Civil Defence Discuss Security Consciousness In Schools As Part of GBV Campaign

As part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, the Gender Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken its sensitization campaign to schools in the FCT and its environs to bring attention to issues such as gender-based violence, violence against women and girls, gender equality, reproductive rights and kidnapping of schoolchildren, who, undoubtedly, are the future leaders of this great nation.

This was contained in a press statement from the spokesman for the corps, DCC Olusola Odumosu on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Speaking at different venues of the campaign, Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the corps, as one of the lead agencies advocating and championing the cause of women’s inclusiveness in the various administrative positions in the corps, is joining others across the globe on International Women’s Day to commemorate the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of Nigerian women. The campaign is also to bring attention to issues of prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Nigeria.

Audi posited that although women and girls are increasingly being recognised as more vulnerable in society, many of them have broken the barriers and shown the world they can be effective and powerful leaders in different endeavours of life.

“We recognise the courage, resilience, leadership, as well as the contributions and significance of women in a sustainable tomorrow, and this has led to the establishment of the Special Female Squad to forestall kidnapping of school children and prevent all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), especially against women and young girls,” CG said.

sensitization campaign to schools in the FCT and its environs to bring attention to issues such as Gender-based violence, Violence Against Women and Girls, Gender Equality, Reproductive Rights and Kidnapping of School Children who undoubtedly, are future leaders of this great nation — Sensitisation campaign to schools in the FCT and its environs to bring attention to issues such as Gender-based violence, Violence Against Women and Girls, Gender Equality, Reproductive Rights and Kidnapping of School Children who undoubtedly, are future leaders of this great nation

Represented by the Head of Gender Unit, CSC Alao Ajet Kemi, the Commandant General further stated that “as the world celebrates women in the month of March, we all have to deliberately fight against any form of bias and stereotypes and ensure a level playing ground for the girl child to harness her God-given potential.”

The NSCDC boss charged women, teachers, and students to be security conscious, maintain 24-hour vigilance, and report any strange faces or suspicious movements in their environment to the nearest security outpost for prompt action.

He added that, although the commissioning of the female squad has brought relative calmness to schools by repelling a number of kidnappings by bandits and restoring peace and tranquility to our schools through 24 hour patrol, there is still a need to imbibe the culture of vigilance at all times.

Responding to the presentation of note books by the CG to students, the Principal of Junior Secondary School, Pasele, Kuje Area Council, Adelakun John Taiwo, extolled the efforts of the Corps and pledged total support in the war against gender violence and empowerment of children.

Similarly, the Principal of Africa International College, Lokogoma, Mrs Lydia Abaga, described the visit as a right step in the right direction, adding that it is impactful, full of security awakening and capable of catching them young to inculcate the spirit of inclusiveness.