NYSC Vows to Break Silence on Gender-Based Violence Across Rural Nigeria
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality across Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 2025 NYSC grassroots gender sensitisation and advocacy campaign for northern states in Bauchi on Wednesday, the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, emphasized the scheme’s unwavering dedication to the fight against GBV.
The campaign, themed “Breaking the Circle of Ignorance,” is designed to raise awareness on gender issues and foster equality in local communities. Brig.-Gen. Nafiu, who was represented by the Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Rifkatu Yakubu, said the initiative is a product of the Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department of the NYSC.
“The scheme would also champion campaign against all forms of inequality via the Corps Gender Vanguard Community Development Service (CDS) groups as foot soldiers across the 774 local government areas in the country,” he said.
Highlighting the broader scope of gender issues, Nafiu noted: “While gender issues are often misconstrued as affecting females alone, it is important to note that they include matters of concern to both genders in terms of their rights, roles and responsibilities.”
He called on all stakeholders to support the campaign, stressing the need to ensure that every individual is given a fair opportunity to thrive.
“We are here to emphasise that no individual should be denied the opportunity to realise their potential, hence our appeal to all stakeholders to be more supportive, proactive and sensitive to gender matters,” he added.
Nafiu also outlined the NYSC’s achievements in combating GBV, stating: “The overall achievements of NYSC in its efforts at reducing the incidences of Gender-Based Violence in rural communities cannot be over emphasised.
“Through the relevant CDS groups, the scheme has facilitated the formation of Gender Clubs in schools in addition to providing links to victims of gender abuse. This is done through the GBV toll-free line of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.”
He pledged continued collaboration with key partners to mainstream gender-sensitive policies and practices nationwide.
Representatives of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also spoke at the event, urging students and members of the public to speak out and report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
The 2025 gender sensitisation campaign marks another step in NYSC’s growing efforts to create safer and more equitable communities across Nigeria.
