By John Dike,Osogbo
In a major step toward combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Osun State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has officially handed over essential equipment to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as the Succour Centre.
The high-level stakeholders’ engagement and equipment presentation ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office in Abere, Osogbo.
The event brought together key government officials, development partners, security agencies, and senior advisers to the Governor, reflecting the administration’s unified approach to tackling SGBV in the state.
In her opening address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo, described the Succour Centre as a safe and holistic support hub for survivors of sexual violence. She noted that the newly donated equipment represents a “game-changing intervention” that will significantly boost the Centre’s capacity to provide timely and comprehensive services, including medical treatment, psychosocial counseling, legal aid, and protection.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the organization’s representative commended the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for placing survivors at the center of policy and programmatic responses. She emphasized that the handover underscores the power of partnerships in building stronger protection systems for women, children, and other vulnerable populations.
Also addressing the gathering, Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, reaffirmed their ministries’ commitment to supporting the Centre’s operations. They underscored the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in addressing sexual violence and ensuring justice, healing, and recovery for survivors.
Among other dignitaries in attendance were Engr. Jerimaya Abiola, Honourable Member representing Ife Central State Constituency; Hon. Sekinat Temilade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare; and Dr. Emmanuel, Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital.
Their presence further demonstrated cross-sectoral support for survivor-focused initiatives in Osun State.
The event also featured participation from key stakeholders, including Permanent Secretaries, the Hospital Management Board, Osun State Police Command, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
All the participants pledged continued support for the effective operation and long-term sustainability of the Succour Centre.
