Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) domiciled inside Aba General Hospital.
The commissioning of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre marks a significant milestone in Abia State’s justice and social protection architecture – signalling a united front between government, development partners, and civil society groups to eliminate gender-based violence and uphold the dignity and rights of all citizens.
Commissioning the project on Wednesday, February 18th, at the Aba General Hospital, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Abia State.
He described sexual violence, child molestation, and assault as an aberrations, alien to the values of our society, and stressed the need for reorientation and collective responsibility to eradicate such crimes.
“We must get to a point where centres like this will become unnecessary because the behaviour they address no longer exists.
“While we embrace technological and social advancement, we must also return to the enduring values that uphold dignity, respect, and human decency,” Gov Otti stated.
Governor Otti expressed profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, for honouring the State with her presence and for her steadfast leadership in advancing protection services nationwide.
Gov. Otti also commended the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her deliberate and passionate advocacy against gender-based violence, as well as the Commissioners for Justice, Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and Health for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project.
The Governor further acknowledged the support of the European Union for its initial one-year funding commitment, expressing optimism for extended partnership.
While noting the requests for additional centres, he announced that the State would commence with two additional facilities, with the broader vision of reducing the prevalence of GBV and ultimately eradicating it.
Governor Otti directed immediate action to address infrastructural concerns within the hospital premises, particularly facilities linked to the School of Nursing.
The Governor directed the Special Adviser on Health to submit a comprehensive proposal for the upgrades, emphasising that all public institutions must reflect the administration’s standard of excellence.
Referencing ongoing improvements at Abia State University, the Governor assured students and staff that visible transformation would soon be extended to the hospital environment, saying that,
“We cannot allow our children to study or receive care in environments that are not decent and presentable,” Gov Otti stated.
Speaking, the Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, while describing GBV as a widespread and underreported threat to human security, public health, and national stability, noted that Nigeria currently has over 50 Sexual Assault Referral Centres across 24 States, which have supported more than 58,000 survivors.
The Minister, who said that the establishment of the Nchedo SARC represents a strategic, integrated, and confidential response model that improves Justice outcomes and survivor’s healing, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to policy reform, institutional strengthening, and women’s economic empowerment initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, while calling for an end to silence, stigma, and impunity.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the Nchedo SARC as a landmark intervention, providing coordinated, survivor-centred services.
She explained that the Centre offers 24-hour access to emergency medical care, forensic examination, counselling, legal guidance, and social support under one roof while reducing trauma and strengthening access to justice.
The Commissioner further highlighted that the centre complements broader Justice-sector reforms, including the Sexual Offenders Register and strengthened prosecution systems, underscoring the State’s resolve to ensure that no survivor walks alone as a
National Commitment to Ending GBV.
The World Bank Representative and Task Team Leader for the Nigeria for Women Project, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, commended the Abia State Government for demonstrating strong commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
On his part, Dr. Danladi Plang of IDEA revealed that more than 50 SARCs nationwide have supported over 50,000 survivors as of December 2025.
He advocated sustained funding, replication of the model across the States, strengthening prosecution mechanisms, and the establishment of shelters for survivors requiring safe accommodation.
In his remarks, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS disclosed that the EU has invested over ₦2 billion in supporting Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the country. He emphasised the importance of prevention, protection, and sustainability beyond donor funding.
The event was graced by stakeholders and senior appointees of the Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
