Text of the Address by His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON Governor, Ekiti State, Nigeria on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (MOREMI CLINIC), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti Wednesday, November 25, 2020 | Ado, Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

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Text of the Address by
His Excellency
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON
Governor, Ekiti State, Nigeria
On the occasion of the
Inauguration of the
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (MOREMI CLINIC)
Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 | Ado, Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Protocols
1. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be with you
today for the official commissioning of the Ekiti Sexual Assault
Referral Centre (MOREMI CLINIC)
2. Today is a great day, and this event is another milestone in our efforts to
address the problem of Gender Based Violence in Ekiti State. I am
pleased to note that this event is taking place at the onset of the annual
Global 16 Days Campaign Against Gender Based Violence that runs
from November 25th-December 10th. This is another example of ways in
which Ekiti is keen on demonstrating global best practices in the
promotion and protection of the rights of women.
3. You would recall that during our first term in office, in concert with the
Ekiti State House of Assembly, we passed the Gender Based Violence
(Prohibition) Law, 2011 on the 25th of November 2011. In 2019, we
repealed the law and enacted a stronger and more robust piece of

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legislation – the Ekiti Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019,
which incorporates the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP)
Act 2015, and other matters connected therewith, into one harmonised
law.
4. The goal of the law is to promote the protection of women and children,
and in some cases boys and men, and create an enabling environment
for all. Globally, Gender Based Violence is an issue that has assumed the
proportions of a pandemic; it is pathetic to note that one in every three
women will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or abused in her lifetime.
5. Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights
abuse in the world, affecting every society, Ekiti state inclusive, and its
negative impact is borne not only by the victim and her immediate
family, but by the entire community.
6. It is our duty to continue to seek out ways to support victims, which is
why we are here today. The Moremi Clinic being commissioned today is
our Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which is a free,
one-stop, survivor-centred facility that prioritises the rights and needs
of survivors of sexual violence, and is the outcome of efforts by the Ekiti
State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee - the body
responsible for implementing the 2019 GBV Law in Ekiti State.
7. The Moremi Clinic (Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre) will
provide the following free services:
• Screening and preventive treatment for HIV and sexually
transmitted infections.
• Collection and processing of forensic evidence.
• Support for going through the legal process.
• Providing a medico-legal report for diligent prosecution.
• Treatment and care of child victims of sexual abuse.
• Collection and management of relevant data.
• Counselling and psycho-social support.

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• Information, support, and counselling for parents, family members,
and partners.
• Education and information for community or professional groups.
8. The Ekiti SARC is supported by the full complement of the multi-
sectoral Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee,
with representation from relevant Ministries, Departments and
Agencies (MDAs) the legislature, and civil society organisations, and has
the following operational structures:
• Rapid Response Team
• Medical Team
• Counselling Team
• Legal Team
• Police Team
• Community Outreach Team
8. I enjoin victims of Gender Based Violence to speak out and report to the
appropriate authorities to ensure justice is done. The need for well-
meaning organizations and individuals to unite and fight this menace
cannot be overemphasized. All of us must do everything within our
powers to end this ugly trend of violence in the society, and to support
victims to become survivors.
9. The government of Ekiti state remains steadfast in the fight against
Gender Based Violence (GBV) and will continue to demonstrate zero
tolerance for violence against women and children. We are resolute in
our stance on this, and we promise to continuously strive to make our
society free of all forms of GBV.
10. As a responsive and responsible government, we are leaving no stone
unturned to end GBV in Ekiti State. To this end, we have put in place
laws, structures, and institutions that not only fight the menace of GBV,
but also bring succour to the victims.
11. On June 10th 2020 the Nigerian Governors Forum declared a State of
Emergency against Gender Based Violence. This was deemed
necessary because of the alarming reports of violations of women and

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girls coming from States across the federation. The COVID19 lockdowns
made an already existing problem more serious, with thousands of
women and girls affected.
12. Violence against Women is a serious violation of human rights. Its
impact on the victims ranges from physical, sexual, and mental
consequences to even permanent disabilities. In addition, violence
affects our women's well-being and prevents them from full
participation in societal development. When we all shun violence
against women, it will enhance national development.
13. You are aware that my very supportive Wife, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi
Fayemi has been at the forefront of the fight to end Gender Based
Violence Against Women and Girls. She commissioned the Moremi
Clinic on the 23rd June 2020 at a temporary site within the Ekiti State
University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. We are here today to formally
inaugurate a permanent site for Moremi Clinic for the use and wellbeing
of our people.
14. I commend the First Lady and the members of the Ekiti State GBV
Committee for this achievement, and for being ardent advocates of
gender equality and the protection of vulnerable people. I appreciate
you all for the support as always, and I hope you can all take pride in
your contributions to rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and bringing
beauty out of the ashes.
15. To whom much is given, much is expected. Therefore, I challenge
EKSUTH staff and Ekiti State health workers in general to reciprocate
this empowering gesture by putting in their best, and render quality
healthcare services to the good people of Ekiti State, especially the
victims of GBV who are the primary beneficiaries of this project. As we
open this Centre for your use, I implore you to ensure that this edifice is
well taken care of and adequately maintained.
16. I congratulate all sons and daughters of Ekiti State on the successful
delivery of this project for the good use of humanity. Let me also assure
you all that our administration is leaving no stone unturned in our quest
to make life more comfortable and meaningful for Ekiti-Kete. Our
intention is to make our dear State conducive for all and sundry to live

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in without fear of being abused and violated, and collectively this is
achievable.
17. On this note, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to formally
Commission the Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre (MOREMI
CLINIC) to the glory of God and benefit of Ekiti people.
18. Alale Ekiti a gbe a o!
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON
Governor