The Emir of Akko, Alhaji Umar Atiku, on Saturday reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing efforts to eliminate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Gombe State, describing it as a threat that must be confronted head-on.
The monarch made the pledge when Gombe State First Lady, Asma’u Yahaya’s delegation led by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development visited the palace shortly before inaugurating a 15-member committee on child protection implementation.
“Gender-based violence is not just a family issue; it is a societal problem that demands urgent and decisive action,” the Emir said. “We will continue to lend our full support to ensure that this menace is drastically reduced in our communities.”
The wife of the Akko Local Government Chairman, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed Danladi, commended the initiative, noting that the First Lady’s efforts were beginning to reshape conversations around the protection of vulnerable persons. She urged councillors in the LGA to rally behind the campaign.
“This programme can only succeed if our leaders at every level stand firmly behind it,” she said.
Speaking Yahaya, explained that the team is currently on a tour of all 11 Local Government Areas to inaugurate 15-member GBV committees that will operate down to the ward level.
“We are building a structure that will make prevention and response to GBV more effective at the grassroots,” she said. “We need the cooperation of traditional and political leaders to make this work.”
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Gombe State House Committee on Women Affairs, Gabriel Galadima, stressed that combating GBV requires collective effort.
“Everyone has a role—government, traditional rulers, and citizens. We will not hesitate to take firm action against offenders,” he warned.
The acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Umar, echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the government remains committed to creating a safer environment for women and children.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the major highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the Child Protection Law to Emir of Akko and the newly inaugurated committee chairman, symbolising the state’s renewed commitment to protecting children and vulnerable groups.
The First Lady’s delegation proceeded from Kumo to Akko Gari where it visited the Chairman over loss of a family member.
The delegation offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort of loved ones.
