ABIA GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI COMMISSIONS NCHEDO SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRE IN ABA, PLEDGES INTENSIFIED WAR ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. (PHOTO).

 Abia Governor Alex Otti Commissions Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba, Pledges Intensified War on Gender-Based Violence

Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Wednesday commissioned the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Aba General Hospital, reaffirming his administration's unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) across the state.

The facility, established in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, marks a significant advancement in the state's justice and social protection framework. It unites government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations in providing survivor-centered support to victims of sexual assault, child molestation, and other forms of GBV.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti described sexual violence and related abuses as "aberrations alien to the values of our society." He emphasized the need for societal reorientation and collective responsibility to eliminate such crimes entirely.

"We must reach a point where centres like this become unnecessary because the behaviours they address no longer exist," Otti stated. "While we embrace technological and social advancement, we must also return to the enduring values that uphold dignity, respect, and human decency."

The governor expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, for attending the event and for her national leadership in promoting protection services. He also commended the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her advocacy against GBV, along with other stakeholders involved in the project.

Otti acknowledged the European Union's initial one-year funding commitment and expressed hope for a sustained partnership. He announced plans to establish two additional SARCs in the state as part of a broader vision to drastically reduce, and ultimately eradicate, GBV prevalence.

On the occasion, the governor directed immediate interventions to address infrastructural challenges at Aba General Hospital, particularly those affecting the School of Nursing. Drawing parallels to ongoing upgrades at Abia State University, he assured that similar transformations would extend to the hospital to ensure decent environments for learning and healthcare.

In her address, Minister Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim highlighted GBV as a pervasive, underreported threat to human security, public health, and national stability. She noted that Nigeria now has over 50 SARCs across 24 states, which have supported more than 58,000 survivors to date.

"The establishment of the Nchedo SARC represents a strategic, integrated, and confidential response model that improves justice outcomes and survivors' healing," the minister said. She reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and women's economic empowerment to tackle the root causes of violence, while urging an end to silence, stigma, and impunity.

Abia State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the Nchedo SARC as a landmark intervention offering coordinated, survivor-centered services. These include 24-hour emergency medical care, forensic examinations, counselling, legal guidance, and social support, all under one roof, to minimize trauma and enhance access to justice.

The centre complements ongoing justice-sector reforms in the state, such as the Sexual Offenders Register and strengthened prosecution systems, aligning with national efforts to ensure no survivor faces their ordeal alone.

Representing the World Bank’s Nigeria for Women Project, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi praised the Abia State Government for its strong commitment to gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Dr. Danladi Plang of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) revealed that more than 50 SARCs nationwide have supported over 50,000 survivors as of December 2025. He called for sustained funding, wider replication of the model, enhanced prosecution mechanisms, and the creation of safe shelters for survivors in need.

Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS disclosed that the EU has invested over ₦2 billion in supporting SARCs across the country. He stressed the critical importance of prevention, protection, and long-term sustainability beyond donor funding.

One more photo below.