By Muhammad Amaan
Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria has assented to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), and Child Protection Laws.
The governor also inaugurated the state’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) steering committee, at a signing ceremony in Katsina.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment toward the protection of women and children rights in the state.
According to him, GBV has no place in Islam, and therefore its necessary for all stakeholders to put hands on deck to address the menace.
“Today marks a significant moment in pursuit of justice, equity and safety for the people of the state, as we gathered today to also inaugurate the steering committee on GBV.
“The establishment of the committee has reflected the unwavering commitment of this government to eradicate GBV within our state.
“GBV is a menace that knows no bounds, therefore it is our collective responsibility to stand united against it,” Radda said.
He charged the committee to rise to the expectations placed on them and to be the vanguard of change in the fight against the menace in the society.
Governor Radda added that, “In our pursuit for justice, let’s be guided by the principle of our religion and the culture value, therefore we must work tirelessly to off-root it.
“I implore the committee to collaborate and work closely with the religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and media, their influence is profound and their endorsement will assist in amplifying our message.
“In the fight against this menace, we need to engage the minds and hearts of our communities, and the involvement of those leaders is pivotal,” he said.
According to him, the state is hereby guided by the national gender formulation on the steering committee, while the Ministry of Women Affairs will coordinate and oversee all GBV related matters.
In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zaina Musawa, said the event reflected their collective determination to foster a safer environment for the citizens of the state.
She commended the state legislators for the speedy passage of the VAPP Law, saying it’s pivotal step toward the pursuit of justice and protection of vulnerable persons and victims of violence.
“This does not only serve as a measure that strengthens our legal framework, but it serves as a sound message that violence in any form would not be tolerated in this administration,” she said.
