NAPTIP, ROLAC Launches 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism, Hails Kano Assembly on Legal Reforms.
By, NBA
The Kano Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has flagged off activities for the 2026 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a renewed call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Speaking during the event, Kano NAPTIP Commander, Barrister Abdullahi Babale, described SGBV as a serious human rights violation and a threat to public safety and development. He said the campaign brings together government agencies, lawmakers, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media to strengthen prevention, protection, and justice for survivors.
Babale commended the Kano State House of Assembly for ongoing efforts to harmonise the Penal Code with the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), describing the initiative as a progressive step toward modernising the state’s legal framework and expanding protections for vulnerable groups.
He noted that the 2026 campaign will focus on prevention, public awareness, early reporting, improved coordination, survivor-centred services, and stronger accountability mechanisms. He also recognised the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and amplifying advocacy efforts, while appreciating civil society and development partners for their continued support.
Babale urged stakeholders to use the 16-day campaign to renew their commitment to safeguarding women, children, and other vulnerable persons, expressing confidence that Kano State will remain a leader in combating gender-based Violence.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Alhaji Abdullahi Alfa, who represented the Speaker of the 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.
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.
Civil society organisations present at the event renewed their call for the need to domesticate 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.
