GENDER INCLUSIVENESS: NSCDC INAUGURATES COMMITTEE FOR THE REVIEW OF GENDER POLICY ACROSS BOARD

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has formally inaugurated a Committee for the review of its Gender Policy which signalled a renewed commitment to gender equity, inclusiveness and institutional strengthening across board.

Speaking at the National Headquarters in Abuja; the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR; who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General Technical Services; DCG Zakari Ningi fdc.  emphasized on the importance of sustaining the Gender Policy and called for collective efforts to improve its reach and impact across the Corps.

In her welcome address, the Head of Gender Unit, AC. Alao Kemi thanked the CG for his unwavering support by promoting gender equity which reflects in appointments and promotions in the Service.

The event had in attendance key development partners including UN Women, CLEEN Foundation, and Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).

In a goodwill message; Peter Mancha, Programme Manager and representative of the UN Women Country Representative, commended the NSCDC for the successful implementation of its Gender Policy and assured the Corps of sustained support in its gender-focused initiatives.

In addition, the Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma highlighted the commendable impact of the Corps, particularly the establishment of the Special Female Squad, a landmark initiative birthed from the Gender Policy. 

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering support for the Corps and review of the NSCDC Gender Policy.

Also speaking on behalf of Executive Director PWAN, Mrs. Tolu Ojeshina provided a concise overview of the NSCDC Gender Policy, its influence on women in the Corps, and emphasized the need for a timely review after 4 years of implementation to reflect current realities and challenges.

While delivering his remarks; the Lead Consultant, Professor Tyoor M. Terhemba, described the Gender Policy as a living document.

He stressed the importance of institutional ownership, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based revisions to ensure a more inclusive and gender-responsive NSCDC.

In her response, the Chairperson of the Committee, ACG Christiana Abiakam saluted the CG for the trust and opportunity given to lead the review process pledging to coordinate a diligent and inclusive review process that would reflects the values and vision of the Corps.

Contributing to the discourse, the Head of the Legal Unit; Commandant Bamiyo Akomolafe Esq. assured the Commandant General that the revised policy document would align with legal standards and accommodate all necessary requirements of the law to ensure its enforceability and sustainability.

The inauguration was well attended by the top management staff of the Corps, who all reaffirmed their delight in the policy review.

SIGNED:

CSC AFOLABI BABAWALE Anipr,

NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER 

NSCDC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

ABUJA.