GBV: NAPTIP, ROLAC Launches 16 Days Of Activism In Kano, Renew Call For Stronger Action

By Nura Bala Ajingi 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), has launched the 2026 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kano, with a renewed appeal for stronger public support in the fight against gender-based violence and child abuse.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Alhaji Abdullahi Alfa, who represented the Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jibril Isma’il Falgore, reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to initiatives that promote human rights and community development. He assured that the Assembly would continue to take legislative measures that protect vulnerable groups across the state.

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In his remarks, the Kano State Commander of NAPTIP, Barrister Abdullahi Babale, said the agency is working closely with civil society and human rights organisations to curb violations that endanger the safety and future of children, particularly girls.

Also speaking, the Head of NAPTIP’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit, Hajiya Rashida Aminu, noted that the 16 Days of Activism—an initiative of the United Nations—is observed globally to raise awareness and drive action against violence targeting women and children.

Delivering separate goodwill messages, Islamic scholar Dr. Taufiq Abubakar of Bayero University, Kano, and Christian cleric Reverend Adeyemo Adeolu Samuel of the Side-by-Side Interfaith Coalition for Gender Justice, emphasised that both Islam and Christianity uphold the protection of human rights. They stressed that no religion supports any form of abuse or violence.

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Civil society organisations present at the event renewed their call for the establishment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kano, describing it as essential for safeguarding the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable persons.

They identified challenges such as delayed reporting, stigma, limited medical and infrastructure support, and inadequate funding for existing programmes. The groups urged the government to strengthen interventions and scale up efforts to combat gender-based violence.

The event was attended by Hajiya Rukayya of Alkhairi Orphanage, Dr. Zubaida Nagi, Muhammad Mashi of NACTAL, Isyaku Ahmed of FIDAC, and the Village Head of Gandun Albasa, Engineer Alkasim Yakubu.