportunities to thrive.

Speaking on the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence, Pst. Egedegbe identified physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse as common forms of violence affecting individuals, families, and communities. He noted that ignorance, harmful social norms, and abuse of power often contribute to the persistence of violence.

According to him, violence not only affects victims physically and emotionally but also undermines family stability, community peace, and sustainable development. He further emphasized the negative impact of violence on children, who may develop fear, trauma, or violent tendencies when exposed to abusive environments.

The facilitator challenged women and girls to embrace positive responsibility by investing in education, personal development, leadership, and character building. He encouraged them to recognize their worth, make responsible life choices, and actively pursue opportunities that will enhance their growth and contribution to society.

He also called on men and boys to become active advocates against violence by respecting the rights and dignity of women and girls, creating opportunities for their advancement, and protecting them from all forms of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

"Building a safe and prosperous society requires the collective efforts of both men and women. Men and boys must become champions of respect, protection, and equal opportunity for women and girls," he stated.

The session further highlighted the legal implications of violence and abuse, while encouraging participants to report incidents through appropriate channels and support survivors rather than blame them.

Participants were urged to become ambassadors of peace, equality, and justice within their homes, schools, places of worship, and communities.

The programme concluded with a call for collective action to eliminate violence, promote human dignity, and build a society where women and girls are safe, respected, empowered, and given every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The sensitization programme forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Male Feminist Network to strengthen grassroots awareness and mobilize communities toward ending Gender-Based Violence and advancing gender equality across Nigeria.

29/05/2026

MFN South-South Coordinator Advocates Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence.

The Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, and South-South Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), Amb. Pst. Edewor Egedegbe, has re-emphasized the urgent need for citizens to collectively fight against all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in society.

Amb. Egedegbe made this call during a sensitization meeting held with the executive members of the Spare Parts Market, Effurun.

Speaking during the engagement, he addressed the common misconceptions surrounding feminism and clarified the true meaning of a feminist.

According to him, a feminist is someone who believes in fairness, justice, and equality for all persons, irrespective of gender, culture and tradition.

He explained that Gender-Based Violence includes any act of violence committed against man, woman, or children, stressing that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law prohibits all forms of violence against individuals.

He further noted that anyone found guilty under the law would face the full weight of legal consequences, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

“We strongly condemn physical, emotional, economic, and all other forms of violence against women, men, and children. When we embrace equality, it promotes peace and encourages mutual respect among individuals. We stand firmly against every form of violence in society,” he stated.

Amb. Egedegbe further emphasized the need for community leaders and stakeholders to work together in enforcing zero tolerance for violence, saying “No” to abuse against women and children, building safer communities, strengthening family values, and promoting gender equality for peaceful coexistence.

In his response, the Chairman of the Spare Parts Main Market, Mr. Emeke Evemezie, expressed appreciation to the Male Feminist Network team for the commendable efforts in curbing Gender-Based Violence and promoting peace within society.

He described the initiative as timely and impactful, and requested for subsequent engagements where the larger market community could also be sensitized on the dangers of GBV and the importance of gender equality in fostering peaceful coexistence.

Other executive members present also expressed deep interest in the advocacy message. They asked relevant questions to further enhance their understanding of GBV and requested for a contact line through which cases of Gender-Based Violence could be reported when necessary. They equally subscribe to be members of the male Feminist Network (MFN).

23/05/2026

NBA WARRI HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE HOSTS DISCOURSE ON ETHICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY.

The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Warri Branch, on Thursday, 22nd May 2026, hosted a thought-provoking program at the Bar Centre, High Court Premises, Effurun, focusing on the ethical implications surrounding human rights advocacy and the commercialization of justice delivery.

Themed “Human Rights Advocacy by Non-Legal Practitioners: Navigating Boundaries of Representation and the Ethics of Monetizing Services,” the event featured a presentation by Pastor (Comrade) Edewor Egedegbe, who emphasized the urgent need to safeguard justice for vulnerable citizens amidst growing concerns over influence-driven activism and monetization of advocacy services.

In his presentation titled “Ethical Implications of Monetizing Human Rights Support: Safeguarding Justice for the Vulnerable People,” Pastor Egedegbe highlighted that human rights advocacy must remain humanity-centered, ethical, transparent, and service-driven rather than profit-oriented.

He warned against the growing commercialization of suffering, noting that some activists and advocacy groups now attach financial conditions to interventions, exploit victims’ stories for publicity and fundraising, and prioritize profitable cases over urgent humanitarian concerns. According to him, such practices risk creating a two-tier justice system where access to justice depends on financial capacity.

The speaker further stressed that victims of abuse and rights violations often approach advocates from positions of fear, trauma, and financial desperation, making exploitation ethically troubling. He maintained that advocacy should restore dignity rather than capitalize on suffering.

Addressing the issue of public trust, Pastor Egedegbe noted that when advocacy becomes politicized or excessively monetized, citizens lose confidence in civil society institutions and genuine human rights defenders suffer reputational damage.

Referencing recent national controversies surrounding the detention of Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” and reactions from public figures including Martins Vincent Otse, Marshall Abubakar, and Omoyele Sowore, he stated that the situation exposed concerns relating to conflicts of interest, politicization of justice, influence-driven activism, and ethical legal representation.

The presentation also celebrated the legacies of late human rights icons Gani Fawehinmi and Beko Ransome-Kuti for their sacrifices, integrity, and commitment to defending oppressed citizens irrespective of financial status.

Pastor Egedegbe called on critical stakeholders including the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and civil society practitioners to uphold ethical standards, promote pro bono services, protect constitutional rights, and maintain public trust in the justice system.

The event concluded with a strong call for advocacy that remains ethical, independent, transparent, and focused on protecting the vulnerable and voiceless in society.

22/05/2026

OZORO MONARCH, POLICE, BACK VREI/MFN PROJECT AGAINST SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN DELTA STATE.

The Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), sub-granted by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre L*D), as the South-South implementing partner of the Male Feminist Network (MFN), alongside implementing partners, Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ), and Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development International, have received strong support from the traditional institution and the Nigeria Police Force in Ozoro, Delta State, following courtesy visits to introduce a project aimed at ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), in cultural and public spaces.

The courtesy visits were held with His Royal Majesty, Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, JP, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, and ACP Zakari Yau, Area Commander, Ozoro Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

The project focuses on strengthening awareness creation, promoting positive masculinity, encouraging community collaboration, and addressing harmful social and cultural norms that expose women and girls to violence.

Speaking during the engagement, the advocacy team explained that the initiative seeks to work closely with traditional institutions, security agencies, women groups, youth groups, and community stakeholders to promote safer and more peaceful communities.

Responding, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom appreciated the initiative and clarified that he was not aware of the alleged “Rape Festival” incident because his traditional responsibilities are mainly centred on the central Ozoro Festival and not community festivals organised independently within various communities.

The monarch disclosed that immediately the news of the alleged incident broke out, he swiftly contacted relevant law enforcement agencies, particularly the Police, and directed that concerned stakeholders connected to the festival be invited to provide explanations regarding the allegations.

His Royal Majesty further revealed that, as part of measures to prevent future occurrences, he has directed all community leaders within the kingdom to henceforth liaise with the palace before conducting any festival or major community celebration. According to the royal father, festivals should promote unity, peace, dignity, and development and must never become platforms for violence or abuse against women and girls.

The monarch assured the implementing organisations of the palace’s support and cooperation, especially in the areas of awareness creation, sensitisation, and stakeholder engagement across communities in the kingdom.

Similarly, ACP Zakari Yau, Area Commander, Ozoro Area Command, commended the initiative and described it as timely and necessary.

The senior police officer reiterated that r**e and all forms of sexual violence remain criminal offences and stressed that no culture, tradition, or festival should be used to justify abuse or violence.

He assured the organisations of the support and cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force during the implementation of the project, including collaboration in public sensitisation and awareness campaigns.

The Area Commander also encouraged residents to promptly report incidents of abuse and criminal conduct to security agencies for immediate action.

The visits ended with renewed commitments from both the traditional institution and security agencies to support collaborative efforts aimed at preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and promoting safer cultural spaces in Delta State.

16/05/2026

Pastor Edewor Egedegbe Advocates Stronger Mentorship for Boys at Boy Child Day 2026.

The Founding Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, and South-South Coordinator, Male Feminist Network (MFN), Pst. Edewor Egedegbe has called for deliberate mentorship, discipline, and value-based upbringing for boys as a critical step toward building responsible men and a stable society.

Egedegbe made the call while delivering the keynote presentation at the Boy Child Day 2026 celebration held on May 15 at Librate Academy, Effurun, Delta State.

The event was organized by the Lighted Women Foundation and centered on the theme “Fix the Boy, Save the Man.”

In his presentation, the keynote speaker emphasized that the future of families, communities, and nations largely depends on how boys are raised and guided during their formative years. He noted that responsible men are not formed by chance but are shaped through discipline, education, mentorship, and strong moral values.

He warned that neglecting the boy child often results in long-term societal challenges such as violence, crime, drug abuse, irresponsibility, and broken homes, stressing that investing in boys today is essential for securing a more stable and productive future.

He highlighted the importance of early childhood training, stating that qualities such as respect, honesty, responsibility, self-control, compassion, and hard work must be intentionally taught from a young age.

According to him, such foundational values help build confidence, encourage wise decision-making, and prepare boys for leadership roles in adulthood.

Egedegbe also addressed the growing influence of negative peer pressure, including cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, bullying, and harmful social media exposure, which he said continue to threaten the development of many young boys. He urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to protect boys by encouraging positive friendships, promoting sports and skill development, and maintaining open communication with them.

Speaking further, he stressed the need to help boys develop purpose and vision, noting that boys who discover their talents and set meaningful goals are less likely to be drawn into destructive behaviors.

He also called on parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, and government agencies to work collectively in supporting the development of the boy child through mentorship programs, moral education, youth empowerment initiatives, and access to quality education.

Addressing the boys present at the event, he encouraged them to remain focused, disciplined, and respectful while believing in their potential and developing their talents.

The Boy Child Day celebration served as a platform to highlight the importance of nurturing responsible boys who will grow into responsible men capable of strengthening families, communities, and the nation.

11/05/2026

Character is not measured by money, but by returning what is not yours.