The wife of the Osun State Governor, Titilola Adeleke, has called for a harmonious relationship among the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), human rights activists, the Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Affairs to make the society habitable for women, children, and the vulnerable.
The governor’s wife reiterated her commitment to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to revive the State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) located in Osogbo.
Adeleke made these statements during an inspection of the centre at the premises of the State Teaching Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.
She explained that the visit was in line with the recently concluded training on gender-based violence held in Abuja by the Nigeria Governor’s Wives Forum, as part of the campaign to ensure that sexually assaulted and abused victims receive adequate medical care and advice.
“The Sexual Assault Referral Center offers a wide range of services, including medical care, forensic examinations of sexually assaulted victims, and testing for sexually transmitted infections, among others, which should be given necessary support by her office in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“The Centre has competent consultants to provide counseling and mental health support to sexually abused victims.”
Expressing dissatisfaction over the spate of rape cases and other assaults in society, she stressed the need for everyone to support the protection of women, children, and the vulnerable against such violence.
She added that a drastic approach is required to nip them in the bud.