Zamfara Commissions Sexual Assault Referral Centre Named After First Lady

The Zamfara State Government has commissioned a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) named after the state’s First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, to provide medical, psychosocial, legal and livelihood support to survivors of sexual assault. Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the establishment of the centre reflects the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal’s […]

The Zamfara State Government has commissioned a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) named after the state’s First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, to provide medical, psychosocial, legal and livelihood support to survivors of sexual assault.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said the establishment of the centre reflects the commitment of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration to strengthening the state’s response to gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors have access to essential services.

Hajiya Huriyya said the centre represents a firm response to a challenge affecting families across communities, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden. She, however, noted that men and boys are also victims of abuse and deserve equal protection.

“We must acknowledge a truth that is frequently ignored: men and boys are also victims of abuse. They, too, deserve protection, justice, and a safe space to seek help without shame or fear. This centre will serve all survivors,” she said.

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She added that naming the centre after her serves as a reminder of the responsibility she carries to continue advocating for vulnerable groups and ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support.

The First Lady encouraged survivors to seek timely medical attention, counselling and legal guidance, noting that these early interventions are often the beginning of healing. She called for stronger institutions, accountability, and awareness to ensure that prevention efforts match the state’s response mechanisms.

She also appealed to stakeholders—including government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and families—to work together to combat sexual and gender-based violence.

The centre was formally commissioned by the Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Women and Children King Fahad ibn AbdulAzeez Hospital, Gusau, Dr Amina, said the hospital received 727 reported sexual assault cases, all of which were attended to despite inadequate working conditions.

She said staff previously handled gender-based violence cases “in unsatisfactory conditions” after their office was demolished by the previous administration.

“Before now, we were stranded and attending to GBV cases from home. We had to plead with the Ministry of Justice to give us a small room to manage. We attended to 727 survivors without an office or the required facilities. With this new centre, we will redouble our efforts,” she said.

Dr Amina described the new SARC building as a morale booster, adding that the facility was made possible through the support of the First Lady, the state government and UNICEF.

UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Waffaa Saeed, commended the First Lady and the state government for their commitment to addressing gender-based violence.

She said naming the centre after Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal was in recognition of her dedication to supporting GBV survivors.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of civil society organisations and human rights advocates—including Musa Aboki, Abdullahi Haruna and Yusuf Sabo Tsafe—commended the government’s efforts and called for the establishment of additional centres in each of the state’s senatorial districts to improve access for survivors.