Sexual Violence: MOJ, Bob Arnot, Visit EKSUTH, Propose Referral Centre for Victims

By

Abasi Femi Oguntayo


A Delegation of Ekiti State Ministry of Justice and the Portfolio Lead for Justice Security and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council, Bob Arnot visited the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti in a move to propose a Referral Centre for Victims of Sexual Violence in the State.


The Meeting which took place today, Monday July 15, 2019 at the premises of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital had the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda proposing a  location for the Centre within the premises of EKSUTH.


According to Fapohunda, the Center would be a one-stop facility to provide adequate and speedy attention which will include medicals and counselling to Victims of sexual and domestic assault. He also emphasized that the Project has the support of the Office of the First Lady of the State.


Bob Arnot who described his involvement in setting up Referral Centers in Lagos and other States, assured the delegation of the support of the British Council in setting up a Referral Center for victims of sexual violence in Ekiti State.


In his reaction, the Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Prof. J.K Olabanji who revealed other challenges faced in the process of assisting victims such as failure to speak out, desire for confidentiality and trust, said that, "the issue of Sexual and Gender Based Violence has always been there all along but it is commendable that we have a government who is concerned about it. We therefore pledge our full support on this project".


On the Attorney General's team were the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Lawrence Ojo; the Special Assistant to the Attorney General on Public Education, Media and Publicity, Tunde Olaolorun; Special Assistant on Gender to the Attorney General and Chairperson of FIDA, Seyi Ojo; the Dean Ministry of Justice Academy, Femi Onipede and the Special Assistant, Attorney General's Office Ibironke Odetola.