Stakeholders in Gombe State have emphasised the need for collective responsibility in tackling the escalating crisis of sexual and gender-based violence and drug abuse.
At a recent one-day roundtable, Chief Judge Halima Mohammed, stressed, “The fight against SGBV and drug abuse cannot be won if all stakeholders do not work together as a team.”
She made this disclosure at a one-day roundtable stakeholder collaborative solutions to drug abuse and gender-based violence in Gombe State.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the occasion was organised by Advocacy Centre for Development in collaboration with Initiative for Muslim Women of Nigeria.
The Gombe Chief Judge urged everyone to take responsibility, saying, “We must not leave here without resolving how we can address this challenge because the negative impact on society will be great if we don’t do something.”
Asma’u Iganus, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, reiterated the state government’s commitment to tackling violence against children, women, and youths.
“The domestication of the Child’s Protection Act in the state after its neglect for almost 10 years underscores our dedication,” she said.
Ibrahim Yusuf, Team Lead of Advocacy Centre for Development, said, “The increasing cases of SGBV and drug abuse in the state necessitate continuous sensitisation and engagement.”
Our correspondent reports that the event brought together no fewer than 70 participants from security agencies, government ministries, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and the media to brainstorm ways to tackle the menace.
