By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe,
Efforts to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Gombe State received a major boost as the Center for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV), in collaboration with the Norwegian Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), paid an advocacy visit to the Gombe State House of Assembly.
The visit, which aimed to deepen collaboration between lawmakers and advocacy groups, underscored the urgent need for the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPP) — a crucial legal instrument in Nigeria’s effort to combat GBV and protect the rights of women and girls.
Leading the delegation, Professor Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of CERSDOV, commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for taking the bold step to domesticate the VAPP Law. However, she emphasized that domestication alone was not enough — calling instead for robust enforcement mechanisms that ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders.
“Domestication is only the first step. The real change comes when the law is effectively enforced to protect victims and punish offenders. The violation of one girl child is the violation of an entire nation,”
— Professor Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf
Professor Yusuf noted that CERSDOV, with support from UNFPA and the Norwegian Government, has been working in Gombe State for over two years, building community structures, training local ambassadors, and empowering institutions to respond effectively to GBV and SRHR issues, even in hard-to-reach communities.
She called for closer collaboration among key stakeholders — including the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Ministry of Women Affairs — to ensure the effective enforcement of the VAPP Law.
Receiving the delegation, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding and empowering women and girls across the state.
According to him, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has shown strong political will in promoting gender equality, women’s welfare, and child protection. He highlighted the enactment of key legislations such as the VAPP Law and the Child Rights Act, which provide a legal foundation for protecting women and children against violence and exploitation.
“Under Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe has made significant progress in addressing gender-related issues. Beyond passing laws, we are working to ensure their full implementation for the benefit of our citizens,”
— Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo
The Speaker further revealed that the state, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the World Bank, has disbursed over ₦7 billion to support girl-child education and welfare programs — a move aimed at tackling the root causes of gender inequality through access to education and empowerment.
He stressed that while laws and policies are vital, sustained public awareness and community sensitization remain essential for changing attitudes and ensuring that women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Gabriel Galadima, praised CERSDOV and its partners for their tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to gender equality.
“CERSDOV’s work is commendable, and we are proud to associate with their mission. The Gombe State House of Assembly remains fully committed to ensuring the full enforcement of the VAPP Law,”
— Hon. Gabriel Galadima
The advocacy visit concluded with a renewed pledge of partnership between CERSDOV and the Gombe State House of Assembly. Both parties resolved to strengthen the enforcement of gender protection laws, enhance institutional coordination, and ensure that victims of GBV receive justice, safety, and dignity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the realities of GBV and reproductive health challenges, the Gombe State experience serves as a beacon of progress — showing that with political will, collaboration, and enforcement, the fight for gender justice can truly transform lives and communities.
#EndGBV #SRHR #VAPPImplementation #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #UNFPA #CERSDOV #NorwegianGovernment #GombeState #InuwaYahaya #ProtectWomenAndGirls #StopTheViolence
