From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Stakeholders in Sokoto State have emphasized that sustainable peace and security in the Northwest can only be achieved through social inclusiveness and respect for the rights of women, girls, and boys.
Speaking at a high-level town hall meeting organized by Global Rights in partnership with The Kukah Centre, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, underscored the need to end all forms of violence against women and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.
Represented by Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, District Head of Gagi, the Sultan said, “Violence against women, girls, and boys is not acceptable. We must put in efforts to end it.”
He added that inclusive governance and gender equality are essential to resolving long-standing security challenges in the region.
In his remarks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese stressed that peace and security are built on justice, trust, and deliberate collaboration among citizens. “Peace begins with the mind, and security begins with justice,” he said.
Also speaking, Abdulrahman Hassan, Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Human Rights, highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s participation in governance and community decision-making.
The Programme Manager of Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, urged stakeholders to strengthen women’s engagement in peace-building processes, noting that their perspectives are critical in addressing insecurity at the grassroots.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto Chapter, Barrister Rasheedat Mohammed, called for improved inclusion of women in legal and policy frameworks, saying this would enhance justice delivery and social cohesion.
Security operatives present at the event reaffirmed their commitment to community-based collaboration, noting that inclusive participation is vital to achieving lasting peace in the Northwest.
