As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, civil society groups in Gombe State have called on political parties to take concrete steps toward improving women’s participation in governance through affirmative action and the creation of special seats.

In a joint statement, the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations (GONET) and the Gombe Women Agenda (GWA) urged party leaders to demonstrate commitment to inclusive politics by adopting policies that ensure women are better represented in leadership and elective positions.

The groups noted that although women make up a significant proportion of the population and contribute actively to community development, their presence in political leadership remains minimal due to systemic barriers, including cultural norms, financial constraints, and structural imbalances within party systems.

They stressed that affirmative action and special legislative seats for women should not be seen as privileges, but as necessary interventions aimed at correcting long-standing inequalities and promoting fairness in democratic participation.

According to the statement, inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the active involvement of women, warning that continued exclusion limits the quality of decision-making and development outcomes.

The organisations called on political parties to adopt measurable strategies, including allocating a defined percentage of leadership positions and candidacies to women, supporting the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill, and reserving party tickets across all levels for qualified female aspirants.

They also recommended reducing or waiving nomination fees for women to ease financial barriers, while advocating for safer and more supportive political environments that protect women from intimidation and violence.

The groups further emphasised the need for transparent and merit-based candidate selection processes that give women equal opportunities to compete.

Highlighting the broader benefits of women’s inclusion, the statement linked increased female representation to improved policymaking, stronger attention to social sectors such as education and healthcare, enhanced peacebuilding efforts, and greater public trust in democratic institutions.

GONET and GWA described the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity for political actors in Gombe State to move beyond promises and implement real reforms that reflect gender equity.

They reaffirmed their commitment to sustained advocacy and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that women are not only included in governance but are empowered to lead.

The statement was jointly signed by Ibrahim Yusuf on behalf of GONET and Dr. Leah Iliya Jalo for the Gombe Women Agenda.

UNICEF pushes for stronger child protection, warns of rising abuse cases in Northeast

By Auwal Ahmad umar

The United Nations Children’s Fund has called for intensified efforts to safeguard children across Northeast Nigeria, raising concerns over increasing cases of abuse and neglect affecting vulnerable minors.

The appeal was made by Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the organisation’s Bauchi Field Office, at a stakeholders’ roundtable on child rights advocacy covering Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

Ms Rafique said child protection must be treated as a continuous responsibility, stressing that every child is entitled to safety, care, and dignity from birth.

She explained that a child’s rights begin with proper registration at birth, which she described as essential for recognition and access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Beyond registration, she highlighted survival and health as critical priorities, noting that preventable deaths among mothers and newborns remain a challenge in Nigeria. According to her, improving access to quality healthcare and immunisation is key to ensuring children survive and thrive.

“Every child has the right to be protected from diseases that can be prevented,” she said, adding that gaps in immunisation continue to expose many children to avoidable illnesses.

On nutrition, Ms Rafique underscored the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, describing it as a vital step in strengthening a child’s immunity. She, however, expressed concern over widespread malnutrition in parts of the Northeast, attributing it largely to poor feeding practices and limited awareness among caregivers.

She noted that although Nigeria has abundant food resources, many families lack the knowledge required to provide balanced diets for children, a situation that contributes to high rates of under-five mortality.

Ms Rafique raised alarm over what she described as disturbing incidents of child abuse in the region, including cases involving very young children.

She said such violations have lasting physical and psychological consequences, stressing that children are often unable to defend themselves or speak out.

“Protection is not optional. When children are exposed to harm, it affects their entire future,” she said.

She added that survivors of abuse must have access to support services, including medical care and counselling, to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

The UNICEF official linked many of the challenges to a lack of awareness among parents and communities, noting that simple preventive measures could significantly reduce risks.

She cautioned against leaving young children unattended or sending them out alone, particularly at vulnerable hours, as this increases their exposure to danger.

According to her, better-informed parents are more likely to create safer environments for their children.

Ms Rafique identified education as a key tool in addressing long-term child protection challenges. She said ensuring that every child is in school would help build a generation that understands its rights and responsibilities.

“Education is the foundation for change. When children are educated, they grow into adults who can protect and nurture the next generation,” she said.

She urged governments, communities, and stakeholders to strengthen systems that protect children and ensure their rights to safety, health, and development are upheld.

The roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts by UNICEF to promote awareness and drive coordinated action to improve child welfare across the region.

150 Gombe Youth, Women Leaders Trained to Combat Gender-Based Violence

By Danjuma Attah

No fewer than 150 youth and women leaders in Gombe State have been equipped with practical skills to identify, prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), as part of a grassroots empowerment drive by the Foundation for Community Empowerment Initiative (FOCEI) in partnership with Women Aid Collective (WACOL).

The initiative, which aims to train 200 community influencers over a two-year period, is designed to strengthen local capacity in tackling GBV, particularly in vulnerable communities. The latest session, held over two days, brought together 50 participants as part of the third-quarter training cycle.

Speaking during the program, FOCEI Team Lead, Dr. Benjamin Maina, described GBV as a widespread violation of human rights that continues to affect individuals and families across Nigeria. He stressed the urgency of collective action to confront what he called a “silent crisis” undermining communities.

According to him, the training is focused on empowering participants with the knowledge to recognize abuse, respond appropriately, and guide survivors through established support systems. He also urged participants to encourage victims to speak out, noting that breaking the culture of silence remains key to addressing the problem.

In her presentation, Dr Leah Iliya Jalo of Gombe State University explained the various forms and contexts of GBV, including its occurrence within religious settings. She challenged participants to use their new knowledge to promote awareness and support victims, describing them as “agents of change” in their communities.

Also speaking, Reverend Apollos Hassan of ECWA Goodnews Church highlighted the role of faith-based institutions in addressing GBV. He cautioned against the misuse of religious teachings to justify abuse and called on clerics to work closely with legal authorities and professionals in handling such cases. He reiterated that the Church must maintain zero tolerance for all forms of violence.

Barrister Mwalin Naomi Abdu, who spoke on legal frameworks and response pathways, noted that GBV remains deeply rooted in many communities. However, she commended the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at the State Specialist Hospital, describing it as a critical intervention providing support and justice for survivors.

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure victims received timely care and legal redress.

Other facilitators, including Mrs Amina Jafun and Miss Martha Audu Kudi, encouraged participants to take ownership of the fight against GBV, urging them to become advocates for change within their localities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as eye-opening and transformative. Some shared personal experiences, noting that the knowledge gained would have helped them better respond to past situations involving abuse.

The project, supported by WACOL, is currently being implemented in Liji and Zambuk communities of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, with a focus on empowering women and community leaders to prevent and respond effectively to GBV through strengthened grassroots structures.