NSCDC, NAWOJ Merge To Protect Women And Children, Reorientate Youths
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ has merged to champion the course of women and children, and to reorientate youths in Osun state, to achieve a safer and better society.
The two bodies sealed their partnership when NAWOJ Osun chapter made a courtesy call on the Commandant of Corps, CC Igbalawole Emmanuel Sotiyo of the NSCDC at his office on Wednesday.
The female journalists association led by the state Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, which commended the outfit for its improved services on sexual and gender based violence against women and children, extended collaboration to the agency for increased performance on protection of women and children in the state.
The Chairperson who pointed out that arrest of perpetrators of GBV and prosecution has increased with the emergence of Commandant Sotiyo in Osun state, affirmed that this has boosted the news reportage, unlike before when the state used to have low reportage on gender cases.
Maintaining that the partnership with NSCDC is a significant step toward promoting peace, security, and gender equality in Osun state, Ariwodola, commended the NSCDC for its efforts in safeguarding lives and property, for its initiatives addressing gender-based violence and particularly for its Special Female Squad, which she described as a game-changer in providing a safe platform for women and girls to report abuse and receive necessary support.
According to her, “Your Special Female Squad has provided women and girls with a voice and a sense of security. It has encouraged victims to come forward and has helped to strengthen trust between the people and the NSCDC.”
Speaking further, Ariwodola added that the association as the voice of women, children, youths, persons with disabilities and vulnerable in the state, is particular about its objectives, adding that a laudable security outfit like NSCDC is needed to reach the people with it’s solidify the community engagement vision of the agency.
The NAWOJ chairperson also praised the Corps for training Gender Desk Officers and Persons with Disabilities Desk Officers to handle cases of SGBV effectively, noting that such capacity-building efforts have improved response to violence and protection services.
“We also commend your community engagement programmes, which have raised awareness about gender-based violence and promoted gender equality. These efforts have made the public see the NSCDC as approachable and reliable,” Ariwodola said.
She added that the collaboration between NAWOJ and the NSCDC would focus on enhancing security reporting, promoting gender sensitive security strategies, and building capacity among women journalists and security personnel.
“By working together, we can develop effective strategies to ensure that survivors receive justice, empower women and girls to participate in peace and security decision-making, and strengthen community engagement,” she stated.
Responding, the Osun NSCDC Commandant of Corps, CC Igbalawole Emmanuel Sotiyo, appreciated NAWOJ for the courtesy visit, describing journalists as essential partners in nation building and societal development.
According to him, the society needs the female journalists association to use their position to reorientate the people, adding that sensitisation and information dissemination will change narrative and help everyone to live in unity and safe society.
“No outfit can stand on its own without the support of journalists. I appreciate NAWOJ for recognising what we are doing at the NSCDC. Our mandate is clear, to protect critical national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property, especially women and children,” he said.
The Commandant who pointed out that Women and children are always the victims of unsafe society, assured that the Corps would continue to intensify efforts in combating crime and preventing acts of illegality, noting that justice and fairness were key to achieving a better society.
Our society will only improve when we all champion the cause of justice. Journalists have a vital role in this. Whatever journalists bring to the public’s attention cannot be ignored,” he said.
Sotiyo also averred that gender insensitivity remained prevalent in society and called for more enlightenment to reorientate people on the importance of respecting women and protecting the female gender, and for the youths to embrace hardwork and live virtuously.
“Our people must understand that women are the bedrock of the society. Maltreating them will only hinder progress. We are standing firm with NAWOJ to promote the message that women must be respected and protected,” he affirmed.
The Commandant used the medium to call on stakeholders to join forces in addressing challenges faced by women and children, especially during communal conflicts, while urging NAWOJ to partner closely with the NSCDC in its sensitisation and peace-building efforts.
“Women and children suffer most during communal clashes. We need NAWOJ to support us in enlightening the people. Together, we can make our society safer,” Sotiyo concluded.