* First Lady Zulaihat Calls for Sustained Investment, Stakeholders Collaboration
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has assured of his administration’s commitment to preventing and eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through stronger law enforcement, speedy justice, and increased support for survivors.
Governor Radda gave the assurance while receiving an advocacy delegation led by the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, at the Government House, Katsina.
The Governor explained that although the delegation was initially scheduled to meet with only a few commissioners, he directed that the advocacy session be presented before the full State Executive Council in view of the importance of the issues under discussion.
“I considered this advocacy too important to be discussed by only a few officials. That is why I directed that it should be presented before the entire State Executive Council so that every member of government understands the urgency of strengthening our response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” Governor Radda said.
He described gender-based violence as a serious social challenge that continues to inflict physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on women, girls, and children, noting that some victims have even lost their lives as a result of such abuses.
“The growing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence are deeply disturbing. As a government, we cannot fold our arms while innocent women and children continue to suffer. Protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of our citizens remains one of our highest responsibilities,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda commended the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Office of the First Lady of Katsina State, the Ford Foundation, and other development partners for championing advocacy aimed at preventing gender-based violence and strengthening institutional responses across the country.
He noted that Katsina State has already taken significant steps by domesticating key legislation, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child Rights Law, to provide stronger legal protection for women and children.
“The challenge before us is no longer the absence of laws but ensuring their effective implementation and enforcement. We must strengthen our institutions, provide leadership, and ensure that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
Governor Radda disclosed that the state government has made budgetary provisions in the 2026 fiscal year to strengthen programmes aimed at preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and improving institutional capacity.
He further revealed that discussions are already underway with the Chief Judge of Katsina State on establishing a dedicated Family Court to ensure the speedy hearing and determination of cases relating to gender-based violence and child protection.
“Justice delayed discourages victims from seeking redress. Establishing a Family Court will help accelerate prosecution, improve access to justice, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable without unnecessary delays,” he added.
The Governor stressed that beyond law enforcement, sustained advocacy and behavioural change remain critical to addressing the root causes of gender-based violence.
“We must take this campaign beyond government offices by engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, Community Development Committees, and other grassroots structures to promote positive values and transform harmful social norms,” he said.
Governor Radda directed the Ministry of Women Affairs to work closely with the Office of the First Lady in developing a comprehensive implementation framework with clear timelines, defined responsibilities, and effective monitoring mechanisms to coordinate the state’s response to gender-based violence.
He also instructed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to strengthen the enforcement of all existing laws relating to gender-based violence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.
Earlier, the Vice-Chairperson of the Northern Governors’ Spouses Forum First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as not only a social problem but also a development and governance challenge capable of undermining family stability, economic growth, and human capital development.
She called for sustained investment in prevention programmes, stronger enforcement of existing laws, accelerated implementation of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, and deeper collaboration among government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners.
She further noted that economically empowered women contribute significantly to stronger families, safer communities, and sustainable development.
She stressed that women’s economic empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence are mutually reinforcing.
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, expressed concern over the increasing incidence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the state, describing it as a major threat to the health, safety, dignity, and future of women and girls.
She observed that despite the existence of relevant laws, weak enforcement, social stigma, and the withdrawal of cases by some families continue to undermine efforts to secure justice for survivors.
Aisha appealed for stronger government commitment towards enforcing existing laws, establishing a Family Court, strengthening shelters and Sexual Assault Referral Centres, expanding psychosocial support services, empowering survivors economically, and increasing funding for prevention programmes.
During the visit, Governor Radda formally endorsed and signed a communiqué committing the Katsina State Government to strengthening policies, institutions, and partnerships aimed at preventing and eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across the state.
The advocacy visit concluded with the Katsina State Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, the Ford Foundation, and other stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration, promoting the rights and dignity of women and children, and building a safer, more inclusive, and more secure Katsina State.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor
1st July, 2026
