By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
KADUNA (NAN, CONVERSEER) – 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.
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, said the state has demonstrated readiness to resist rights violations and promote democratic accountability.
He added 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 said this perception was linked to shrinking the civic space, where some citizens believed they have been persecuted or unfairly detained, leading to distrust in public institutions.
He stressed the need for a bold and vibrant parliament capable of championing human rights and creating institutional mechanisms to track, report, and resolve violations.
Hashim 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 said 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, said citizens’ understanding of safety and dignity must guide how laws, policies, and security practices are designed and implemented.
He said the civic space declines when poverty, weak infrastructure, and governance gaps reduce citizens’ ability to hold leaders accountable or participate in democratic processes.
Yusuf emphasised the power of narrative, adding that communities must tell their own stories to avoid being defined by external voices that misrepresent their realities.
He referenced misconceptions about Kaduna being unsafe, explaining that visitors are often surprised by its hospitality, development, and peaceful communal relations.
Yusuf said the citizens must reclaim the narrative of Kaduna as a state of unity, resilience, and cultural strength.
He further called for sincerity, accountability, and collective responsibility to ensure every resident lives with dignity, security, and freedom.
Prof. Hauwa Yusuf, Executive Director of the Centre for the Study and Resolutions of Domestic Violence, said the lawmakers were decorated because they play a critical role in shaping justice outcomes.
She said that while Kaduna had strong SGBV laws, challenges persist in implementation, especially regarding the discretion exercised by judges and police officers that may weaken prosecution.
She urged the lawmakers to use their ambassadorial status to insist on full enforcement of the laws they passed, ensuring survivors receive justice without compromise.
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Yusuf said the recognition placed a moral duty on lawmakers to uphold the safety and dignity of women, men, and young people across Kaduna State.
Mrs Sa’adatu Hamma from the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse said the coalition of organisations gathered out of commitment to strengthen the civic space and reshape the narrative about Kaduna State.
She explained that in spite of 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 (NAN) 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 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.
