The Lagos State Domestic and sexual violence Agency DSVA in commemoration of the Sexual and Gender based Violence Awareness Month has teamed up with the Lagos State Football Association to organize an initiative to use football to kick out SGBV from Lagos State by organizing a sensitization program held at the Ivory Sports House, Allen Avenue, Ikeja to enlighten female footballers about the various forms of abuse, preventive measures and the support services available in the state. This event took place on the 28th of September, 2023.
Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the Agency’s statutory mandate was to educate, sensitize and ensure that the state government’s zero tolerance for all forms of SGBV is mainstreamed into all the sectors.
Vivour-Adeniyi who was represented by the Head- Field Operations Mrs. Oluwakemi Bello spoke on the various forms of abuse and the support services available.
She also stressed the relevance of consent and the need for prompt report of incidents of SGBV by calling the DSVA Toll-free line- 08000333333 as they are all mandated reporters.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Mr. Ogbono Fouad Oki told the participants that the association has zero tolerance for all forms of SGBV and they should endeavor to always report cases not minding who is involved.
Also at the event, the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Alhaji Liameed Gafar said the welfare of the Players remains paramount and any form of abuse or SGBV in the association will not be tolerated but reported to the agency.
Mr. Akeem Rabiu-Okikioposu, the Association’s Secretary while appreciating participants urged them to take the Zero tolerance message to their respective communities.
Adejoke Ladenegan- Oginni
Lagos DSVA
28/9/2023
