Trending 
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signed into law a bill establishing a rehabilitation centre for survivors of rape, defilement, domestic violence and human trafficking.
The legislation, titled the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026, was assented to on Monday at the Government House in Umuahia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Otti praised the Abia State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill and commended officials, including the First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti, for supporting the initiative.
He said the Assembly gave the bill accelerated consideration, while members of the executive team also contributed to its development.
The governor, however, noted that beyond setting up rehabilitation centres, addressing the root causes of gender-based violence would require sustained social reorientation. He said the ultimate goal should be building a society where such centres are no longer needed.
“While we were going to set up a few more centres, it is my conviction, and I believe that we will get there because there is no need for that. And the real issue is about re-orientation,” Otti stated.
Otti described rape, child abuse and human trafficking as practices contrary to Igbo values, noting that such offences were traditionally condemned and punished.
He added that his administration was creating employment opportunities to productively engage young people and reduce the risk of criminal activity.
Presenting the bill for assent, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the legislation followed due process and was given urgent attention because of its importance.
He said the law would help provide support and rehabilitation for victims of abuse and violence.
Also speaking, the governor’s wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, who initiated the bill, said the law would offer renewed hope to women and girls by ensuring they receive care, rehabilitation and support to rebuild their lives.
She also thanked the Assembly and other stakeholders for backing the initiative.
