…. as Centre Coordinator, Ilevbare Commends Oyebanji on Tirelesss, responsive Leadership
Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on citizens to recommit themselves to building a safer society where survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) can find healing and perpetrators face justice without exception.
She made the call at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, during the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), popularly known as Moremi Clinic.
Dr. Oyebanji urged members of the public to report cases of abuse to law enforcement agencies and appropriate centres, stressing that prompt intervention could prevent avoidable deaths.
“This intervention is our collective fight against sexual and gender-based violence in Ekiti State. It represents not only a physical space but also a sanctuary of hope, healing, and justice for survivors”. She said.
As Chairperson of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Committee, the Governor’s wife recalled that the Moremi Clinic had, over the past five years, provided medical, psychosocial, and legal support to survivors while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. She reaffirmed the present administration’s zero-tolerance stance on GBV, noting that every effort was aimed at protecting the dignity and wellbeing of citizens.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Coordinator of SARC, Mrs. Rita Ilevbare, appreciated the state governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Olayemi on their concerted efforts in the protection of the people and tackling all forms of gender based violence in the state. She appealed for increased staffing, provision of utility vehicles, and digital equipment to strengthen the centre’s response capacity.
“The SARC is grateful to the Ekiti State Governor and the First Lady for their tireless and responsive leadership, which enabled all the impacts.
” In her characteristic manner, the First Lady will be empowering some of our survivors today, amongst whom are some that have secured admission into higher institutions. Just last week, by the benevolence of our Governor and the First Lady, the Ministry of Health and Human Services supplied the SARC with drugs, commodities, and consumables worth millions of money.
“Furthermore, the SARC is grateful to all line ministries and partners supporting to ensure robust and responsive services to its clients, including the Office of the First Lady, Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Ministry of Health & Human Services, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, EKSUTH, Transit Home, Police, NSCDC, NGOs, community and religious institutions, as well as individuals among others.”
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, disclosed that the centre had successfully supported about 600 victims of sexual assault, transforming them into survivors. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between government agencies and ministries to enhance service delivery.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairperson of FIDA Ekiti, Mrs. Richard Olowoyo, the Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, who all charged stakeholders not to relent in the fight against Gender Based Violence.
The event, which was attended by political office holders, top government officials, and stakeholders, also featured the empowerment of survivors.