Lagos State Ministry of Justice

    Ojo and Ikorodu Local Government Embraces Awareness To Eradicate Sexual And Gender Based Violence.

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    In  furtherance of  “IT IS ON US to end Domestic and Sexual Violence” themed community outreach in  combating the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State,the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, convened town hall meetings at both Ojo and Ikorodu Local Government on Thursday, 9th and Friday, 10th of June, 2022 respectively. Addressing both gatherings, the Executive Secretary of DSVA Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi elucidated that everyone, including the elderly, can be victims of domestic and sexual violence. She encouraged the residents of the respective local governments to take the message of the town hall meetings to their various communities and consider themselves mandated reporters; further stating that “if you see something, you have a duty to say something and do something.” Speaking at the  opening ceremony,the Chairman of Ojo and Ikorodu Local Governments  ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Uche Uborchi and  the Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Government ,Hon. Lateef Afinni, both expressed their concerns about the increasing rate of sexual and gender based violence cases which usually went unreported. They concluded by assuring the residents of both  Local Government that they will work with all relevant stakeholders to put an end to domestic and sexual violence in their respective communities. The gathering at the Ikorodu Local Government meeting acknowledged the presence of HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun of Igbogbo kingdom who delivered his keynote address on domestic violence. His Royal Majesty urged all Ikorodu residents to embrace peace amongst all men and shun violence. Mrs. Adeola Odumabo (Head of Citizen Mediation Center, Iba Unit ), and Alhaji  Lateef Akinborode (Executive Director, Community Women’s Right Foundation), speakers at the meetings, educated participants on what domestic and sexual violence entails instances of domestic violence, even as the reemphasized on the role of the community in  curbing the menace. ASP Braimah Asimawo of the Okokomaiko Family Support Unit, and Dr. Rahmat Odedesan, Medical Officer at the Ikorodu local government delivered presentations on steps to take after domestic or sexual violence has occurred. Participants were  encouraged to contact the nearest  designated police station and seek medical  assistance at the closest Primary Health Center. The gathering  had in attendance 200 stakeholders  respectively from each local government including Community Development Associations, traditional and religious leaders, political leaders,  community and youth leaders ,market men and women, representatives from the National Youth Council, artisans and relevant stakeholders. The It’s on Us campaign is in furtherance of Mr. Governor. Sanwo-Olu’s resolve to eradicate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Lagos State.

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    Lagos Attorney-General Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

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    The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, at meeting with counsel who took part in the secondment programme organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with top law firms, applauded them for taking part and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired for effective discharge of their duties. Onigbanjo gave this remark on friday during a meeting by the second Batch of Counsel who had completed their secondment programme at various top private law firms in the State. While congratulating the Counsel for completing the Programme, the Attorney-General expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from Counsel during the 3months programme, urging them to utiize the experience and exposure garnered to improve their various departments. 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 urged the counsel to make judicious use of the skills acquired during the secondment programme for the advancement of their career in Public Service as well as delivering on their mandate to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Onigbanjo also seized the opportunity to thank partner firms where the state counsel were deployed for their cooperation and  accomodating the Counsel during the programme. Sharing their experiences at the various law firms, the Counsel described the initiative as highly commendable and illuminating as it provided them an opportunity to learn new skills, acquire knowledge in other areas of law different from their normal work routine, just as it broadened their perspectives on work-life experience in the private sector. The Counsel were seconded to law firms specializing in Oil and Gas, Energy, Taxation and Corporate Law amongst others.

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    Land Dispute: Court Dismisses Oluwajuwonlo Oluwole Suit against LASG

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    A State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Monday, 16th of May, 2022 delivered a judgement in favour of Lagos State Government over houses serving as staff quarters at Nos.43 and 45 Oladipo Bateye Street, G.R.A, Ikeja with SUIT NO. ID/727M/12, Oluwajuwonlo Oluwole vs Attorney General of Lagos State. The Claimant in his claim stated that his grandfather, Mr. Ayodele Diyan (Deceased) was granted a 99 years lease over the subject land by Military Governor of Western Nigeria commencing on 22nd February, 1968 by virtue of a Building Lease and  upon Mr. Ayodele Diyan’s death in 1968, the Defendant encroached on the properties. The Defence of the Lagos State Government is that the houses (Duplexes) serving as Staff Quarters belong to it having built them. The State contended that the Claimant’s case is statute barred having commenced on the 6th of September, 2012 more than 12 years the cause of action arose. Section 16 (2) of the Limitation Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 was relied upon which states: if the right of action first accrued to a State authority, the action may be brought at any time before the expiration of the period during which the action could have been brought by the State authority, or of twelve (12) years from the date on which the right of action accrued to some person other than the state authority, whichever period first expires. Consequently, upon evaluation of the evidence adduced by both parties in Court, Hon. Justice Y. G Oshoala agreed with the State Government that the Claimant’s action is statute barred having commenced more than 12 years after the cause of action arose thereby dismissing the Claimant’s case.

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    DSVA Continues Enforcement of Safeguarding And Child Protection Policy In Schools

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    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has continued to reitirate its commitment to protecting children against any form of abuse. As a result, DSVA in collaboration with the Office of Education Quality Assurance has continued to engage Administrators and Heads of Schools in all Education Districts on the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Speaking at the sensitization programme, the Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the programme was pertinent for teachers and heads of schools to enable them understand the rights of a child and the policy that protects them as the school is the second home of a child where they spend a significant part of their lives. She added that for our schools and society to be free and safe from all manner of abuse and dastardly acts, people need to be active bystanders. The one-day sensitization programme which was held in batches on the 23rd, 24th and 26th of May, 2022 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja saw Child Protection Experts like; Mr. Taiwo Akinlami, Founder, Taiwo Akinlami Academy, the Director- General of Office of Education Quality Assurance; Mrs. Abiola Seriki- Ayeni and Mrs. Modupeola Sahid-Adebambo, Founder Safe Haven enlightening stakeholders on the safeguarding and child protection policy of the Lagos state government. In attendance were a total of 680 primary and secondary government and private schools drawn from education districts  2 and 3in the state. DSVA has continued to call on anyone experiencing any form of abuse to speak up and call its toll free line 08000-333-333.

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    DSVA Partners LASWA On Domestic And Sexual Violence

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    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), on Monday, 30th of May, commenced an awareness campaign for residents living in the riverine areas of Lagos State. The awareness campaign kicked off with a walk against domestic and sexual violence as officials of DSVA and LASWA walked from Military Hospital, Lagos to Falomo while sensitizing the public on the dangers of SGBV. DSVA has remained relentless in its fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and is keen on eradicating it in the state. During the walk, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi thanked LASWA for its collaboration with the agency in it’s fight against SGBV whilst restating the state government’s zero-tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence. She also urged residents of Lagos State to see themselves as Mandated Reporters who have a duty to say and do something when they see something. On his part, the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel,  appealed to all participants to spread the message across and become ambassadors against Domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State. The LASWA GM further emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, explaining that a large number of Lagos residents make use of LASWA jetties and terminals daily, hence the reason for the joint sensitization between LASWA and DSVA. In furtherance of the awareness campaign, fliers, posters and other informative materials would be placed at all the ferry terminals including, Apapa ( Liverpool terminal), Ikorodu Baiyeku Ikorodu, Badore – Tarzan terminal Ebutte Ero, Ijegun, Ebutte Ojo and Falomo- 5 cowries. There will also be ongoing sensitisation exercises which will involve engaging members of the respective communities. DSVA has continued to call on anyone experiencing any form of abuse to speak up and call its toll free line;08000-333-333.

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    Lagos CMC Advocates For Peaceful Co-Existence In The State

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     … Commemorates the International Day of Living together In Peace The Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre has called for peaceful co-existence among residents, charging them to embrace amicable resolution of disputes through mediation. Mrs Biola Oseni,Director,CMC made the plea on Wednesday during an interview in a radio programme  tagged “Oju Taiye” at Radio Lagos 107.5 FM, where she featured as an invited guest to discuss how to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution platforms to restore peace in the State and the Country at large. Oseni urged residents to learn how to develop a mutual understanding and eschew rancor for peace to reign, adding that living together in peace can only be achieved when everyone is ready to forgive and bury the hatchet. “We don’t have to speak the same language or come from the same background before embracing peace, it is important we live together as one for the country to move forward”, she added. In her words, “We acknowledge that misunderstanding is inevitable in our society but when it occurs, there are Citizens’ Mediation Centres established by the State government to handle matters arising and provide a lasting resolution without difficulties and free of charge”. She listed the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC); Directorate of Citizens’ Rights (DCR); Office of the Public Defenders (OPD); amongst others as the alternative dispute resolution channels for amicable resolution of disputes in the State. Addressing the issue of misrepresentation, the Director explained the functions of each department and their limitations for better understanding of services each renders. Oseni therefore urged the members of the public to visit the Citizens’ Mediation Centre close to their locations to have their disputes amicably resolved rather than subscribing to self-help. “Our sub offices are spread across the Twenty Local Government Areas and Thirty-seven Local Council Development Areas of the State. You can also contact us on 08118161620 or access our services via our social media platforms:Facebook@lagosstatecmc; Instagram@lagosstatecmc; Twitter@lagosstatecmc”, she said. It should be recalled that the International Day of Living together in peace is usually celebrated on every 16th Of May worldwide to advocate for peace.

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    Lagos Begins Rehabilation Programme for Sex Offenders

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    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA has began the provision of psychosocial support for willing sex offenders in a bid to curb sexual and gender-based violence in the society. Mrs Lola Adeniyi,DSVA Executive Secretary disclosed that the programme which is held in sessions and groups at the Kirikiri and Ikoyi Maximum Security Custodial Centre is facilitated by a group of trained Psychologists from DSVA and the Institute of Counseling on a weekly basis where inmates are expected to take responsibilities for their actions and enlightened on healthy sexuality. She noted that the sex offenders rehabilitation programme in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command and the Institute of Counselling of Nigeria is also aimed at mitigating the risk of recidivism by sex offenders. Furthermore,offenders are also armed with peer and professional support to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors that lead to inappropriate sexual behaviors. It is imperative that incarcerated adult sex offenders are rehabilitated and supported to reduce the possibility of them perpetrating the same crime if eventually they are reintegrated into the society. The inmates would also learn specialized strategies to deal with sexual addiction and sexual compulsive behaviors, amongst many other positive coping skills. Whilst the rehabilitation program does not offer amnesty or excuse abusive acts, it seeks to reduce any reoccurrence of child sexual abuse and rape cases from sex convicts in future. Providing Psycho-social support is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s commitment and resolve to provide holistic response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State and this rehabilitation programme is targeted at convicts from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri Apapa and Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi . The Lagos State Government continues to reiterate its commitment to winning the war against Domestic and Sexual Violence, as it encourages victims and survivors of these heinous crimes to take advantage of support services which can be accessed via its toll free line- 08000-333-333

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    Lagos Sensitizes Mushin Local Government Residents On Sexual And Gender Based Violence

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    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on thursday held its fifth local government town hall meeting  at Mushin local Government to sensitize residents on the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State. The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”  is coming on the heels of the State Government’s resolve in heightening awareness about domestic and sexual violence amongst members of the community, inform them of the provisions of the laws and support services available for victims and survivors. Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reeled out  the statistics in the past year, highlighting the prevalence of SGBV in Mushin Local Government Area and the need for all participants present to join hands with Government in the fight  against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon.  Emmanuel Bamigboye ably represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Babatunde John Kehinde encouraged residents of Mushin to speak up if they are subjected to violence in their relationships in order to curb the rate of violence in the society. Mrs. Ronke  Oyelakin, the Chairman of Child Protection Network, enlightened the audience on the various forms of Sexual and Gender Based violence whilst urging people to stop victim blaming as this could discourage victims from reporting incidences of violence. She rather encouraged residents of Mushin to be active bystanders and expose abusers. Dr Adeola Obasanya, the Adolescent Focal Person of the Primary Health Care Board on her part,informed participants of the medical centres available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Mushin some of which include Ayantuga PHC, Mushin PHC and Palm Avenue PHC. She charged sexual assault survivors to report immediately to any of these hospitals to seek medical attention free of charge The meeting had in attendance over 200 stakeholders drawn from Community Development Association and Councils, Community Development Authorities, religious leaders notably the Chief Imam of Oshodi Isolo, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Mushin Branch, traditional rulers including market men and women, the National Youth Council of Nigeria,  artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) was inscribed on memorabilia and distributed to all participants. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of plaques to the local government  in recognition of their commitment towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in their LGAs and LCDAs. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the state.

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    Lagos Trains CommunityPharmacist on Domestic Violence Care

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    Lagos State  Sexual Violence Agency have trained no fewer than 50 community licensed pharmacists on the provision of immediate care and referral services for survivors of domestic violence. This was disclosed at the 3rd training for community licensed pharmacists organized by the agency on Saturday, 30th April,2022 Speaking at the training, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi said the training is necessary for licensed pharmacists as the pharmacy is a safe space for many survivors of domestic abuse seeking medical assistance. She noted that community licensed pharmacies have consultation/ Counselling rooms which can serve as safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence to disclose their issues and receive assistance. A legal practitioner and Sexual and Gender Based Violence expert, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi enlightened participants on the relevant laws that regulate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state whilst giving an overview of the support services available to survivors Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, Executive Director of Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria facilitated the session on Gender Roles, Understanding Sexual and Gender and raising the index of suspicion. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Association of Community pharmacists , Lagos Branch, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator reiterated the Association’s commitment in ensuring that survivors of domestic violence who present themselves at their pharmacies would be able to access holistic care and support through effective referrals. He however urged survivors of domestic violence to take advantage of the Speak to INU initiative and access help at their community licensed pharmacists as such cases will be treated confidentially. It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had previously launched the Speak to INU ( I Need You) code scheme for survivors of domestic violence to access immediate help and support in the comfort of their local community pharmacies.

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    LASG Expands SGBV Campaign To Mainland Local Government.

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    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.

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