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Lagos State Commences Publication of Details of Sex Offenders

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In furtherance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s zero tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence, the State government has begun the publication of details of sex offenders in the state.  This was disclosed to newsmen by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs Titilola Vivour Adeniyi during a press conference at the agency’s office. The details according to the Executive Secretary includes; name and picture of the sex offender, the nature of the offence as well as the duration of the sentence handed down by the court.  Mrs Vivour Adeniyi noted that this was in line with the provisions of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, particularly section 42 which provides that the Agency is to periodically publish details of Sex convicts in the state.  She also said letters of advisory have been issued to local governments and traditional rulers of the communities where the convicts previously resided.  This measure is one amongst many deployed by the state government to end the culture of impunity and also serve as a deterrence to other sex offenders. As further provided in the law, the details of sex convicts are to be published periodically on the State Government’s website, (www.lagosstate.gov.ng), the website of the Ministry of Justice ( https://lagosstatemoj.org) and the Agency’s website; ( www.dsvrtlagos.org)  The Executive Security reiterated that the stance of the State  government is resolute in preventing incidents of sexual and domestic abuse, whilst ensuring justice for all survivors.  She added that to report any case of domestic and sexual violence, Lagosians are to call the toll-free number, 08000333333.

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Lagos AG & PT Restates Commitment of Ensuring Justice For Lagos Residents

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The Administrator-General and Public Trustee, Lagos State, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi has restated the commitment of her office towards ensuring that Lagos residents  through the Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee (AG&PT) gets justice. Mrs. Rotimi gave this charge on Friday, during the broadcast of an interview  with the crew of  “City of Lagos TV Show” noting that the vision of the agency is to have an office that is efficient,reliable and trustworthy towards the actualization of the public trustee of choice in Nigeria and beyond . Speaking on the major functions her office,she said that the AG&PT is a sole corporate, meaning it is a legal entity that can sue and be sued. “The major functions of the Office are actually to administer and manage the estates of the deceased, especially when the deceased dies intestate (without making a Will). However, that does not rule out those that died testate (leaving a Will) ,because the Office also represents and defends estates in court matters where the Office has been included as a party or where the court asks the Office to be a party”. She stated. Mrs Rotimi stressed that  the Office also administer equitable sharing and partitioning of estates of deceased persons; obtaining Letters of Administrations (L. As) in cases where a deceased died intestate and the family needs to access funds in the bank, (for instance as receiver in the administration of estates to ensure the recovery of all estates that belong to the deceased person(s) and also settle justified claims, i.e., if a deceased person is owing) The Administrator General further  clarified that in situations where a deceased person has properties in other States and countries, the Office ensures the resealing of L.As, hence, there is no need to obtain new L.As in such places .In addition, the Office also ensure  payment of death benefits to civil/public servants who died in active service.  Speaking on the success rate and achievements of the agency, the AG&PT noted that the Office has about 10,000 cases under its management, out of which 5,000 was successfully completed last year. According to her, “The public response to the services of the AG&PT has been impressive because they are aware that the agency is the Sole Office that has been empowered to manage the estates of deceased people in the State” She averred that majorly of the people who visit the Office are less privileged and vulnerable because they cannot afford the services of private lawyers. There are cases of underaged writing petitions to the Office to intervene in their matters as well, and the Office steps in to act as guidance to them”. She said. Mrs. Rotimi also revealed that in the year 2021, the Office achieved a  great revenue generation performance, moved from the Ministry of Justice building in Alausa to a larger and befitting office space to ensure diligent delivery of services to the residents of the State; managed and administered estates professionally; and obtained L.As for beneficiaries to quickly access funds to either ensure the burial of their deceased persons or get them economically empowered. While appreciating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring the delivery of seamless judicial services to all Lagos residents irrespective of status, class or creed through the blueprints of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, Mrs. Rotimi averred that the year 2022 would witness massive grassroot public awareness and sensitization programmes by the Office; sustenance of the collaboration with other agencies and institutions like the Probate Registry in the Lagos State High Court, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Domestic and Sexual Violence Unit and the Police; ensuring that estates are properly managed to reflect market value and suitable for human habitation; and lastly surpassing last year’s revenue generation performance. Recall that the AG&PT had recently embarked on a similar familiarization and sensitization visit to Radio Lagos/Eko FM, where she featured on a programme known as “JoliJoli” to further enlighten and sensitized residents of the State on the activities, achievements and mandates of the Office.

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Lagos enforces Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies in Schools

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The Lagos State Government under the aegis of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Office of Education Quality Assurance has commenced implementation of the State’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in schools The one-day sensitization program, held on the Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa was aimed at educating principals, heads of schools and school administrators on the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy of the State Government The program was facilitated by erudite child protection experts which includes the Director-General , Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, Mr.Taiwo Akinlami and Mrs. Modupeola Saheed Adebambo Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency(DSVA),Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi underscored the fact that whilst most child abuse occur within families and communities, children also experience abuse and exploitation in organisations that provide them with support and services. She added that research has shown that physical, emotional abuse and neglect in child focused organisations and institutions are less systematic and usually unplanned, as it stems from poor conditions, bad work practices and negligent management. Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that it is mandatory for all child centred institutions to adopt and ensure full implementation of a Safeguarding and Child Protection policy. On her part,the Director-General ,Education Quality Assurance,Mrs. Abiola Seriki- Ayeni, highlighted the need for schools to recognize the role they play in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children, especially as children spend a significant time of their day in school. The Director-General urged participants to take advantage of the free online course “Introduction of Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy” which over 10 000 educators have successfully completed, encouraging those who haven’t taken the course to do so. Mrs. Adebambo provided an overview of the Executive Order on Safeguarding and Child Protection programme, whilst emphasizing critical measures schools should take in ensuring the safety of their students, some of which includes,safer recruitment procedures, adopting a safeguarding policy, having a designated safeguarding officer and establishing reporting, recording and feedback mechanisms. Mr. Taiwo Akinlami gave an insight into what child’s rights entails,societal and cultural perceptions of children as well as norms and beliefs that encourage child abuse.The issue of corporal punishment was also discussed, even as participants were reminded of the State Government’s No-Caning policy. A total of 400 primary and secondary schools, drawn from both public and private schools in Education District 6 were in attendance .Participants were given the relevant tools required in ensuring they are able to effectively establish and implement Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in their institutions. The program is to be implemented in all education districts, thereby reiterating Mr. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration’s commitment in ensuring the safety and protection of all children in Schools.

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Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Storms Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA to Sensitize Residents on SGBV

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Tuesday continued its second local government town hall meeting  at Ajeromi Ifelofun local Government in an attempt to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the state.The meeting which is the second community engagement this year took place at Ajeromi Ifelodun local government The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” is designed to heighten 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 participants ,the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the need for all participants to see themselves as mandated reporters, charging them that if they see something, they have a duty to say something and do something. Vivour-Adeniyi added that this year, DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the declaration of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s zero tolerance to all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence, is attained. Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Lucky Uduikhue assured participants of the local government’s zeal and desire in ensuring all relevant stakeholders, collaborate to rid Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Speaking further,Mrs Adeola Birch of the Youth Adolescent Friendly Centres, Ministry of Health, in Lagos State popularly referred to as “Hello Lagos!” including as ASP Itunu Faremi and Inspector Folasade Ajayi, Officers in Charge of Festac and Ajegunle Family Support Unit respectively, enlightened participants on issues related to SGBV, informing them of community resources available at their disposal. The meeting had in attendance over 300 stakeholders drawn from community Development Councils, traditional rulers, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) which was inscribed on memorabilia was distributed to all participants. It should be recalled that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency commenced Local Government Town Hall Meetings on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Surulere earlier in the month. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the State.

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Lagos Attorney General Receives New Lagos CP

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….CP assures of maximum support of the Lagos  Police Command. Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, on Wednesday received the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP. Abiodun Alabi and his team in his office at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Onigbanjo while welcoming the  new Lagos boss on a courtesy visit appreciated the police in  tackling the security challenges facing the State while also ensuring effective policing. He stressed that the ministry will ensure vigorous quarterly training exercise for prosecutors, IPOs and DPOs in the State and also support the Lagos State Police Command in the dispensation of their duties in order to ensure a smooth Administration of Justice. Responding ,the new Lagos CP. Abiodun Alabi commended the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice for the continued synergy with the Lagos State Police Command in Justice delivery.He however assured  of continued collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice in ensuring that the legal rights of suspects are protected under the law “We shall continue to explore all available strategies in guaranteeing  the enforcement of the criminal justice system in the State”,he said

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Lagos State Government Commences Town Hall Community Engagements On Sexual and Gender Based Violence

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In a bid to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA)on Tuesday held its maiden town hall Local Government meeting tagged ‘Its on Us to End Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ at Surulere Local Government as well as Coker AGUDA and Itire Ikate LCDA. The meeting had in attendance over 300 stakeholders drawn from community Development Councils, Community Development Authorities, Market men and Women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. According to the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the concept of the Town Hall meeting is to decentralise services and ensure that residents of the State irrespective of their location, be it in the inner cities, urban and rural areas are aware of the existence of the relevant laws as well as the support services available to them, these according to her include medical, social services and partner NGOs in their communities. She added that the purpose of the community outreach is to solidify its partnership with Local governments as well as creation of a community response teams who would serve as first responders, thereby opening up the referral pathway for survivors desirous of accessing justice. Vivour-Adeniyi added that this year DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the present administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s zero tolerance  declaration to all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence is attained. On his own part, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dosunmu Adewale assured participants of the Local Government’s zeal and desire in ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate and rid out the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) out of the State. The Executive Chairman  of Coker AGUDA Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ibrahim Rasaq Lekan also reiterated the same.  Dr. Veronica Iwayemi of the Primary Health Care Board as well as DSP Abimbola Williams of the Lagos State Police Command, enlightened participants on issues related to SGBV  and informed them of community resources available at their disposal. The town hall meeting is to be held in all the LGAs as well as LCDAs across the State.

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Mobile Court Warns Against Flouting Traffic Laws

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The Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court has warned recalcitrant motorists fond of violating the traffic laws of the State  to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the Law. The Coordinator , Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during an awareness and sensitisation campaign to road users and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on the need to obey the State Traffic laws. The Coordinator  noted that the agency decided to embark on the sensitisation tour in order to declare a zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences and create more awareness on the dangers of driving against traffic (One Way) as well as other traffic offences stating that this will go a long way in eradicating these offences. “The mobile court has deemed it necessary to sensitise members of the public on zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences such as driving in a direction prohibited by law, driving on designated BRT Corridor and obstruction of vehicular traffic on the highway amongst others”. She noted that these traffic offences are strict liability offences and punishable under the Transport law of Lagos State 2018 while stating that the mobile courts are not out to victimise road users but to ensure that sanity prevails on the roads. “The penalty for driving against traffic (One-Way) is forfeiture under the State transport law 2018 and there is no fine for that” the coordinator warned.   “Members of the public particularly road users are enjoined to desist from violating traffic laws but partner with the State Government towards ensuring the preservation of lives and properties as well as the free flow of traffic movement on the highway” Ogbara posited. The Chairman of the NURTW Lagos Chapter, Mr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo during the advocacy campaign noted that Lagos remains one of the union’s major chapters with huge membership. Adding that the NURTW under his leadership will ensure that the Statr transport union members co-operate with the State Government in order to ensure that commercial bus drivers also known as ‘Danfo Drivers’ obey the traffic laws and guidelines” “The constitution of the union stipulates that members must work with the government to ensure peaceful coexistence,” he added  The union leader urged members of the union to adhere strictly to the State’s Traffic Law and whosoever goes against it will face the full wrath of the State Government and be prosecuted accordingly. The team also went around Ikeja, Agege and Oshodi visiting motor parks and advocating safe driving to commuters and drivers.

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Be Good Ambassadors – Commissioner

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The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has urged the newly appointed High  Court Judges from the State Ministry of Justice to be efficient in the discharge of their duties and be good ambassadors of the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General stated this during a reception in honour  of the 5 newly appointed judges held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference room. He expressed joy and satisfaction noting that the 5 newly appointed judges are one of the best hands in the Ministry stating that their elevation is a testament to the caliber of State counsel in the employ of the State. He further stated that this shows the passion that the administration of Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has towards the development of lawyers in the employ of the State while reiterating that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice is the largest law firm in Africa. Onigbanjo therefore charged the High Court  Judges to dispense justice according to the dictates of the law and in good conscience stating that they are representative of God on earth. “If anybody can say apart from clergymen, you are also a true representative of God on earth because you hold the power of life and death over people. It’s not only in a criminal trial when you sentence someone to death by hanging but by mere decisions which could mean life and death to the person” He however prayed for wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the judges as they carry out their responsibilities while praying further that as they have distinguished themselves in the Ministry  of Justice, God will guide them through to write their name in gold in the State Judiciary. In her closing remarks the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey congratulated the newly appointed judges on their elevation to the bench urging them to uphold the tenets of justice while thanking them for honouring the Ministry’s invitation. She went further to state that their elevation to the bench will serve as motivation to State counsel aspire to go to the bench noting that it comes with hardwork and dedication. She encouraged them to tarry on with perseverance and diligence to duty. The High court judges expressed their gratitude for the reception promising to uphold the tenet of justice to the best of their ability and that they will continue to be good ambassadors of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. In attendance were  Hon.Justice Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi, Hon.Justice Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya,Hon.Justice Akinkunmi Olusegun Idowu ,Hon.Justice Mujibat Iyabode Oshodi,Hon Justice Muyibat Mosunmola Balogun,family members and well wishers.

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PAC Moves to Sensitize Lagos Residents On Free Legal Services

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The Lagos State Public Advice Centre (PAC) on Tuesday embarked on a sensitisation campaign across the Lagos metropolis to educate residents on the activities of the centre, especially its free legal services. The Director of PAC, Mr. Tunji Dawodu, who led the exercise, stressed that in addition to the free legal services, the Centre also provides support to Lagosians who seek accurate information to engender harmonious living with one another.  While urging some Balogun Market traders and residents to avail themselves of the free legal services offered by PAC, Dawodu encouraged them to always visit the Agency’s office located at Alausa, Ikeja, beside the Secretariat Mosque, for necessary legal assistance. In his words: “This Centre is your first port of call for anything and everything. All residents in the State can contact us or visit our office at Alausa to lodge their complaints or make enquiries”. He explained that the advocacy campaign was designed to educate Lagosians, especially traders, marketmen and women, whose daily activities could hinder them from accessing the services of the Agency. “The strategy we have decided to adopt for this year is to take our services to the people and not wait for them to come to us. We don’t want our people to suffer as a result of ignorance or lack of relevant information”, Dawodu said. The Director, therefore, urged all Lagos residents to abide by existing laws and regulations guiding their daily activities, saying that the Centre will always lend its support in as much as citizens act within the ambit of the law.

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NGOs and Lagos State Government Step Up Partnership To Proactively Address Sexual And Gender Based Violence.

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme organised a roundtable Ddscussion with non-governmental organizations in a bid to strengthen the existing synergy and collaboration between DSVA and the NGO’s.. The meeting which took place on the 26th of January, 2021 was held at Pearlwort Hotel & Suites, Alausa, Ikeja and had in attendance the Executive Secretary of DSVA, a representative from ROLAC and thirty representatives of the Non-Governmental Organizations whose thematic areas are sexual violence in Lagos State. In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour –Adeniyi, stated that for transparency and accountability purposes, it was important to brief partner NGOs on the yearly report of activities of the agency. Whilst presenting the scorecard of the agency, the Executive Secretary discussed the activities organized by the agency from January to December, 2021 as she further enlightened the participants on the various interventions of the State Government and also highlighted the data in the year under review. According to her, the Agency had provided services to 3943 survivors, 2721 adults and 1222 children. Furthermore, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Eti Osa Local Governments had recorded the highest reporting of occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State. At the round table discussion, Non-Governmental Organizations were also given an opportunity to share the successes and challenges encountered in the past year. The common challenges highlighted by the representatives were lack of funding of the NGOs, institutional challenges and withdrawal of cases by some of the victims. A common highlight and success story recorded by the NGos was the fruitful sensitization programmes held at schools, markets and communities to raise awareness against domestic and sexual violence. Whilst responding to the concerns raised, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated  the state government’s zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence by the Governor Sanwo-Olu Administration . The representatives of the Non- Governmental Organizations were urged to continue to be proactive in the fight against Domestic and Sexual violence in Lagos State.

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