By Abdulkareem Haruna

Maiduguri, 10 December 2024 – As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development held a significant event to mark International Human Rights Day, bringing together 80 youths, including individuals with disabilities and members of the youth security vigilante, aka Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The event aimed to educate participants about the root causes of violence and human rights violations in Maiduguri.

“Empowering our youth with knowledge is crucial for nurturing a society free from violence and gender inequality,” stated Hamsatu Allamin, Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation. This year’s theme, “Our Right, Our Future, Right Now,” underscores the urgent need for action.

The CEO Allamin Foundation with other speakers t the Allamin Foundation  Event on IHR Day in Maiduguri

Allamin highlighted the charter of demands from the Jire Dole Network – (a group of widows and women  who unionized to seek for justice over the illegal arrest and detention of their husbands or brother as suspects of Boko Haram); and other advocacy groups, emphasising the importance of amplifying the voices of those affected by human rights abuses and sexual violence to build a peaceful and developed society.

The gathering featured insights from prominent speakers, including Sheikh Ali Mustapha, an Islamic scholar, and Apostle Joshua Michael, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State. They addressed the religious and social dimensions of GBV, alongside Abduljabar Adam, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, and Honourable Lucy Dlama Yunana, who discussed the dangers of drug abuse and its psychological impacts.

Comrade Lucy emphasized the importance of parents empowering their children to recognize and report early signs of abuse, particularly from adult family members. She stated,

A cross section of participants at the Allamin Foundation  Event on IHR Day

“Most cases of gender-based violence involving minors are perpetrated by individuals we trust, such as relatives and family members. Therefore, we need to start teaching our kids about sex education early on, and this responsibility primarily falls on us mothers.”

“Efforts to combat GBV must begin at home,” other speakers like Comrade Zannah Shettima, a former labour leader in Borno state warned, urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant about the values they instil in their children.

The prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youths aged 18 to 40 was also highlighted by officiala of the NDLEA, prompting calls for campaigns to combat this growing concern and reduce crime rates driven by drug use.