By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
The First Lady of Bauchi State and Chairperson of the state Action Committee on Gender-based Violence (BSACGBV), Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed has disclosd the state government’s plan to introduce Child Safeguarding Officers in schools so that every child will have someone to trust,to listen and feel protected to enable them grow with confidence and reach their full potential.
The First Lady who disclosed this during a two day workshop on Child Safeguarding Officers in public and private schools in continuation of the 2025 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence (GBS), held at the Double 4 Center, Bauchi, on Wednesday, 10 December, 2025, said When children feel protected, they learn better, they grow with confidence, and they are able to reach their full potential.
According to her, “Today is a special day because we are taking another strong step toward protecting our children. Our children are the future of Bauchi State, and they deserve to grow in safety, love, and dignity.
The First Lady who was represented by the Wife of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Aisha Baba Tela declared that, “No child should experience abuse, violence, fear, or neglect. As a mother, and as the Chairperson of the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence, I hold child protection very close to my heart”.
She pointed out that, “The purpose of this training is simple. We want to equip teachers and school authorities with the right knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and report cases of abuse.
“We want every school in Bauchi State to have responsible officers who understand how to keep children safe. Child safeguarding is not only about responding when there is a problem; it is also about preventing harm before it happens”.
The Bauchi First Lady added that “We are introducing Child Safeguarding Officers in schools so that every child will have someone to trust, someone to listen, and someone who knows what to do. When children feel protected, they learn better, they grow with confidence, and they are able to reach their full potential.
“As we flag off this training today, let us renew our commitment to creating safe spaces for every child in Bauchi State. Together, we will continue to build a future where no child suffers in silence”, she concluded.
Also speaking, the state Coordinator of the
Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Hajiya Ladi Hamma said that no educational intervention can succeed without the protection unless children particularly girls are protected from being harm, discrimination and exploitation.
She said that AGILE is committed in Strengthening reporting and response mechanisms in schools and communities, Training staff, contractors, and stakeholders on safeguarding standards, creating awareness among parents, teachers, and students to ensure that schools supported by AGILE are safe spaces for learning and growth.
According to her, AGILE is dedicated to expanding access to quality education, empowering adolescent girls, and creating safe, inclusive learning environments across the communities.
She added that the mission is every child must be protected from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
“Child safeguarding within AGILE is not an isolated activity; it is embedded in every school renovation, every community sensitisation, every training, and every engagement we undertake. Our work reaches thousands of girls and boys, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every interaction promotes dignity, safety, trust, and respect.
“We recognise and deeply appreciate the collaboration of government agencies, school authorities, traditional leaders, mothers’ associations, SBMCs, and development partners who continue to champion child protection at all levels. Your dedication makes our vision of safer schools a reality.
“As we continue implementing AGILE interventions, let us remember that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. When we protect a child, we strengthen families, communities, and the future of our nation,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu thanked the first lady for championing gender base violence in the state.
The Commissioner who was represented by CSP Mohammed Barau urged facilitators to pick interest on the issue of culture of silence because is seriously killing people for lack of reporting what is happening in the communities like the crime of gender violence.
Aliyu assured the Chairperson of the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-based Violence that police will fully support them in other the crime to reduce in Bauchi.
