By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing quality, survivor-centered care and strengthening prevention and response mechanisms for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the state.
This commitment was highlighted by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, during a monitoring and evaluation exercise.
The Commissioner visited the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) located at the State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, and Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado.
The Commissioner noted that the SARC was established by the AbdulRahman-led administration in collaboration with the office of the First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq. Its mandate is to provide free medical, emotional, and psychosocial support to SGBV survivors in Kwara.
She explained that the evaluation exercise is crucial for assessing the quality of services and identifying areas for improvement, which will inform more targeted intervention.
Furthermore, the Commissioner identified the immediate need to foster stronger partnerships with stakeholders and provide advanced training for SARC staff specifically focused on data collection and reporting.
The Commissioner’s commitment extends to economic empowerment, as demonstrated by her visit to the Vocational Centre in Iludun Oro.
Chief (Mrs.) Afolashade emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to enhance the centre’s role in poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and social development.
She noted that the vocational centre aims to equip individuals with practical skills for gainful employment, thereby creating a skilled workforce across various trades while simultaneously fostering confidence and self-reliance among trainees.
In response, the Principal of the Vocational Centre, Iludun Oro, Ven. Ola-Vincent Akindumitire, commended the state government for its continued support.
However, he disclosed that the centre requires renovation and additional staff capacity to enable more youths to acquire essential skills necessary to stand out and thrive in the future.