‎Gov. Otti Commissions NCHEDO Sexual Assault Referral Centre

‎Governor, Alex Otti of Abia State has commissioned the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) situated inside Aba General Hospital.
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‎According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the commissioning of the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre marks a significant milestone in Abia State’s justice and social protection architecture.
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‎It signals 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.
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‎Speaking while commissioning the project on Wednesday at the Aba General Hospital, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Abia State.
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‎He described sexual violence, child molestation, and assault as an aberrations, new to the values of the society, and emphasised the need for re-orientation and collective responsibility to eradicate such crimes.
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‎Governor Otti expressed profound gratitude to the 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.
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‎Gov. Otti also lauded 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.
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‎The Governor further acknowledged the support of the European Union for its initial one-year funding commitment, expressing optimism for extended partnership.
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‎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.
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‎Governor Otti directed immediate action to address infrastructural concerns within the hospital premises, particularly facilities linked to the School of Nursing.
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‎The Governor directed the Special Adviser on Health to submit a comprehensive proposal for the upgrades, stressing that all public institutions must reflect the administration’s standard of excellence.
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‎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.
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‎The Minister, said 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.
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‎Earlier, 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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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‎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.
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