By Ebele Egoh
Sexual and Gender‑Based Violence (SGBV) remains a major threat to public health and human rights in Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for sustained measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. In Anambra State, these concerns have been met with growing institutional and advocacy responses, anchored in part by the efforts of the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo.
The First Lady has received commendation for her contributions towards mitigating the prevalence of SGBV in the state. This was disclosed by Mrs. Amaka Okoye, Centre Manager of the Ntasi Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Anambra State, during a visit by a delegation of the National Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to her office at General Hospital, Enugwu‑Ukwu.
The two‑day assessment visit was aimed at evaluating the initiatives of Dr. Nonye Soludo, as they relate to women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Responding to questions from the committee, Mrs. Okoye acknowledged the proactive efforts of the First Lady, noting that the Ntasi Centre has recorded notable improvements as a result of her advocacy and interventions. She added that Dr. Soludo has consistently spoken out against all forms of SGBV.
Mrs. Okoye explained that the Rule of Law and Anti‑Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, in partnership with the Anambra State Government, established the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Enugwu‑Ukwu General Hospital to address sexual violence in the state.
According to her, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides confidential medical treatment, forensic evidence collection, psychosocial counselling, and referral services to victims of rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, trafficking, and other forms of sexual exploitation. She noted that such acts often result in physical injury, as well as long‑term psychological trauma and social stigmatisation.
She further stated that the Governor’s wife has been instrumental in mobilising resources and partnerships to equip the centre with essential drugs, medical consumables, and other supplies necessary for effective service delivery.
Health professionals emphasised that timely access to medical care is critical for managing cases of sexual violence, preventing infections, and preserving evidence for legal proceedings. Mrs. Okoye disclosed that several convictions have been secured, with offenders sentenced to terms of imprisonment, signalling an improvement in the state’s response mechanisms.
In his remarks, Mr. Ben Chukwuma, a Senior Legislative Officer of the National Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the First Lady’s efforts. He stressed the importance of consistent prosecution of offenders, noting that sustained sentencing would serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators. He further advocated for stiffer penalties, proposing a minimum custodial sentence of two to three years to discourage the crime.
Ebele is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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