Domestic violence: Presidential aide donates 208-bed facility for women

Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, senior special assistant to the president on sustainable development goals (SDGs), has delivered a 208-bed transit facility to Ekiti state government.

In a statement on Sunday, Janet Mcdickson, head of communications at the OSSAP-SDGs, said the donation is in support of the 2020 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).

According to the statement, the facility was constructed and equipped in partnership with the Ekiti state government with the objective of supporting and providing lifelong skills to empower women and girls who have suffered abuse and domestic violence.

“In line with the objectives of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals has donated a 208-bed Model Transit facility to Ekiti State”, the statement said.

“The facility, which was constructed and equipped in collaboration with the State Government is aimed at supporting and providing lifelong skills to empower women and girls who have suffered abuse and domestic violence to stand on their feet economically and meet the demands of everyday life.

“The sprawling facility contains an administrative block, a crèche, 250-seater conference hall, 200 rooms self-contained apartment and a skills acquisition for hairdressing, tailoring, photography among others”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, Orelope-Adefulire said it will aid the achievement of goals 3, 5, 10, 16 and 17 of the SDGs.

She commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to issues involving women and the girl child.

The presidential aide, who applauded the Ekiti state government for its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, advised state governments to ensure that they incorporate SDGs into the their plans and policies.

Kayode Fayemi, governor of the state, said the facility will help to tackle gender-based violence.

“In his speech at the occasion, Governor Fayemi said the facility is especially significant as it is coming on stream during the 16 Days activism Against Gender Based Violence and will complement the State’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre popularly known as Moremi Clinic commissioned the day before in the fight against Gender-Based Violence”, the statement said.

“Transit Home as a safe haven for women will also help the state not just to ensure that victims of gender abuse get justice, but to also provide succor to them. The Governor noted that his administration has already signified its commitment to fight against gender based violence with its naming and shaming policy as demonstrated by its sexual offenders register.

“Violence against women is a serious violation of human rights with impacts ranging from physical, sexual and mental consequences to even permanent disabilities for the victims. This, he said is to its effects on well-being of women in terms of full participation in societal development.”

Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, said the facility came at the right time when the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in gender-based violence.

The minister said the facility shows the commitment of the president to the achievement of the SDGs.

“The Minister assured that President Buhari’s administration will continue to implement policies and initiatives that will ensure more protection for girls and women with introduction of a broader social investment programme in support of vulnerable members of the Nigerian society,” she said.