The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says across Nigeria, 31 percent of women aged 15–49 experienced physical violence, while over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

She said the statistics reflected the “stark reality” of the country despite some progress recorded in the fight against Gender Based Violence.

The Minister spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday during a working visit and brief stop – over at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in the state capital.

She was welcomed to the state by the Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako – Oyedele, First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye among other top female functionaries in the state.

In her remarks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said “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.”

The Minister said the statistics showed that major stakeholders must act urgently, with both compassion and commitment.

She said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, her ministry has embedded the vision in the Social Impact Intervention Programmes designed to “restore dignity, expand opportunities, and strengthen families, ensuring that no woman, child, or vulnerable person is left behind.”

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, explained the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and the Women Development Centre were established because the state government believes that “healing must go hand in hand with rebuilding.”

Adeleye, a former member of the House of Assembly, said beyond the centres, Ogun State has continued to champion women and child protection through sensitization walks, grassroots training, empowerment schemes, and child-focused programmes.

“At the SARC, survivors come in with pain, but they do not remain defined by it. Here, wounds are treated, tears are wiped, voices are restored, and shattered lives begin the journey to wholeness again.

“But as we reflected, we asked ourselves: what happens after the tears are wiped and the scars begin to heal? Survivors need more than just recovery, they need renewal. That is why, just a few steps away, we placed the Women Development Centre,” she said.

The commissioner, however, called on the Federal Government for more support in terms of funding for intervention projects, grassroots awareness, stronger policies, and wider programmes that ensure no survivor slips through the cracks.

“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,” Adeleye said. (Daily Trust)

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