The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, Kebbi State chapter, has said four new sexual assault referral centres will be established across the state.

Secretary, TWG on GBV in Kebbi State, Nasiru Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi.

He said establishment of the centres was part of the report submitted during a strategic meeting held with the wife of the state governor, Zainab-Nasare Idris, who is also the chairperson, TWG on GBV.

Mr Idris noted that the state, which presently has one centre in Birnin Kebbi, would now have four centres to be established at Argungu, Yauri, Zuru and an additional one at Birnin Kebbi.

He said, “These centres, initiated by implementing partners (IPs) in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government, aim to enhance accessibility to GBV-related services across the state.

“Among the major highlights of the meeting was the submission of a detailed report on the establishment of four additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state.
“The session was organised to formally present a comprehensive report on the 2024 ’16 Days of Activism Against GBV’, highlighting success stories, key lessons learned, and areas of improvement in preparation for the 2025 campaign.”

Mr Idris recalled that the delegation emphasised the need to revamp current mechanisms for awareness creation and grassroots sensitisation.

According to him, in the upcoming 2025 campaign, advocacy efforts will be broadened to involve more stakeholders across various sectors to deepen participation and foster stronger engagement in the fight against gender-based violence.

“Moreover, the TWG on GBV 2025 work plan was officially presented to Her Excellency for review and approval.
The work plan outlines strategic interventions to ensure a more coordinated and impactful response to GBV across Kebbi State, thereby reinforcing the group’s commitment to humanitarian service and social justice.

“Several other critical issues aimed at improving the functionality and effectiveness of the TWG on GBV were also discussed in the closed-door session,” the secretary said.

He added that while specific details remained confidential, the discussions underscored the governor’s wife steadfast dedication to addressing GBV holistically.

The secretary added that the engagement further demonstrated the state government’s commitment to resolving and protecting vulnerable population, apart from promoting gender equality through structured collaboration and sustained advocacy.

(NAN)