By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has called for urgent action against gender-based violence, describing it as a national crisis that threatening families and development.
Speaking in Abeokuta during a visit to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Hajia Sulaiman -Ibrahim noted that more than 30 percent of Nigerian women have faced physical or sexual violence, stressing the need for urgent action to curtail the disturbing trend.
The Minister who commended the Ogun State Government for domesticating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and for providing a model facility where survivors get medical care, counselling and legal support.
She urged governments, civil society, and partners to work together to build a safer Nigeria where women and girls are protected and empowered.
Also, at the event, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun appreciated the Minister’s visit and pledged the state’s continued support for programmes that would protect women and children.
Earlier, in a remark, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Adijat Adeleye said the Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Women Development Centre in Abeokuta are giving survivors both healing and empowerment.
The Commissioner while commending Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support, called on the Federal Government to provide more funding and policies to protect women and children.
