Kaduna: Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly have been decorated as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) ambassadors during a one-day parliamentary engagement on human rights held in Kaduna. The engagement aimed to deepen the lawmakers’ commitment to strengthening laws, promoting civic freedoms, and ensuring justice for survivors of abuse across communities in the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the engagement was ‘Addressing Declining Civic Space and Restrictive Laws’. The programme was organised by the Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding in collaboration with the Centre for the Study and Resolutions of Domestic Violence. It was also supported by Spaces for Change, The Fund for Global Human Rights, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers.
Dr Salaudeen Hashim, Lead Director of the Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, stated that the state has demonstrated readiness to resist rights violations and promote democratic accountability. He mentioned that Nigeria has been listed internationally as a country of concern due to insufficient systems to prevent violence and protect citizens from abuse and political intimidation. Hashim linked this perception to the shrinking civic space, where some citizens feel persecuted or unfairly detained, resulting in distrust in public institutions.
Hashim highlighted the need for a bold and vibrant parliament capable of championing human rights and creating institutional mechanisms to track, report, and resolve violations. He proposed establishing a human rights committee within the Assembly, with public reporting channels to strengthen oversight and increase citizens’ confidence in the justice system. He suggested that such reforms would also support economic growth and social development by assuring residents and investors of a fair and secure environment.
Dr Bachama Yusuf, Executive Director of Dandalin Matasa, Gombe State, emphasized that citizens’ understanding of safety and dignity must guide how laws, policies, and security practices are designed and implemented. He noted that the civic space declines when poverty, weak infrastructure, and governance gaps reduce citizens’ ability to hold leaders accountable or participate in democratic processes. Yusuf stressed the importance of narrative, urging communities to tell their own stories to avoid being defined by external voices that misrepresent their realities.
Yusuf addressed misconceptions about Kaduna being unsafe, explaining that visitors are often surprised by its hospitality, development, and peaceful communal relations. He called for sincerity, accountability, and collective responsibility to ensure every resident lives with dignity, security, and freedom. He further advocated for reclaiming the narrative of Kaduna as a state of unity, resilience, and cultural strength.
Prof. Hauwa Yusuf, Executive Director of the Centre for the Study and Resolutions of Domestic Violence, explained that the lawmakers were decorated because they play a critical role in shaping justice outcomes. She pointed out that while Kaduna had strong SGBV laws, challenges persist in implementation, particularly regarding the discretion exercised by judges and police officers that may weaken prosecution. Prof. Yusuf urged the lawmakers to use their ambassadorial status to insist on full enforcement of the laws they passed, ensuring survivors receive justice without compromise.
Mrs Sa’adatu Hamma from the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse, expressed that the coalition of organisations gathered out of a commitment to strengthen the civic space and reshape the narrative about Kaduna State. She highlighted that despite perceptions of insecurity, recent engagements have shown Kaduna to be peaceful, progressive, and welcoming. Hamma stressed the need for Northern voices to take ownership of their stories by empowering young digital communicators to highlight achievements and community efforts. She also called for a stronger presence of northern voices in national media, and for bloggers, journalists, and social media advocates to promote accurate narratives about Kaduna.
Hamma appreciated the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its consistent support to women, youth, and community development. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawmakers expressed appreciation and pledged to strengthen oversight, public engagement, and support for agencies implementing SGBV and human rights laws in Kaduna State. The engagement highlighted the role of media and civil society in shaping public perception and defending civic space. The organisers thanked the Speaker and members of the assembly for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to protect the rights and dignity of all residents.