Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged citizens to speak out against sexual and gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to break the culture of silence that allows these abuses to persist.
His wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented him at the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night held by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in Ikeja, where he made this call to action.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The 2024 theme against sexual and gender-based violence, ‘Not on My Watch’ is more than a slogan; it is a call for action to all of us. The fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires participation from everyone – religious leaders, community heads, families and individuals.
“It is not just the responsibility of the government or the agency. It is a collective endeavour. Together we must continue to strengthen our legal framework, expand our support systems, and most importantly, break the culture of silence that allows abuse to persist.”
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by Mojisola Daba, mentioned, “I am a strong advocate of family values and social cohesion, therefore, I affirm my support for zero tolerance for any act of violence or intimidation against any persons, groups or gender. We have achieved a lot so far in the campaign to end domestic and sexual violence.”
On her part, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed that the agency had handled over 25,000 cases since its inception in 2014 and last year, it dealt with 6,330 cases alone.
“The top five local government areas with high reports of sexual violence are Alimosho, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa and Oshodi-Isolo,” she noted.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) marked its 10th anniversary in September with a symposium and statewide programs, capped off by an awards ceremony.
