FG reiterates commitment to fight GBV, assures Ogun govt of continuous support

The Federal government, through the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated its commitment to the fight against gender-based violence and other forms of discrimination against women.

The Minister made the reaffirmation on Tuesday, on a working visit to Ogun SFtate and a brief stop over to the sexual assault referral center, Asero, Abeokuta.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim lamented that 31 percent of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

The statistics, according to her, is not just a number; rather, a reminder that gender-based violence is a social issue that threatens family stability and development.

She harped on urgency and commitment, stressing that President Bola Tinubu under the renewed hope agenda has embedded policies through its Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes to restore dignity, expand opportunities, strengthen families, and ensuring that no woman, child, or vulnerable person is left behind.

Her words, “As we celebrate progress, we cannot ignore the stark reality before us. 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. Each number carries a human face and a human story.

“They remind us that gender-based violence is not a private problem but a community crisis that undermines peace, family life, and development. This is why we must act urgently, with both compassion and commitment.

She commended Ogun for being one of the 35 states that have domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, emphasising that it is a testament to the state government’s dedication to justice and aligns with its collective vision of a safer more equitable Nigeria.

The Minister assured the Ogun State government of its continuous collaboration to fortify sexual assault centres and ensure survivors get access to a wide range of services, including economic reintegration, legal assistance, and counselling.

“As we extend immediate support to survivors today, we also look to the future. Working hand in hand with the Ogun State Government, civil society, and development partners, the Ministry will continue to strengthen the Centre and ensure survivors access comprehensive services, from counselling and legal support to economic reintegration, under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes” she added.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adele, welcomed the Minister to the state, saying her presence was not only a historical entry but also a declaration of bravery, unity, and a reminder to survivors that their prayers and strength are not in vain.

Adeleye described the sexual assault referral centers as a fortress of healing and a place where tears are wiped, voices are restored, and shattered lives begin to find wholeness again.

She called for greater collaboration, more intervention projects, grassroots awareness, stronger policies, among others that ensure no survivor slips through the cracks, saying “ If Ogun State has lit the fire of protection and empowerment, we ask that the Federal Government pour more oil that makes the flame impossible to quench”.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun also hailed the Minister’s favourable disposition to supporting Nigerian women pledging that Ogun women will always support President Tinubu and his wife, Sen Oluremi Tinubu in their determined bid to build a more prosperous nation and empower more women.

FG reiterates commitment to fight GBV, assures Ogun govt of continuous support