Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), emphasized the critical role played by the NYSC in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and gender inequality in Nigeria.
He made these remarks during the Nationwide Grassroot Gender Sensitisation and Advocacy Campaign in Rural Communities held in Bauchi on Tuesday.
During the event, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed explained that the NYSC has been actively combatting GBV through its Corps Gender Vanguards, who are equipped with the necessary skills to conduct awareness campaigns and provide support in rural areas.
This sensitization program simultaneously takes place in all Northern states.
Furthermore, the Corps Vanguards have played a vital role in the establishment of Gender Clubs in schools, which, in turn, connect victims of gender abuse with the GBV toll-free line, 08031230651, provided by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Brig.-Gen. Ahmed emphasized that gender issues affect both sexes, including rights and responsibilities, and this recognition led to the selection of the theme “Gender Equality, Respect All” for the campaign.
He highlighted that GBV encompasses physical and psychological abuse and constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights. He called for collective efforts to combat this issue, particularly among rural communities.
Mr. Aroni Sunday, the Head of the Reforms Unit at NYSC Headquarters, expressed gratitude for the NYSC’s commitment to addressing gender inequality and promoting human rights.
He appreciated the Director-General for granting approval for the sensitization campaign despite competing demands for limited resources.
Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed assured that the NYSC would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advance gender mainstreaming in the country and urged Nigerians to support the NYSC Gender Vanguards by creating an enabling environment for their impactful work.