From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has begun training 140 auxiliary social workers to address child trafficking, gender-based violence, and domestic abuse, in a move officials say will strengthen the state’s frontline response to child protection and community welfare.
The initiative, led by the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to deploy the new recruits to rural and urban communities where such cases often go undetected.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Katsina’s Social Development Centre, Filin Samji, Special Adviser to the Department, Aminu Badaru Jikamshi—represented by Permanent Secretary Jamila Abdu Mani—said the workers will also handle cases linked to sexual violence, banditry-related trauma, and inter-family disputes.
“This is more than a training programme; it’s an investment in community safety and dignity,” Jamila said. “We expect every participant to work with compassion, professionalism, and a deep respect for human rights.”
The training will be delivered in two segments. The first covers participants from Safana, Kurfi, and Kankara LGAs, while the second will focus on Batagarawa, Mani, Funtua, Daura, and Katsina LGAs.
Once trained, the recruits will join existing government social workers to expand coverage in underserved areas. Jamila warned against any abuse of authority, urging participants to “reciprocate the government’s trust by protecting, not harming, the people they serve.”
UNICEF focal person for the department, Samira Nasir, said the programme addresses a critical shortage of social workers in the state.
“Without adequate personnel, cases of abuse and trafficking remain hidden—especially in rural communities. This step will help us identify and respond quickly to violations of children’s and women’s rights,” she noted.
Officials say the initiative reflects Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to building a safer environment for vulnerable groups in Katsina.
