Advocacy visit to the Village Head of Masaka, Karu, Nasarawa State

In September 2025, Olive Rights to Health Initiative (ORHI) paid an advocacy visit to the palace of Sa’masakayi, the Village Head of Masaka in Karu, Nasarawa State. The visit was part of the FEF-OSC 2025 project, “Promoting Economic Empowerment and Access to Health Services by Young Female Sex Workers and Females Who Use Drugs”, funded by the Embassy of France in Nigeria and delivered with Beam Community Development 360 Initiative (BCD360).

Traditional rulers play an important part in shaping community life. Meeting the Village Head in his palace was a way of recognising that role and of asking for his backing for the project’s aims.

In our discussions, the Village Head shared his openness to supporting vulnerable young women. When community leaders stand with young women in this way, tradition can become a source of protection rather than exclusion.

We will continue to work with traditional and community leaders in Karu so that every young woman, whatever her story, can live with dignity and has access to health services and economic opportunities.