LAGOS DSVA shines as SGBV awareness month closes with Dinner.

The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to better support survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), on Monday in Ikeja with the theme: “SGBV, Not On My Watch”.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that while there are currently three SARCs in the state, more are necessary due to the population size.

“We have 20 local governments here, so, it is not enough, because there are a lot of cases, we are dealing with 20 million citizens in Lagos State, and we are still counting, ” he said.

He expressed his satisfaction that people are now speaking out and reporting cases. “The blame and shame game is in full swing, and the sex offenders register is being used,” the Governor added.

The governor said from the inception of the agency in 2014, the Lagos State Government had shown unwavering determination to provide holistic support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, while holding perpetrators accountable.

According to him, sexual and gender-based violence is one of the gravest barriers to achieving gender equality, hence, the government will not allow such in the state.

He said the theme for the 2024 activities: “SGBV, Not On My Watch” – was more than a slogan, as it was a call to action for all to take action against the menace.

“The fight against SGBV requires the participation of everyone, religious leaders; community heads; families and individuals alike. It is not just the responsibility of the government or the agency, it is a collective endeavour.

Sanwo-Olu stated his administration will continue to strengthen the legal frameworks, enhance the support systems, and, most importantly, break the culture of silence that enables abuse to continue.

He also pledged that his administration will continue to support and invest in initiatives that protect the residents, especially the most vulnerable, including women, children, and marginalized groups.

The Governor who commended the success stories and the impact of the DSVA, described the agency’s efforts as nothing short of extraordinary.

Also speaking, The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency had attended to over twenty-five thousand cases in the last ten years.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency would continue to embark on sustained advocacy, as there had been a direct correlation between heightened awareness and increase in reporting of SGBV cases.

The Executive Secretary said the agency was gradually breaking the culture of silence, encouraging people to speak up and speak out, in the past ten years.

She stressed that it has been a very remarkable journey, there is increased faith in the system.

People are reporting more, but of course, we cannot rest on our oars, because we know we have not even scratched the surface.

The event had the support of the Rule of Law and Anti corruption RoLAC, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance was organized to round off the Domestic and Sexual Violence awareness month programs.

Notably, the event had in attendance traditional rulers amongst which were His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen OrinAdegun Kasalli, The Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom,
The Olu of Agboyi 1- Alaiyeluwa Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega,
The Oba of Agboyi 11- Alaiyeluwa Oba Taiwo Adesegun Lamina,
The Olu of Iwaya- Alaiyeluwa Oba Suleiman Oloko
The Awesome of Onigbongbo – Alaiyeluwa Oba Segun Ajasa
The Ikate of Surulere – Alaiyeluwa Oba Lateef Atanda Adams
The Oba of Ketu Kosofeland -Alaiyeluwa Oba Balogun Oyero
The Aholu of Ajara Agamathen- Alaiyeluwa Oba Agono Toniyon 1
The Aholu Tosavi of Akarakumo – Alaiyeluwa Oba Travil Awogbemi Nunayon
The Oba Onigando of igando land lagos, Oba Lazeeze gbadebo gbadamosi Orootan 3rd
The Oloto of oto awori land, Oba Josaia Aina Ilemobade Ikuyamiku 1st of Oto awori kingdom.

Also present at the event were Honourable Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries
The AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the Commissioner of Police – CP Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale,
Heads of Agencies and captains of Industry.

Recipient of awards include in Best FSU – Igbogbo FSU

Health Facility PHC- Ipaja PHC-

Health Facility General Hospital – Badagry

NGO Service Provider
Gracie’s Place

NGO (Advocacy Awareness) Recognition – Centre for Women’s Health Initiative

Family Social Services – Alimosho

Most Responsive Education District – District 2

Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Head Public Affairs Unit
LAGOS DSVA
1/10/2024