Commends DSVA and Crusaders Against Gender-Based Violence.
…. Reaffirms Lagos’s commitment to fight SGBV
Lagos State Government has recognized individuals and organisations that are committed to the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence at the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency’s DSVA Annual Commendation and Awards Night under the theme; SGBV??? NOT IN MY LAGOS!!!
The Event which usually wraps up the month long beehive of activities and programs is used to showcase achievements to further encourage other stakeholders in the fight against the SGBV menacing scourge and to further inspire and encourage already crusading stakeholders to scale up their commitment in bringing relief to the victims and eradicate the menace in the society.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Street Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that various initiatives and advocacy programmes carried out by the agency towards raising public awareness, rehabilitating victims and ensuring justice for domestic and sexual violence offenders have significantly and positively impacted the target audience by encouraging more victims to speak out and end the cowardly culture of silence.
Governor Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hudenyin commended the Agency for it’s noble work and appreciated individuals, organizations who have joined the State Government to alienate SGBV.
He explained that the
numbers of victims of domestic and sexual violence seeking intervention of the agency between May 2019 and July 2023 reveal almost 20,614, it’s a pointer to its acceptability and confidence in the service delivery by the public. “In 2022, 70 numbers of convictions were secure while about 600 cases are ongoing this is a testament to the agency’s commitment and dedication to this administration’s zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence.”
Governor, however, commended the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and the DSVA Team for the hard work and commitment to actualize the Agency’s mandate by offering the required support to enable Survivors to overcome their tender physical and psychological trauma and stated his administration’s expectations for more convictions of perpetrators in the State to serve as a deterrent to others committing these heinous crimes.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as evil, wicked, and inhumane and called for collaboration and partnership with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA to end the scourge.
“May I reiterate here today my administration’s determination not to relent in supporting the work and effort of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence agency and those of various organizations that are committed to this noble course, we must have and enjoy a safer and more secure environment all are at liberty to live happy lives.
“Further, our renewed focus on this menace is expressed in the plus components of the Themes+agenda, which stands for Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth development.”
Earlier in his welcome, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro explained that the State has been relentless in the fight against all forms of Abuse and SGBV and this engagement according to him has been robust and fruitful.
“We are gathered to celebrate the State’s modest achievements in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, inspire all stakeholders to increase their efforts to bring succor to survivors and ultimately eradicate the menace in the society”.
He noted that the time of complacency is long gone and
urged the public to help sustain the conversation at work and religious places, institutions, residential and social areas to enable us to galvanize a progressive society.
Also, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje in her goodwill message averred that domestic violence is not tolerated in Lagos State, urged the agency to continue to work in line with the six Strategic Development Pillars of Governor’s Administration with the acronym ‘T.H.E.M.E.S’ Plus towards ensuring “A Greater Lagos”.
Other Goodwill messages were delivered by DCP Salihu Khan who represented the Commissioner of Police, The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, State, Chief Judge Kazeem Alogba who was also represented at the event lauded the effort of the government towards fighting the menace while restating unrelenting commitment to supporting the agency.
Meanwhile, winners of the day include
Family Social Services- Badagry FSS
Family Support Unit- FESTAC FSU
Most Responsive PHC- Iwaya PHC
Most Responsive General Hospital *Apapa GH*
Most Responsive NGO- The Shelly’s Serenity Place
Most Gender Centric Media Houses
Media
The Guardian Newspaper
The Nation Newspaper Premium Times Nigerian Television Authority
Nigeria info FM
Lagos Traffic Radio
Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni
Lagos DSVA
30th of September, 2023.
