BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Rabi Salisu, has called for the formulation and implementation of practical policies to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), strengthen women’s empowerment and accelerate social development across the North-West and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Salisu made the call on Thursday while declaring open the North-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitisation ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development at the General Hassan Usman Katsina House in Kaduna.
The three-day meeting brought together the Minister of Women Affairs, commissioners overseeing women affairs and social development from North-West states, permanent secretaries, directors, technical officers, development partners, civil society organisations, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
Addressing participants, the commissioner described the gathering as timely, stressing the need for governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts towards improving the welfare of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She noted that the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development remains one of Nigeria’s most important policy platforms for shaping national priorities, encouraging peer learning and strengthening collaboration between the federal and state governments.
According to her, the pre-council engagement provides an opportunity for technical reflection, evidence-based discussions and regional policy alignment ahead of the national council meeting.
“This sensitisation exercise should not be seen merely as a routine preparatory activity but as a call to action for all stakeholders committed to advancing social development,” she said.
Dr. Salisu observed that states in the North-West continue to face complex social and economic challenges that require innovative, coordinated and inclusive policy responses.
She identified critical areas requiring urgent intervention to include women’s economic empowerment, child protection and safeguarding, social protection systems, youth development, disability inclusion, institutional strengthening, as well as the prevention and response to gender-based violence.
The commissioner expressed concern over the rising incidence of GBV, warning that violence against women and girls continues to undermine human dignity, social progress and community development.
She therefore urged policymakers, technical experts and development partners to move beyond policy formulation and prioritise effective implementation capable of delivering measurable results at the grassroots level.
Dr. Salisu also encouraged participants to contribute actively to deliberations by proposing practical recommendations that reflect the realities and aspirations of citizens.
She said such recommendations would help produce responsive and implementable policy frameworks capable of accelerating sustainable social development outcomes across the country.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Uba Sani to promoting inclusive governance and strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for women and vulnerable populations.
She also acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, development partners and other stakeholders in advancing the social development agenda.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the meeting, Dr. Salisu said the recommendations emerging from the North-West zonal sensitisation would enrich deliberations at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader development objectives.
