As part of its mandate to curb all forms of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has again expanded its monthly local government town hall meeting to Lagos Mainland.
The fourth town hall meeting organised by the agency, themed “it’s on us to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ took place on Tuesday,5th April,2022 at the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Yaba is aimed at creating awareness amongst members of the community at the grass root level on issues regarding Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary Of DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour- Adeniyi in her opening remarks urged the participants to see themselves as active bystanders saddled with a responsibility to report cases of violence whenever it occurs.
She therefore reiterated the need to regularly sensitize members of the public on the various forms of sexual and domestic violence.
On her part, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Omolola Essien assured participants of the local government’s commitment to ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate to rid Lagos Mainland LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The Hon. Chairman of Yaba Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Kayode Omiyale who was ably represented by Mr. Michael Olufemi Babalola, the Human Resource Officer, reassured participants of his administration’s commitment in ensuring Yaba was rid of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Denton Divisional Police Headquarters, Ebute Metta ,SP Joseph Egwuonu encouraged residents of the local govt to report incidents of SGBV as the police personnel are regularly trained on ways to respond to such cases.
Other stakeholders at the town hall meeting including the Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, Centre Manager, WARIF Dr.Aniekan Makanjuola and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Yesufu Baqiah, educated the participants on the effects sexual and domestic Violence has on not only the victims but including the society at large, whilst informing them of available resources at their disposal. The State toll free number to report cases (08000333333) was shared on fliers and other memorabilia.
Whilst appreciating the State Government for bringing this campaign to the grassroots, the Representative of the SGBV Surveillance Team, reiterated the community’s desire to work with Government in ensuring perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book.
The meeting had over 200 stakeholders in attendance, drawn from Lagos Mailand L.G.A, Yaba L.C.D.A, Community Developments Council, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders were charged to take a stand against all forms of abuse in an effort to end this menace in the society.
