The Emirs of Nafada and Funakaye have pledged unwavering support to the Gombe State Government’s efforts to end gender-based violence, describing the rising trend as a serious threat to community wellbeing.
The Emirs, Alhaji Muhammadu Dadum Hamza of Nafada and Alhaji Yakubu Muhammadu Kwairanga of Funakaye, gave the assurance while receiving the Gombe First Lady’s delegation during a sensitisation tour of the two emirates.
The delegation had visited the LGAs to inaugurate child protection implementation committees.
Speaking during the visit, Emir Hamza said GBV had become “a growing concern that must be confronted with urgency and sincerity.”
He called for firm action against offenders, adding that traditional institutions would continue to play their part in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Emir Kwairanga also urged members of the newly inaugurated GBV Committee to discharge their duties with fairness and integrity.
“We expect the committee to be just, thorough and committed to justice. Our doors remain open for any support required,” he said.
Representing the First Lady, Asma’u Yahaya, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Iganus, expressed concern over the rising number of GBV cases in the state.
“The statistics are worrisome, and the situation demands collective action,” she said. “No society can progress when women and children face violence within their own communities.”
Chairman of the Gombe State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Gabriel Galadima, warned the public to desist from all forms of violence, stressing that the law would take its full course on perpetrators.
“The era of impunity is over; the law will decisively handle offenders,” he said.
In their separate remarks, the wives of the chairmen of Nafada and Funakaye LGAs, Hajiya Jamila Jigawa and Hajiya Aisha Abdulrahman, thanked the First Lady for prioritising the welfare of women and children. They pledged to “fully support the campaign until GBV is reduced to the barest minimum.”
On his part, Chairman of Funakaye LGA, Shuaibu Abdulrahman, lauded the delegation assuring that his cabinet would help full implementation in the council.
“I want to thank our Governor and his wife for the efforts in ensuring the well-being of children and women. We as council will continue to support full implementation, offenders will be punished to put an end to gbv cases here,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that the delegation inaugurated a 15-member committee that will push the sensitisation campaign down to ward levels. She also presented copies of the Child Protection Law to the Emirs and committee members to support grassroots enlightenment efforts.
The First Lady’s statewide sensitisation drive is expected to continue across local government areas as part of renewed efforts to end GBV in Gombe State.
