Gombe State Director, National Orientation Agency, Adaline Waye-Patari, on Monday urged residents to renew commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual, adding that human rights are the foundation of a just and equitable society.
Waye-Patari made this call in her address at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on nationwide sensitisation on security consciousness and ethical living organised by NOA in Gombe.
Our correspondent reports that the sensitisation commemorates December 10, marked as Human Rights Day; with 2024 theme as ‘Our rights, our future, right now’!
She said, “Together, we must work towards eliminating discrimination, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that every citizen enjoys their fundamental freedoms.”
Waye-Patari disclosed that government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian, “by strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking. Establishment of support centres for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with civil society. Promotion of constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities,” she added.
Also speaking, Gombe State Controller of Corrections, CC Salihu Abdullahi, cautioned religious leaders to instil fear of God and contentment in youths, disclosing that 1,250 inmates in Gombe custodial centres are within 25 years age bracket.
The Controller who was represented by Superintendent of Corrections, Abdulhamid Aji, noted that the 1,250 are spread across six custodial centres in the state, calling for all hands to be on deck towards enlightening the youths on the dangers of crime.
He said, “Imams, Pastors what are you doing; We need your presence in the prisons (custodial centres). During your sermons on Friday or Sunday you should be able to emphasise on the dangers of crime.”
He said, “1,250 young persons are in Gombe six custodial centres. 25 years old is the oldest; you will see 17, 18, 19, among them that were involved in all sorts of criminal activities.”
Abdullahi harped on the need for collaboration, urging NOA to establish desk offices across the custodial centres to re-orientate the youth population.
“NOA needs to have desk officer in the prisons (custodial centres). Prison is a place for all of us, a place you can pay a visit,” he added.
On his part, Public Relations Officer of National Human Rights Commission, Ali Alfinti, urged stakeholders to promote peace, respect for one another.
He said, “For us to have peace in the society, we must respect the right of others. You can not dehumanise someone and be at peace. When we respect the rights of others we will have peaceful co-existence. It’s our responsibility to ensure we promote security.”
Head of Investigation Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Gombe Zonal office, Hassan Saidu, decried the impact of social media in financial crime.
Saidu noted that previously advance-fee fraud was unknown to the region, “before now we don’t know about it, we only use to hear about it but now it’s around us. We must be security conscious with our ATMs, NIN,” he added.
Among stakeholders present at the main auditorium of the Federal Secretariat at the sensitisation include heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders.
