By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Dutse Emirate Council has pledged its full commitment to the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of women and children across Jigawa State and Northern Nigeria.
The Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, made the declaration while receiving a delegation from the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University Kano. The visit was part of advocacy efforts under the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Project in Northern Nigeria, supported by the Ford Foundation.
Addressing the delegation, the Emir described violence against women as “un-Islamic and morally unacceptable,” stressing that Islam upholds the dignity, rights, and protection of women, children, and vulnerable members of society.
“Violence against women is repugnant to Islamic values. Islam has provided comprehensive guidance to protect the rights of women and children. Their dignity is sacred,” he said.
He commended the dRPC and the Ford Foundation for their support in driving change at the grassroots and called for stronger collaboration between politicians, religious scholars, civil society organisations, and academic researchers in addressing the growing cases of gender-based violence, particularly in rural communities.
“GBV is a growing challenge, especially in our rural areas. We must act collectively to reverse this trend,” the Emir stated, urging civil society groups to intensify efforts to engage and educate religious leaders in preaching against violence and harmful cultural practices.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Professor Taufiq Abubakar, who led the delegation, described the Muslim Opinion Leaders GBV Prevention Project as a strategic intervention to address the alarming increase in GBV cases across Northern Nigeria.
He revealed that the project has already sensitised over 150 Jumaat mosque Imams, 100 Sharia Court Judges, and 60 female Da’awah leaders.
“Islam prohibits all forms of harm and emphasizes protection and care for women. From marriage to motherhood, the responsibility of care and safety is clearly outlined in both the Qur’an and Hadith,” Professor Abubakar explained.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Barrister Aumar Ahmad Umar, highlighted that the campaign draws from deep Islamic teachings which mandate the protection of GBV survivors. He disclosed plans to officially launch the initiative in Jigawa and Bauchi States to deepen its reach and impact.
“The Hadith and Qur’an are clear—violence against women is forbidden, and the dignity of women must be upheld. This project seeks to awaken that consciousness,” he said.
The Dutse Emirate’s pledge marks a significant step toward tackling violence against women in Northern Nigeria through culturally rooted and faith-driven advocacy.