The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs and other development partners, took the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration to the correctional centres, extending a hand of fellowship to female inmates.
The commemoration, which began on Sunday, 8th March, was themed “Give – To – Gain,” emphasising the power of collective support and reciprocity. In the spirit of the theme, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Samuel Lodam represented by Muhammad Kabir Goda, joined the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, to visit two correctional facilities in the state.
At the Central Correctional Centre in Unguwar Yari, the Women’s Affairs Commissioner encouraged the 23 female inmates to remain hopeful and use their current circumstances as a stepping stone for positive transformation. The Officer in Charge, CSC Habibu Kabir Ibrahim, appreciated the gesture, assuring the team of the inmates’ well-being.
The delegation proceeded to the New Correctional Centre along Jibia Road, where they were received by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Abdullahi Mamman Saulawa. He noted that the facility’s 30 female inmates are actively engaged in developmental programmes. The Commissioner subsequently donated essential items to the women, an act that was met with profound gratitude from the inmates.
Earlier, Mr Lodam reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to gender equality as a cornerstone of its anti-corruption mandate. He highlighted the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP), launched in 2020, which prioritises the protection and empowerment of women across all demographics.
He further disclosed the Commission’s efforts in drafting a model sexual harassment policy for schools and establishing a special unit to prosecute sexual harassment as an act of corruption (abuse of office).
Speaking on the significance of the day, the ICPC boss described the 2026 theme as a global call to action. He urged the public to challenge harmful stereotypes, share domestic and emotional labour, and amplify women’s voices. He stressed that true equality requires systemic change, including zero tolerance for corruption and gender discrimination in all spheres of life.
“Collective responsibility is our most powerful tool against inequality,” Mr Lodam stated. “When we all take ownership of the problem, we build a world where every woman and girl can live freely and achieve fully.”
The event concluded with a unified message: “Equality is a collective journey—let us walk it together.”