The Nigerian Government has pledged stronger action against gender-based violence, with renewed support for survivors through intervention programmes and referral centres nationwide.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, gave the assurance during a working visit to Ogun State, which included a visit to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) built by the Ogun State Government in Abeokuta.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for inclusivity in governance, particularly for retaining a woman as Deputy Governor.
“This is a clear testament to inclusivity and a bold statement that women’s leadership is central to national development,” she stated.
The Minister noted that beyond its cultural heritage, Ogun State had proven itself as a “theatre of learning” through the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Project, stressing that the State’s achievements were attracting attention across the country.
“The fact that we are joined here today by six Honourable Commissioners from other States on a peer learning visit is a testament to Ogun’s leadership, and to the value of knowledge-sharing in advancing women’s empowerment nationwide,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim added.
The Reality of Gender-Based Violence
Highlighting the urgency of addressing violence against women, the Minister cited national data saying;
“Across Nigeria, 31% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while over 28% have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. These are not mere statistics; they are daughters, sisters, mothers, and neighbours.”
She emphasised that gender-based violence is “not a private problem but a community crisis that undermines peace, family life, and development.”
Renewed Hope Agenda and VAPP Act
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to integrate women’s safety and empowerment into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She explained: “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has embedded this vision in the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes, designed to restore dignity, expand opportunities, and strengthen families.”
Commending Ogun State, she praised its domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
“This step demonstrates the State’s commitment to justice and aligns perfectly with our collective vision of a safer and more equitable Nigeria,” the Minister noted.
At the SARC in Abeokuta, she described the facility as more than a clinic, “It is not just a facility; it is a refuge of healing, dignity, and hope. Here, survivors receive medical care, psychosocial support, and the assurance that they are not alone.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim promised that the Ministry, working with Ogun State, civil society, and partners, would strengthen the Centre to ensure survivors receive comprehensive services, including counselling, legal aid, and economic reintegration.
Calling for concerted collaborative action, the Minister said, “Together, let us build a Nigeria where every woman and girl is safe, valued, and empowered to thrive; just as the adire cloth transforms from simple threads into a masterpiece of beauty and strength.”
Empowerment support was given to some survivors during the visit which drew government officials, commissioners from South West States, Civil society representatives, and community stakeholders. They reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating gender-based violence and empowering women across Nigeria.