Chef and Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci has pledged N2 million to support organisations helping survivors of sexual abuse following renewed calls for justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who was allegedly raped by her uncle and his son before her death in 2018.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Hilda said she was deeply moved after reading about Ochanya’s ordeal.
She wrote: “A 13-year-old girl who should have been safe, loved, and protected was instead failed by the very people meant to guard her. As I read through her story, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many girls carry wounds like hers and are still here today, trying to find their way back to wholeness.”
The 29-year-old said her donation would be shared between two trusted NGOs that work with survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
“To support that cause, I’m pledging N2,000,000 to organisations working with rape and s3xual abuse survivors. I’d love for you to help me choose two trusted NGOs to receive this donation. Drop your nominations in the comments or tag them below so my team and I can review and reach out directly,” she added.
She also encouraged Nigerians to contribute to the ongoing GoFundMe campaign linked to the movement, saying, “Every contribution helps move the legal process forward and strengthens the fight for justice. And if you can’t give financially, that’s okay – you can still lend your voice.”
Hilda further urged Nigerians to go beyond social media advocacy. “Honouring her memory means doing more than posting hashtags. It means showing up for those who are still here — making sure no one ever feels alone in their pain again,” she said.
Hilda’s post came as Nigerians reignited the #JusticeForOchanya movement, seven years after the teenager’s death.
Ochanya reportedly suffered years of abuse from her uncle, Dr Andrew Ogbuja and his son Victor Ogbuja, while living with them in Benue State. She died in October 2018 from complications linked to the assaults.
Dr Ogbuja was later acquitted by a Benue High Court in 2021 for lack of sufficient evidence, while his wife Felicia Ogbuja was convicted for negligence and sentenced to five months imprisonment. Victor, however, remains at large.
The renewed campaign has seen activists like Betty Abah and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan call on the authorities to reopen the case and ensure Victor faces trial.
