
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to leading nationwide campaigns against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and all forms of gender inequality.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known on Wednesday in Bauchi during the official launch of the first phase of the grassroots gender sensitisation and advocacy campaign in rural communities across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking through the Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Rifkatu Yakubu, the DG explained that the campaign is an initiative of the Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department of the NYSC. The aim, he said, is to raise awareness and challenge harmful gender norms and practices in underserved communities.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu noted that the scheme will utilise the Corps Gender Vanguard Community Development Service (CDS) groups as grassroots mobilisers in all 774 Local Government Areas of the country.
“This campaign is designed to expose the dangers of gender-based violence and gender inequality in our society,” he said. “It’s important to understand that gender issues are not limited to women and girls alone, but also affect men and boys in terms of their rights, roles, and responsibilities.”
He added that the NYSC is fully committed to working with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to advance gender mainstreaming across the country and called for broad-based support in the ongoing fight against GBV.
In a remark during the event, Hafsat Yusuf, a student representative, expressed appreciation for the awareness programme. She shared that the sensitisation session had equipped them with the confidence to speak out and report abuse to the appropriate authorities.
“I will share the knowledge I’ve gained today with my friends, both at school and at home,” she said.
The NYSC’s campaign is expected to play a significant role in transforming attitudes at the community level and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.