The Federal Government has commended Ogun State for prioritising the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) through the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and Women Development Centres (WDCs) across the state.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, gave the commendation on Tuesday during her working visit to the state, which included a tour of the SARC in Asero, Abeokuta.
She described the centres as lifelines for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, adding that they embody the type of institutional response needed to restore dignity and provide hope for victims.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains committed to strengthening such interventions. She lamented that 31 percent of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
“These are not just numbers but human stories. They remind us that GBV is not a private matter but a community crisis that undermines family life and development. This is why we must continue to act urgently with both compassion and commitment,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, stated that the SARCs and WDCs across the state were built and fully equipped through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank-supported initiative of the state government.
She stressed that the facilities have become safe spaces where survivors receive healing, justice, and empowerment, noting that OGSTEP’s role reflects the government’s seriousness about tackling GBV.
“If Ogun State has lit the fire of protection and empowerment through OGSTEP’s interventions, we call on the Federal Government to continue to pour more oil to ensure the flame never goes out,” Adeleye added.
Also, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, commended the Minister for her commitment to women and children, pledging the support of Ogun women for President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in their efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
