By Idris Khalid
As part of the activities marking the 2021 activism on Gender-Base Violence in Zamfara State, the First Lady Hajiya Aisha Bello Muhammed held an inaugural meeting with members of the state steering committee on GBV in the state.
According to statement issued by Zainab Shuaibu Abdullahi, press secretary to the First Lady Zamfara state and made available to Journalists said the steering committee comprises the First Lady as the Chairperson, and others 29 relevant members which including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Speaker State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, State Council of Chiefs, headed by Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, State Council of Ulamas, Ministry for Religious Affairs and that of Women and Children Affairs among others who play an important role towards ending violence against women and children.
Speaking at the meeting held at the Government House Gusau, the First Lady said the GBV is one of the issues that has taken top priority in her agenda for women and children in the state.
“At this point, let me express our sincere appreciation to his Excellency, Governor Bello Muhammad Matawallen Maradun for his tremendous support and solidarity to our activities and programmes on the campaign against GBV”.
According to her, Governor of Zamfara in 2020 on same campaign against GBV, he personally led a road walk on the campaign for ending violence against women.
“As an active member of the Nigerian Governor Wives Forum against GBV, I have always been in the fore-front in the campaign against the ugly act against women and children”.
“I am currently championing the adoption of the Child Rights Act, which as a result of my influence the draft document has been reviewed by relevant stakeholders and development partners for speedy approval”.
“I am happy to announced that relevant laws that addresses GBV have been passed by the state house of assembly”.
The First Lady was quick to reiterate her keen commitment to war against GVB. This she said had taken much attention in her pet project in the state.
The First Lady appreciate the contributions of the members of the committee in various activities and programmes designed under her leadership towards eliminating GBV in the state.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Dr Rabi Ibrahim Shinkafi appreciated the wonderful policies and programmes by Matawalle’s led administration in the state as well as agendas of the First Lady Hajiya Aisha Matawalle in addressing various issues affecting women and children.
“We are happy to be here today with Her Excellency as Chairperson of this Committee for inaugural meeting first of its kind in the state for the major stakeholders to deliberate on how to promote issues related campaign against GBV in the state”.
“Your Excellency under your leadership alot have been achieved with regards to fight against GBV in the state”.
“We appreciate the contributions of all stakeholders especially the development partners who have been supportive to our various activities”, Dr Rabi Shinkafi said”.
At the end of the meeting, after much deliberations it was unanimously resolved that the committee would be meeting Monthly to figure out the modalities to achieve the target goal.
