By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja

A growing youth-driven movement in Nigeria’s capital is challenging communities—and the world—to confront the rising tide of gender-based violence with a simple but urgent message: “Silence is consent. Refuse to inherit it.”

At the center of this awakening is Bidemi Adedire, founder of Smile Outreach, whose annual initiative Voices Against Violence (VAV2025) has rapidly evolved into one of Abuja’s most collaborative anti-violence platforms.

Speaking with Standard Times Nigeria, Adedire recalled how her journey began with a modest community development service (CDS) project but quickly grew into something far larger.

“After my CDS, I knew I needed to do more,” she said. “Many of us working against violence in Abuja were operating in silos. Voices Against Violence became a space to meet, connect, and understand the landscape. Last year, we had over 100 stakeholders. Collaboration has been our biggest breakthrough.”

A Convergence of Children, Youth, and Adults,
Adedire emphasized that this year’s gathering was different. The event deliberately merged children, teenagers, and adults into one shared conversation—something she described as essential for long-term change.

“Everybody is important,” she said. “Let the children and youth take up the voices that many older people can no longer carry. We don’t care about popularity; we care about action. Even the small work someone is doing in Kubwa or Kwuari matters. It is all part of the movement.”

Amplifying Children’s Voices Through Competition

To ensure young Nigerians were not only present but fully engaged, Smile Outreach organized an essay competition tied to the International Day of the Girl Child. The aim: to let girls articulate their own solutions to violence.

“You can’t hide the world from them anymore—they’re online, they know what’s happening,” Adedire said. “We wanted to hear how they understand violence and what they would do if given the chance. That’s why we created the competition.”

Twenty schools participated, with three students each—nearly 60 children in total. Ten advanced to the finals before the top winners were announced.

And the Winners Are…

Students wrote on the theme: “My Voice Against Violence: Unfolding Realities of Change and Courage.”

Aduve International School, Jahi, Abuja — ₦500,000 grand prize

Canadian Bridge Academy, Gwarinpa, Abuja — ₦300,000

Additional finalists were recognized for outstanding contributions.

Adedire said the awards ceremony was meant not only to celebrate excellence but to signal to children that their voices matter.

“We called all three awardees forward to show them—and the world—that their voices count,” she said. “Now they know they are part of this movement.”

A National and Global Call

Held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Abuja Enterprise Agency Hall, Voices Against Violence 2025 brought together policymakers, activists, educators, youth organizations, and community leaders to address gender violence both locally and globally.

Its message resonated far beyond the walls of the hall:

“Silence is consent. Refuse to inherit it.
Be the generation that speaks against violence.”