The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establish four additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state by the end of 2025.

This initiative aims to address Gender-Based Violence through the establishment of the new centres in each of the four emirates in Kebbi.

The state Secretary of the Technical Working Group on GBV in Kebbi State, Nasiru Idris, gave then update in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

Mr Idris explained that the initiative followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, chaired by the governor’s wife, Zainab Nasir-Idris, who also serves as the chairperson of the TWG on GBV.

He said the meeting was attended by key government officials, consultants, and sectoral leaders, who discussed strategies for training SARC personnel and enhancing social work services across the state.

“I thank all participants, and I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring the new SARCs are fully operational before the end of 2025,” Ms Nasir-Idris said.

The governor’s wife also emphasised the importance of grassroots accessibility and collaboration across ministries.

She called for sustained media engagement to raise public awareness about GBV prevention and reporting.

Additionally, she highlighted the need to educate the public on survivors’ rights and the legal consequences for perpetrators.

In her opening remarks, Lead Consultant from Pearl Services Limited, Amina Ibrahim-Bamalli, commended the state government for its leadership in GBV programming in Northwestern Nigeria.

She highlighted the crucial role of social workers in helping survivors cope with trauma and suggested establishing skill acquisition centres to support survivors’ economic independence.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Women Affairs, Dr Suwaiba Salihu, underscored the need for the SARCs to be well-equipped.

In response, stakeholders were reassured that consultations with non-governmental organisations were ongoing to ensure adequate resource mobilisation for the centres’ operational readiness.

Further solidifying the state’s coordinated approach, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, A’ishatu Abbas, announced the upcoming formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee the implementation of GBV policies.

Director and Medical Consultant of the Maitalle Tara SARC in Kalgo, Dr Nura Mohammed-Kangiwa,also provided insights into the necessary requirements for the operation of each centre.

A former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Basic Education, Rafa’atu Hammani, reiterated the importance of robust social services.

She emphasised the need for strong support systems to enhance the well-being of communities.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, A’ishatu Maikurata, pledged to ensure that social work training reached the grassroots.  She expressed her commitment to improve accessibility to such training for local communities.

She also committed to reviving services at the community level, especially in rural areas where most GBV cases arose due to lack of awareness.

(NAN)