In a bid to curb sexual assault and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly against women and girls, the Ogun State Government, through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) funded by World Bank credit, has commissioned a new Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Ijebu-Ode.
Speaking at the commissioning, Wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said most cases of sexual assault on survivors were perpetrated by men, urging men to exercise self-control and desist from harmful behaviors towards women and girls.
Mrs .Abiodun noted that the first SARC, launched three years ago in Sagamu, had provided medical, legal, psychological, and social support to hundreds of survivors, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to expanding access to these vital services across the state.
“The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law Management Committee has been instrumental in addressing numerous cases of rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. Survivors need more than just a promise of hope but justice, along with immediate care and emotional support,” she said.
She commended the implementation of the VAPP Law, noting that it had given survivors a voice, empowered communities to stand against perpetrators, and ensured that offenders face the full wrath of the law.
“Through this law, we have not only witnessed an increase in reported cases but also a rise in successful prosecutions’. The coordinated efforts of healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and social workers are changing lives for the better,” she added.
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, described the initiative as a landmark step, noting that the SARC is not just a physical structure but a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience.
“It is a safe haven where survivors of sexual violence will find compassion, professional care, and the tools to reclaim their lives,” she said.
Hon. Adeleye implored stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders, and individuals, to unite in the fight against sexual violence and create a society where survivors are empowered, perpetrators are held accountable, and everyone lives free from fear and discrimination.
She added that Women Development Centers had been established within the SARC to empower survivors and other women with skills such as upholstery making, furniture crafting, and monogramming.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, who also chairs the OGSTEP Project Steering Committee, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Dada, emphasized that the Ijebu-Ode SARC was designed as a comprehensive support hub, tol offer medical care, counseling services, legal aid, and rehabilitation programmes for survivors.
He called for active community participation, noting that the center will also serve as a focal point for community education and awareness programs.
Speaking, Gender-Based Violence Focal Coordinator for Africa (West & Central), Pamela Chebiwott Tuiyott, lauded the state government for its commitment to reducing the stigmatization of survivours, assuring that the facilities were of quality and commended the collective efforts that made the project a reality.
Contributing, OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, explained that OGSTEP is a multi-sectoral initiative with interventions in Skills Development, Agriculture, and Public Sector Reforms, emphasizing that protecting women and addressing GBV are paramount to fostering economic development and inclusiveness.
Lending his voice, the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, represented by his Vice, Hon. Adeyemi Titilayo, expressed appreciation for the establishment of the SARC in their domain, describing it as a safe haven for survivors of GBV and commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for its unwavering support for women and girls in the state.
