Rasheeda Yahaya
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has renewed its call for citizens to speak out boldly against gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that silence continues to empower perpetrators and endanger vulnerable groups especially children and women.
This message was at the centre of discussions on Tuesday at the two-day training on Child Safeguarding for school teachers and counselors, organised by the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence (BSACGBV).
Commissioner of Police, Bauchi Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by CSP Mohammed Barau of the Operations Department, said the first step toward combating GBV is breaking the culture of silence.
He urged community members, teachers, parents, and students to raise their voices whenever abuse is suspected or witnessed.
“There is no need to keep silent in the face of the menace of gender-based violence. Speaking out is the most powerful tool we have.
“Rising against GBV is everybody’s responsibility,” he said, emphasising that silence protects perpetrators while exposing victims to further harm.
The First Lady of Bauchi State and Chairperson of BSACGBV, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, also anchored her remarks on the importance of voicing out.
Represented at the flag-off by Hajiya Aisha Baba-Tela, she said protecting children requires collective vigilance and a willingness to report abuses without fear.
“No child should suffer abuse, fear, or neglect. Every child deserves to grow in safety and dignity.
“This training is about giving our schools the power to speak up, act fast, and protect children,” she noted.
According to her, introducing Child Safeguarding Officers in schools ensures that children always have someone they can confide in, someone who will listen, believe them, and take action.
She stressed that prevention begins when people refuse to stay silent.
“When children feel heard and protected, they grow with confidence and reach their full potential,” she added, commending ministries, partners, and organisations working with BSACGBV to strengthen child protection in the state.
Also speaking, Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Hajiya Ladi Hamma, said empowering girls and safeguarding their education begins with creating a culture where concerns are voiced without hesitation.
The ongoing training aims to equip teachers with the knowledge and courage to identify signs of abuse and report them promptly. Stakeholders say Bauchi State is committed to building a future where victims are heard, offenders are exposed, and no child suffers in silence.
