By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Niger State Command, Alhaji Usman Bello Hussain,...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Niger State Command, Alhaji Usman Bello Hussain, has expressed the command’s readiness to partner with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in the fight against gender-based violence across the state.
He gave the assurance while receiving executive members of FIDA in his office in Minna on Thursday, stating the Service's commitment to protecting the rights of women and the girl-child from all forms of abuse and molestation.
“FIDA, as a professional body and non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable women and the girl-child, has our full support. We are ready to partner with your association to help achieve your objectives,” he said.
Alhaji Bello stressed that under his leadership, the DSS command would continue to collaborate with relevant organizations that bring security-related concerns to its attention, especially those affecting vulnerable groups.
He expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young girls and women in social vices, describing the trend as dangerous and unacceptable. He emphasized that the command would do everything possible to reverse the situation.
The DSS director further revealed that he had worked closely with FIDA in his previous postings, including Maiduguri and other commands, and assured the Niger State chapter of similar cooperation.
“I have worked with your colleagues in various commands. FIDA has always been a reliable partner, and I look forward to continuing that relationship here in Niger. My office is open to you anytime,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FIDA Niger State Chapter, Mrs. Bolanle Jibogun, explained that the visit was part of an ongoing advocacy tour to key institutions, especially security agencies, to seek support for the enforcement of the new Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) law, commonly known as the VAPP Act.
She informed the DSS director that although the law had been passed by the National Assembly, it was yet to be fully domesticated in Niger State to replace the outdated penal code.
According to her, the penal code is no longer effective in punishing offenders of gender-based crimes and urgently needs to be replaced.
“The VAPP law, when domesticated, will replace the archaic penal code. It provides more stringent penalties and better protection for victims of gender-based violence,” she said.
Mrs. Jibogun urged the DSS to study the provisions of the law and support its implementation in the state to enhance the prosecution of offenders and deter future violations.
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