British Council assists 30,000 sexual abuse survivors across 20 states
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
More than 30,000 sexual abuse survivors across 20 states in Nigeria have been assisted by the British Council which also offered various forms of legal assistance to 12,000 poor citizens.
British Council Programmes Director Chikodi Onyemerela disclosed the figures in Abuja at an event marking the Dissemination, Lesson Learning and Close-out of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme in Nigeria.
ROLAC is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the British Council.
“Over 12,000 indigent citizens received various forms of legal aid and assistance during this period of its implementation; and over 30,000 sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) survivors provided support through the sexual assault and referral centres,” Onyemerela said.
“It is important to underscore that ROLAC provided direct funding and technical support for the operation of 39 Sexual Assault Referral Centres across 20 states of the federation and was responsible for the establishment of new ones in Anambra, Edo, FCT and Lagos.
“The programme also enabled the state level adoption of the national anti- corruption strategy, and improved state public procurement processes.”
Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the body is committed to supporting Nigeria’s democratic efforts.
She explained the support is based on the conviction that “sustainable peace, development and prosperity are truly possible only when founded on respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
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200 projects and initiatives
Isopi said the EU is united in diversity just like Nigeria in a sense, and unity and democracy “must be nourished,” never be taken for granted, per The Guardian.
“About 200 projects and initiatives are currently funded by the EU around the world, seeking to promote democracy and the rule of law and benefit the most vulnerable in society, particularly women and children, so that they can have access to basic needs such as education and healthcare, and live free from violence and strife,” she added.
“With this in mind, the EU remains committed in supporting the Nigerian government at all levels in order to deepen its democracy, and endeavor for development for the citizens of Nigeria.
“We commit to continue supporting the consolidation of the rule of law and anti-corruption process in Nigeria with our technical and financial support and political engagement.”
Federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami commended the synergy in the fight against corruption by the international community.
Malami, represented by the Director, the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, disclosed Nigeria with the support of ROLAC made laudable achievements in justice administration reform in line with international best practices.
“Their support has been fundamental in driving the needed reforms of the justice sector by my ministry,” he said.