The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, led by the Honourable Minister, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, took centre stage in Aba as the Federal Government reinforced its nationwide campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) with the commissioning of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Aba General Hospital.
The Minister’s visit, accompanied by her entourage and key development partners, underscored the Federal Government’s sustained policy direction, institutional reforms, and coordinated response framework aimed at protecting survivors and strengthening justice delivery across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Minister described GBV as a widespread and underreported threat to human security, public health, and national stability. She revealed that Nigeria currently has over 50 Sexual Assault Referral Centres across 24 states, which have supported more than 58,000 survivors. According to her, the Nchedo SARC represents a strategic, integrated, and confidential response model designed to improve justice outcomes and survivor healing.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening policy reform, strengthening institutions, and advancing women’s economic empowerment initiatives to address the root causes of violence, while calling for an end to silence, stigma, and impunity.
Governor Alex Otti, who formally commissioned the centre, aligned the State’s efforts with the national framework championed by the Federal Government. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending GBV in Abia, describing sexual violence, child molestation, and assault as aberrations alien to societal values.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the Minister for honouring the State with her presence and acknowledged the leadership of the Federal Government in advancing protection services nationwide. He also commended the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, and members of the State Executive Council for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project.
The Governor further acknowledged the support of the European Union and other partners, while announcing plans to establish two additional centres as part of the State’s broader strategy to reduce and ultimately eradicate GBV.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the Nchedo SARC as a landmark intervention offering 24-hour emergency medical care, forensic examination, counselling, legal guidance, and social support under one roof. She noted that the Centre complements broader justice-sector reforms, including the Sexual Offenders Register and strengthened prosecution systems.
Representatives of development partners, including the World Bank and the European Union, commended both the Federal and Abia State Governments for strengthening survivor-centred systems, sustaining funding commitments, and promoting prevention and protection strategies.
The commissioning marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s nationwide drive to institutionalise comprehensive response mechanisms against GBV, ensuring that survivors receive coordinated care while perpetrators face justice.
