Sokoto: The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to remain resolute in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child. Abubakar made the call during a high-level town hall on promoting peace and security through women's inclusion and access to justice, held in Sokoto.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting was organised by Global Rights in collaboration with UK International Development and The Kukah Centre. It served as a platform for inclusive dialogue on the interlinking issues of peace, justice, and women's participation in conflict response and recovery. Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a growing phenomenon that requires an all-inclusive approach, describing it as a grave offense against humanity.
The Sultan expressed that standing up for women is crucial as they play significant roles as mothers, wives, and daughters. He highlighted that violating their rights equates to a violation of humanity, making their protection non-negotiable. Abubakar stated that ending GBV in Sokoto and Nigeria is achievable and that the path is clear for all.
He commended the state government for its efforts in including more women in decision-making processes, noting the positive outcomes of such initiatives. He also expressed appreciation to Global Rights and its partners for organising the meeting and encouraged participants to leverage the opportunity to bolster the initiative's success.
Mrs Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, pointed out that the North-West region continues to face persistent security challenges. She remarked that in the face of insecurity and violence, women have shown resilience, sustaining families and building communities. Despite their valuable experiences and leadership, women still suffer various forms of violence, and their participation in peace and security processes remains limited.
Baiyewu stressed the necessity of changing societal perceptions about women, urging communities to recognise them as agents of peace, security, and justice. She called on participants to use the dialogue as a platform to promote inclusion, equity, and justice for sustainable peace in the North-West and across Nigeria.
Mr Cliff Gai, Senior Programme Manager of the UK Integrated Security Fund (UK ISF), described the meeting as a strong demonstration of commitment to promoting access to justice in Sokoto and across the country. He stated that the gathering represents a community commitment to ensuring justice and addressing all forms of violence.
Dr Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Founder of The Kukah Centre, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the need to strengthen peace and unity as prerequisites for achieving justice and security. He highlighted the importance of respecting institutions and supporting security agencies in the pursuit of justice.
Earlier, Alhaji Yahaya Rara, Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu on Human Rights, reaffirmed the state government's sustained commitment to protecting human rights and enhancing the state's security architecture.