Kaduna committed to tackling gender-based violence, says Uba Sani

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says his administration is intensifying efforts to curtail gender-based violence (GBV) across the state.

Sani spoke on Friday at an event held to mark the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The governor, who was represented by Umma Ahmed, the health commissioner, said Kaduna is strengthening justice mechanisms to ensure that cases of abuse are pursued more rigorously.

He said recent reforms in the state have led to increased convictions, adding that his administration is committed to ending the culture of silence and impunity around violence against women.

“Violence thrives in silence and impunity. We will not excuse, rationalise or minimise any form of abuse,” Sani said.

He added that the state government is also addressing the structural inequalities that place women and girls at risk.

He said accountability must be matched with survivor-friendly reporting channels and effective referral systems that ensure victims receive timely care and protection.

The governor added that investments in health and education, including the newly commissioned Kaduna State College of Nursing and Midwifery in Panbegua, are expected to boost the number of skilled maternal and newborn health workers.

“True empowerment is not delivered through temporary interventions. When women thrive economically, households become stable and communities more resilient,” he said.

He noted that the state’s menstrual hygiene programme, which provides sanitary pads and supports the production of reusable alternatives, has improved school attendance and confidence among adolescent girls.

Sani said Kaduna is also scaling up economic empowerment programmes, financial inclusion initiatives and market access for women, to help reduce vulnerability to violence.

He added that the state has been deploying more nurses, midwives and community health workers to underserved areas to improve access to essential services.

Sani called for stronger partnerships with Canada, civil society groups and community leaders to deepen progress.