The Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee (FCT EXCO) has concluded arrangements for the establishment of more sexual assault referral centres in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Nigeria.
The Centers are to serve as a shelter home for the survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the territory, who have been abused and are experiencing trauma and need to be properly cared for.
The FCT EXCO gave this assurance during its 17th meeting held on Monday at the Conference Hall, FCTA House in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja.
The FCT EXCO, while reviewing the presentation by the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) on its activities, programmes and projects, stated that the Administration is committed to building more shelter homes for the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence that will accommodate the increasing cases of SGBV across the territory.
The EXCO also directed the Social Development Secretariat to initiate plans for the immediate re-integration of children who are in the various orphanage homes and have grown-ups as well as activate the FCT Juvenile Correctional Centre.
The EXCO further directed for the establishment of mobile courts to apprehend and initiate swift trials of cases of Gender Based Violence to serve as deterrents and serve justice to the victims.
It also advised residents to avoid acts capable of precipitating sexual and gender-based violence.
Curbing street begging
The EXCOs reaffirmed the position of the FCT Administration on street begging and other unwholesome practices within the Federal capital city and insisted that it will continue to enforce all laws prohibiting such practices.
Commending the Social Development Secretariat for the milestone recorded and emerging top out of the 15 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) rated by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in handling cases of Gender-Based Violence, the meeting urged the Secretariat not to rest on its oars.
The meeting, which was presided over by the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, was attended by top officials of the FCT Administration.
Emmanuel Ukoh
