Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Commissioner Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

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The Lagos State Attorney General andCommissioner for Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo ,SAN has applauded pioneer counsel who took part in the secondment programme organised by the Ministry of Justice to continuously sharpen their skills to be efficient in the discharge of their duties. Onigbanjo stated this during a meeting on Tuesday with the some State  counsel after the completion of their 2-3 months secondment programme at various law firms in the State. The Commissioner noted that the programme was initiated  in October,2021 to enhance career objectives, expand their horizon as well as improve the efficiency of lawyers in the employ of the State. He therefore therefore urged the pioneer counsel to make judicious use of the skills acquired during the secondment programme for the advancement  of the legal profession  as well as deliver adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration Onigbanjo commended them for being good ambassadors of the State and the ministry during their secondment programme urging them to utilize the skills and experience garnered in their various departments. Sharing their experiences at the various law firms, the  Counsel described the initiative as highly commendable and illuminating as it provided an opportunity to learn new skills, exposure to diverse areas of law different from their normal work routine as well as provided perspectives on work-life experience in the private sector. The counsel were seconded to law firms which specialized in Oil and gas ,Energy, Taxation, Corporate law etc.

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Lagos Appoints Babajide Martins As Director Public Prosecutions(DPP)

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… redeploys Oshinusi, Oluwafemi and Salau The Former Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Dr. Babajide Martins, has been appointed as the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice. A memo signed by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey states that his appointment followed the appointment of the former DPP, Mrs. Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi as a Judge of the high Court of Lagos State. Babajide is a Legal Luminary, a Progressive and Seasoned Technocrat, a Human Rights Advocate, a Passionate and Relentless Worker in the Temple of Justice. He is a graduate of University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 and is also a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Dr. Martins graduated with Master in Law, LLM in European Management and Employment Law and Master of Business Administration (MBA) respectively from the University of Leicester, England. He thereafter bagged a PhD in Constitutional law from Birkbeck College, University of London. Dr.  Martins is the current Director of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender an agency  saddled with the mandate of ensuring that every resident of Lagos State has equal access to justice. Prior to joining the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Martins had worked in England as a Crown Prosecutor and at Blackburn Borough Council in England, where his practice included Criminal Prosecution, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Youth Justice and Safeguarding. A Versatile Facilitator who has conducted, presented papers and served as a discussant at the National Judicial Institute and Lagos State Judiciary legal week. He has also conducted several trainings on Criminal Justice Administration to Police Officers, Magistrates and Customary Court Judges.  He is an ardent advocate of Restorative Justice and Mediation in Criminal Matters. He is an advocate of a fair and just Criminal Justice system and was a member of the committee that drafted the Lagos State Sentencing guidelines. He has served as the Liaison Officer on the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme administered by the British Council in Lagos state. He is also currently the Liaison Officer for the Ministry of Justice on the German GIZ Programme for support for the Criminal Justice Administration. He has served as Special Assistant on Criminal Prosecutions to two former Lagos State Attorney Generals and was formerly a Director of the Office of the Public Defender, before his recent appointment as Director of Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Dr. Martins is a current member of the Lagos State Biosecurity Board. Following Dr. Martins appointment as DPP, Ms Oshinusi Adetutu has also been appointed as the new Director, Directorate of Citizens Rights, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi as Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions and Mrs Aderoju Salau as Deputy Director, Directorate of Civil Litigations Their appointment takes immediate effect.

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HOS, Attorney General Charges Justice Staff

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…Rewards outstanding Officers. The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola  and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has charged staff of the Ministry of Justice as well as State counsel to be efficient and transparent in the discharge of their duties. In his address at a merit award/end of the year ceremony organised by the Ministry of Justice recently, the State’s Head of Service urged the awardees and members of staff to be up and doing in the discharge of their responsibilities. Muri-Okunola stated that the success of every government is determined by its ability to provide prompt and efficient service delivery and this can only be possible when staff of the ministry work together in peace and harmony to remit a top-notch and quality service delivery. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN expressed pride and satisfaction towards the high performance of the State counsels and staff of the ministry in both the senior and junior category, stating that due to the quality of work put forth, the ministry has helped the State Government in upholding the rule of law as well as delivering adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Mr. Governor. Onigbanjo urged the awardees to continue the good work noting that the ministry will continue to recognize the efforts of individuals with outstanding track record of contributions in the ministry towards public service delivery Also speaking during the 2 -day ceremony, the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, explained that the idea of the Awards ceremony was a way of promoting a healthy professional rivalry among officers in order to continually promote the ethics of global best practices in legal  and service delivery In her words; “Everyone has their bit to contribute regardless of how big or little it may seem. The service delivery of the State counsel is just as important as the service delivery of the cleaners and security personnels in the Ministry”. “The most important thing is to execute your duty with passion, diligence, integrity and professionalism” Speaking further, Ms. Shitta-Bey applauded the Directors of the Ministry as well as members of staff for their patience, diligence and dedication to public service delivery noting that sometimes it can be extremely demanding, either mentally or emotionally but urged them to be diligent, transparent, and accountable in the discharge of their duties. There were awards for outstanding officers in the junior,senior and project officers categories.

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Sanwo-Olu Swears in 14 new High Court Judges

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Lagos Governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday swore in 14 new Judges for the high court while  urging them to dispense justice quickly and fairly ,without fear or living and acting above board in all circumstances “in your hands lies great power to punish wrong doers and free the innocent,the power to send a strong message to society about the primacy of the rule of law and to contribute to the growing body of jurisprudence in the country” The Governor  stressed that Government is committed to supporting the judiciary to achieve its purposes and also ensure they are comfortable enough to perform optimally “Judges who take their work seriously can do a lot to rebuild the confidence of citizens  in the systems and institutions of our nation.A properly functioning judicial system will go a long way in nuturing an environment that enables business and investment…….there is less room for poverty to drive people to crime and criminality “ The Hon.Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN while reading the citations of the judges noted that the appointment of the new judges became necessary due to the retirement of some judges in the course of the year Onigbanjo stressed that since the inception of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in 2019,a total of 24 judges have been sworn in till date thereby making a total of 70judges for Lagos in  fulfilment of the THEMES development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration . The new benchers consist of nine females and five males They include Justices Olubusola Okunuga,Adenrera Adeyemi,Olufolake Oshin,Oluwatoyin Odusanya,Olumuyiwa Martins,Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu,Batunde Kalaro,Omolade Awope,Akinkunmi Idowu,Olalekan Oresanya,Mujibat Oshodi,Ismaili Ijelu,Mosunmola Balogun and Mathias Dawodu.

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IKEDE PATAKI

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Ijọba ipinle Eko n rọ araalu paapaa gbogbo olugbe Magodo Residential Scheme lati fọkanbalẹ lori iṣẹlẹ to waye laipẹ yii ti Oloye Adebayọ Adeyiga atawọn ẹgbẹ Shangisha Landlords Association fi ẹtan ko awọn ọlọpaa lọ si Magodo lati fi tipa fidi idajọ ile-ẹjọ mulẹ. Ijọba ṣakiyesi pe awọn ọlọpaa ti wọn waa fidi idajọ naa mulẹ kii ṣe awọn ọlọpaa kootu rara; nitori awọn ọlọpaa kootu ko mọ nnkan nipa igbesẹ ti wọn gbe lọjọ naa ni Magodo. Igbesẹ yii tun lodi si igbekalẹ ile-ẹjọ ilẹ wa. Ijọba ipinle Eko fẹẹ fi da awọn araalu loju pe iwadii ṣi n lọ lọwọ lati fi awọn to lọwọ si ọrọ naa jofin, bẹẹ nijọba ko ni yẹsẹ lati maa bọwọ fun ofin la i ṣegbe lẹyin ẹnikankan. Bakan naa nijọba n lo anfaani yii lati kilọ fun awọn eeyan wọnyi pe ki wọn pa gbogbo akọle ti wọn ti kọ sara ile awọn olugbe Magodo rẹ kiakia, bẹẹ ni ki awọn araalu fi ṣe oju lalakan fi n ṣọri. Bi wọn ba si ri ẹnikẹni to ba tun fẹẹ dan iru iwa to lodi sofin bẹẹ wo, ki wọn fi to ijoba leti kia. Olukede Moyọsọrẹ Onigbanjo, SAN Agbẹjọro agba fun ijọba ati kọmiṣanna fun eto idajọ nipinlẹ Eko Ọjọ kẹtalelogun, oṣu kejila, ọdun 2021

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ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS.

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ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS. i. On the 21st of December, 2021, it was reported through social media platforms that the Shangisha Landlords Association with stern looking Policemen took over Magodo Area of Lagos State in purported execution of a Supreme Court judgment. ii. It is a known fact that judgment was delivered in 2012 by the Supreme Court in Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. Vs. Adebayo Adeyiga & Ors in Appeal No: SC/112/2002 wherein the Apex court affirmed the judgment of Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on the 31st December, 1993 in Suit No: ID/795/88 wherein the Court held as follows: “I hereby enter judgment for the plaintiffs against the defendants as follows – A declaration that members of the Shangisha Landlords Association whose lands and or buildings at Shangisha village were demolished by the Lagos State Government and/or its servants or agents during the period of June 1984 to May 1985 are entitled to the first choice preferential treatment by the Lagos State Government before any other person(s) in the allocation or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha village and I make the order against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (particularly the Lagos state Government and Land Use and Allocation committee) as agreed in the meeting held on 16th October 1984 with the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Development Matters, Lagos State. 2. An order of Mandatory Injunction is hereby made that the said defendants shall forthwith allocate 549 (five hundred and forty nine) plots to the plaintiffs in the said Shangisha village scheme in the Shangisha village aforesaid.” iii. It is obvious from the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court that the judgment only recognized the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment in the “allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village”. The judgment only relates to allocation of 549 plots of land and not possession of any land. iiii. Several attempts by the State Government to resolve the matter amicably have been on even before the judgment of the Supreme Court was delivered. It is therefore not surprising that the Supreme Court held on page 27 of the judgment thus; “…… This Court appreciates the  magnanimity of  the Lagos  State Government in the proposals to effect an amicable settlement of this matter. The ball is now in the court of the counsel to the respondents who has a statutory duty to advise them properly to give the government their maximum co-operation in the execution of this judgment.” v. The State Government engaged the Judgment Creditors between 2012 – 2015 and made proposal to re-allocate land to the Judgment Creditors at Magotho Residential Scheme within Badagry Area which was rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga but majority of the Judgment Creditors led by Yemi Ogunshola, Jelili Yaya and Adeleke Adefala accepted the offer. Due to division within the Judgment Creditors, another round of settlement was initiated in 2016 which culminated in the proposal to re-allocate the Judgment Creditors to Ibeju Lekki Coastal Scheme situate at Ibeju/Lekki which was also rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga. vi. Subsequent to the rejection, the State Government has been in dialogue with majority of the Judgment Creditors from 2019 with a view to reach a concession towards implementing the Judgment. vii. Noteworthy also is the pending application for interlocutory injunction dated 1st December 2020 before the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/L/1005A/2018 seeking an order restraining Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and others (including their agents, servants privies or howsoever called, particularly the Police) from entering into, giving direction, taking possession or in any manner disturbing the quiet enjoyment of property owners in Magodo Residential Area Scheme. viii. The Lagos State Government has equally observed that the execution was carried out by unknown Bailiffs as the Sherriff of the High Court of Lagos where the Judgment emanated were not responsible for the purported execution carried out on the 21st December 2021 at Magodo. The purported execution is therefore contrary to Order 8 Rule 17 of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders Part iii of the Sherriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004. ix. The Judgment before the Supreme Court was not in respect of declaration of title and the Supreme Court did not in any way grant title to land to the Judgment Creditors. The Judgment Creditors had no claim for possession and none was granted as no survey plan was tendered before the Court. The judgment is not affixed to any land anywhere and only declared that the Judgment Creditors are entitled to allocation of land from the State Government. x. The State Government is therefore dismayed by the action of Chief Adebayo Adeyiga (one of the Judgment Creditors) who misled the Nigeria Police in attempting execution of the Judgment notwithstanding the pending Appeal against the issuance of warrant of possession by the then Chief Judge of Lagos State on 16th March 2017. xi. The State Government enjoins the general public to remain calm especially Residents of Magodo Residential Area, while investigation into the unwarranted incident is being carried out with a view to prosecuting any person found culpable. The Lagos State Government has the high regard for the rule of law and will protect the interests of all parties.  Signed  Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ministry of Justice, Lagos State 23rd December 2021

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LASG Begins Sensitization on The Administration Of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law 2021: Holds Magistrates Workshop

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In a continuous bid to ensure the effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 (ACJL), the State Government has organised the first batch of workshop for Magistrates in Lagos on salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law. Addressing participants at the workshop, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), noted that the workshop serves as a platform to familiarize and dissect the new provisions of ACJL with a view to effectively implement and build on the progress made so far in justice delivery. The commissioner who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey noted that ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected. He stressed that to further strengthen the justice system, Mr Governor assented to the  ACJL(Amendment),2021 as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice. According to him, the workshop for the Magistrates is pivotal as they play a huge role in decongesting of the Correctional Facilities, being the major stakeholder before a suspect is remanded into custody. He noted that Magistrate Courts handle about 65% of the criminal cases in the State, and are responsible for handling minor offences summarily. Noting the efforts of the State Government in the administration of criminal Justice, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, highlighted the various Amendments and innovations, which has set the pace for other States. She noted that in addition to the overview of the ACJL Law 2021; the workshop will also address the implementation of Restorative justice and other non- custodial measures such Community sentencing, Plea Bargain amongst others. Facilitators at the workshop include Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Mr. Joseph Otteh, Founder Access to Justice, Director, Lagos Multidoor Court House, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun, Director, Lagos State Community Service Unit, Ms. Shakirat Kotun amongst others.

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Lagos Urges Residents to Protect Children’s Rights

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…celebrates United Nations Human Rights Day Lagos State Government has urged residents  of the State to  protect the rights of children  while noting that these sets of rights were enacted to cater for their vulnerability and development. This revelation was made by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shita-Bey, at the annual  Human Rights day celebration for Private and Public Primary and Secondary Schools across the State. The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the State Government has various initiatives and programmes targeted at protecting the rights of children, especially the Child’s Rights Law enacted to ensure that children enjoy special care, assistance and social protection. She opined that the Law allows children to enjoy special care and assistance, as well as social protection, which will equally foster their social-economic welfare and enhance the successful building of the nation. ., .”. According to the Permanent Secretary, the programme is organized annually by the Directorate for Citizens’ Right on every 10th of December to celebrate the promotion of Human Rights in our society and the world at large. This, she said, will further increase the recognition of protecting the rights of children, as well as ensuring that adults take responsibility for children’s protection and development. Speaking on the theme of the event tagged: “The Year of Socio-Economic Renewal and Nation Building”, Shita-Bey explained that the theme was carefully selected to recognize the importance of protecting the rights of children in attaining sustainable development. “when human rights are protected, it improves the nation’s human capital and increases national, economic and social growth”. Similarly,the Director for Public Prosecutions ,Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi in her keynote address stressed that Lagos State has continued to protect human rights through the Directorate of Citizens rights,Office of the public defender,citizens mediation centre amongst other directorates in the State ministry of Justice established to Forster human rights observance and enforcement in the State She further emphasized that  failure to recognise human right in any nation is a design for societal destruction as seen in the History of the world and indeed at municipal level She commended the State Government for its doggedness in ensuring that human rights of every person is respected and protected The Director, Citizens Rights, Oluwatoyin Odunsanya, while appreciating the students and other personalities for supporting the government on the journey to completely protect Human Rights, implored them to continue being good citizens and ambassadors of Human Rights. She further advised them to spread the message against discrimination, child abuse and infringement of human and child’s rights. Other highlights of the programme include a drama presentation by Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School,  titled “Say No to Bullying, Speak Out”. The presentation preached against bullying and dedicated to a JSS2 Student of Dowen School, Sylvester Oromoni, who was reportedly bullied at school by Senior students and ultimately died.. More importantly, it was targeted at encouraging parents and other acquaintances of the young people to have cordial relationships with their children and wards so that they can always count on them in times of distress and need. . In addition to this, debates were organized on topics related to Human Rights for Junior and Senior Secondary categories, with Oregun Junior High School emerging as the winner for the Junior category, while Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School got the first position for the Senior category.

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Sexual And Gender Based Violence: LASG Organizes Symposium On Factors And Triggers

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Tuesday, organized a symposium as part of its efforts in combatting sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State.  The Symposium with the theme “Inter Generational Conversations; Factors & Triggers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence … Charting A way Forward” had in attendance, faith based organisations,  community leaders, ,CDA, CDC, NGO’s, students of the University of Lagos and members of the National Youth Service Corps . The Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice,Ms. Titilayo Shitta Bey represented by the Director ,Citizen’s Mediation Centre Mrs. Abiola Oseni , in her goodwill message underscored the different efforts of the State Government in providing holistic response to incidents of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Shitta-Bey concluded by reiterating the need to offer real and practicable solutions in addressing the root causes of  Sexual and Gender Based Violence which would ultimately lead to prevention. Speaking during the symposium,the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks disclosed that the primary objective of the symposium is to provide a platform where both young and old generations are engaged in conversation that involves causes, factors and triggers of SGBV. Expantiating further Adeniyi stated that the forum is an opportunity to interrogate societal cultural norms and other factors which encourage the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence. “At the end of the conversations, it is our sincere hope that  both generations will be guided to chart a way forward in a bid to prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.” A keynote Speaker at the symposium Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences ,Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos Nigeria highlighted  the different triggers, causes as well as proffered solutions ,some of which includes empowerment for boys and girls , pre marital  Counselling and life skills, enlightenment programmes aimed at behavioral  change, engagement of the private sector to embrace anti-GBV programmes.  The panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Nyma Akashat – Zibiri of “Your View “(TVC). Panelists included Mr. Victor Okpala – Nabsolute Media, Ms. Halimat Oshun, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara – Commissioner ,Lagos State Audit Commission, Engr. Ajibade Oke – Member Rotary Club  and Mr. Micheal West Panelists concluded that there is a need to keep the conversations going about Sexual and Gender Based Violence. In additional they recommended religious leaders, community leaders, gatekeepers and traditional rulers  must work hand in hand with government to prevent and respond to SGBV.

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Engaging Boys as Agents Of Change In The Fight Against Domestic And Sexual Violence

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In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls, members of the Kings Club project, an initiative of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Thursday organized a debate on Domestic and sexual Violence. The Debate with the topic: Domestic and Sexual Violence; who is to blame? The Perpetrator or the Society? was held at Oregun Junior and Senior High School, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun and had in attendance Counsellors, Teachers and male Students drawn from Education Districts II, IV, V and Lagos Mainland Primary school. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks highlighted the importance of engaging boys proactively as a means of preventing domestic and sexual violence. She also reiterated the fact that boys can also experience domestic and sexual violence and were urged to speak out and break the silence. The Executive Secretary further noted that the ultimate goal of the Kings Club is to create a sustainable structure in educational institutions that would help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, promote positive masculinity and bring about behavioral and attuditional change in the minds of young boys in Lagos State which is hoped would ultimately prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The different debaters at the event canvassed their positions and ultimately encouraged members of the public as well as the State Government to ensure that Domestic and Sexual Violence is nip in the bud. At the end of the Debate session, Immaculate Senior High School came up tops with a total of 337 points and a cash prize prize of Fifty Thousand Naira . In second place was Immaculate Junior School with a total of 317 points and a cash price of Thirty Thousand Naira while third and fourth places were Mende Senior High School and Mende Junior School with 291 and 275 points respectively. The panel of Judges and Special Guests which include Mr. Taiwo Akinlami; Mr. Unwana Esang, Mr. Dennis Onoise, Mr. Victor Okpala, Mr. Lukas Koyejo, and Mrs. Oladipo charged the boys to remain committed in their educational pursuit and use their gender to protect, promote and uphold gender equality.

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