The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing four additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state by the end of 2025, as part of its sustained efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The planned centres, to be located in each of the state’s four Emirates, aim to provide support services for GBV survivors and enhance access to justice and rehabilitation.
Alhaji Nasiru Idris, Secretary of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on GBV in Kebbi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi. According to him, the decision followed a high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by the governor’s wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasir-Idris, who also serves as Chairperson of the TWG.
The meeting, held at the Government House, brought together government officials, consultants, and key sector leaders to deliberate on strategies for personnel training and strengthening social work infrastructure across the state.
“I appreciate all stakeholders for their contributions and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring the SARCs are fully functional before the end of 2025,” said Idris.
In her remarks, Hajiya Zainab Nasir-Idris stressed the importance of making the centres accessible at the grassroots level and encouraged inter-ministerial collaboration. She also called for continued media advocacy to raise public awareness on GBV prevention, survivors’ rights, and the legal implications for offenders.
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Lead Consultant from Pearl Services Ltd, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim-Bamalli, commended Kebbi State for its leadership role in addressing GBV in northwestern Nigeria. She underscored the vital role of social workers in supporting survivors and proposed the establishment of skill acquisition centres to promote economic self-sufficiency.
Dr Suwaiba Salihu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Women Affairs, highlighted the need for proper equipping of the SARCs. In response, stakeholders were assured that discussions were ongoing with relevant NGOs to secure adequate resources for operational readiness.
To strengthen coordinated action, Hajiya A’ishatu Abbas, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, announced the impending formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee the implementation of GBV policies.
Dr Nura Mohammed-Kangiwa, Director and Medical Consultant at the Maitalle Tara SARC in Kalgo, outlined the essential requirements for the effective running of the centres.
Also speaking, Hajiya Rafa’atu Hammani, former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Basic Education, emphasised the importance of robust social services and strong support systems to promote community well-being.
Hajiya A’ishatu Maikurata, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, pledged to ensure that social work training reaches grassroots communities. She also committed to reviving service delivery at the community level, particularly in rural areas where GBV is often underreported due to limited awareness.
