Zamfara Engages Imams, Pastors Against Child Abuse, Family Breakdown

To curb cases of child abuse and family breakdown, the Zamfara State government has engaged the services of imams and pastors across its 14 local government areas.
At an orientation workshop, themed “Faith for Life,” a joint initiative of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Religious Affairs, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu Gummi, said the religious leaders remain critical influencers and shapers of family values and community morals.

The event was held yesterday at Jaiz Hotel, Gusau, the state capital.

Gunmi said the imams and pastors, drawn through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), would be equipped to lead sensitisation on parental responsibilities and child protection.

“Imams and pastors were drawn from the 14 LGAs for the orientation on ‘Faith for Life’. We expect them to cascade what they learn to their congregations,” Gummi stated.

He reiterated the commitment of the Governor Dauda Lawal-led administration to supporting programmes that foster peaceful coexistence and social reorientation.

On his part, the Chairman, Zamfara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Anka, Alhaji Muhammad Attahiru Ahmad, pledged the support of traditional institutions.

Represented by Magajin Rafin Anka, Alhaji Ahmed S. Anka, the monarch said traditional rulers are the backbone of grassroots development, noting that their support remains pivotal to the success of government policies.