Nasarawa State has joined eleven other states in the country to launch its State Action Plan on domestication of the United Nation’s Security Council Resolution (1325), on women, peace and security.
Launching the SAP document on Thursday, in Lafia, the state Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, stressed the significance of the event, considering the commitment of his administration towards inclusion of women in the security architecture of the state.
While noting that security is the bedrock of harmonious co-existence and socio-economic development of the society, the Governor emphasized the determination of his administration to continue to promote and sustain peace in the state, through the inclusion of women in not only the security architecture , but also in governance.
Engineer Sule lamented that despite governments effort to carry women along, they have largely remained marginalized and denied access to opportunities to contribute their quota in decision making.
“Our society overtime has progressively abused and dehumanized women and girls through various forms of violence, including physical assault, emotional trauma, as well as psychological and sexual violence,” he stated.
The Governor pointed out that during armed conflicts, women and children have become the most vulnerable to experience untold hardship.
“This, no doubt, has become an issue of grave concern, b earing in mind the traumatizing effects of these unfortunate situations,” Engineer Sule said.
The Governor used the opportunity to condemned the recent spate of rape in the country, particularly, the recent incidence that occurred in Adogi, Lafia East Development Area, where an infant was raped, leaving the child and parents in agony and trauma.
He warned that government will not take it lightly with suspected rapists, as such persons will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
In a goodwill message, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ms Ene Obi, showed appreciation to the state Governor for opening the space for the launch of the SAP document to take place, as well as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Hon. Mrs Halima Jabiru.
The ActionAid country director, while noting that the number of conflict situations, terrorism, armed banditry and insecurity in the country is alarming, said the major concerns about these conflicts is their effect on the people of Nigeria and Nasarawa State, especially women and girls.
She expressed concern that the situation of women and girls was further worsened by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with records showing disturbing increase in sexual and gender-based violence against women and children.
Ms Obi disclosed that her organization is willing to partner with the state government towards ensuring that every woman in Nasarawa State is liberated from the influence and effect of violent extremism and increase sustainable development.
It would be recalled that the UNSCR 1325 came into being on 31st October, 2000, recognizing the impact of armed conflict on women and girls. The resolution increased the participation of women and incorporates gender perspectives in all UN peace and security efforts.
The launch of the Nasarawa State Action Plan, saw in attendance, top government functionaries, development partners, as well as various women groups from across the state.
Prominent among these are: the Nasarawa First Lady, Hajiya, Silifat Abdullahi A. Sule, state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Suleiman Umaru Dikko.
Others are: Commissioner, Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Halima Jabiru, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, among others.
