By Sani Adamu Hassan
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Justice and other partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral action in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the state.
The reaffirmation came during the ongoing two-day training on “Access to Justice: Strengthening Investigative and Prosecutorial Skills for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases in Bauchi State,” which brings together investigators, prosecutors, judicial officers, and civil society actors.
Declaring the training open, the Solicitor-General of Bauchi State, Barrister Yusuf Adamu Muhammad, said the initiative is designed to strengthen access to justice for survivors and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
According to him, Gender Based Violence remains one of the most pressing human rights concerns, saying that government has made strides through laws, policies, and institutional reforms in success depends largely on the capacity of those implementing them.
He added that the training provides an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills, share experiences, and deepen collaboration towards effective case handling.
Barrister Muhammad expressed optimism that by the end of the training, participants would be better equipped to address challenges in GBV cases, from evidence gathering to courtroom advocacy.
Also speaking, the Gender Dest Officer Ministry Of Justice Bauchi, Maimuna Ibrahim Yusuf said the training was necessitated by the rising number of GBV cases and the need to strengthen the ability of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to handle them effectively.
According to her, this year’s training is the third in a series, but with a new focus on synergy among different sectors working on GBV interventions.
In her remarks, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara commended the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice for sustaining the momentum of annual trainings since 2022, noting that the state’s model has set a standard now being replicated in other parts of the country.
Tabara therefore reaffirmed the UNFPA’s readiness to continue working closely with the Bauchi State Government, ministries, and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support that would enhance justice delivery and ensure a safer society for all.
The training, which targets service providers and members of the GBV committees across the 20 local government areas, is aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome challenges in case management.
