News – Page 9 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LASG Reaffirms Commitment to the Girl-Child

Posted on June 30, 2022

In response to the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education have launched a timely intervention called the ‘Queens Club Initiative’. The initiative is to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions, that will help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, dismantle patriarchy, encourage gender equality, bring about behavioral as well as attitudinal change and ultimately raise empowered girls. At the induction ceremony of 310 girls into the Queens Club, which took place on 29th of June, 2022 at Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, the first Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commending the efforts of the DSVA in ensuring attitudinal change in the society while urging members of the newly inaugurated Queens Club to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents. She stated that by virtue of the knowledge they have received, they have become peer educators and would be able to affect the desire change for a better world. The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji who was ably represented by Mrs. Shonibare, Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government urged the students to continue to strive for excellence and champion a world free of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, noted that over the course of 6 weeks over 300 secondary school students, drawn from 31 schools in Education District 2 & 6 have been exposed to the Queens Club curriculum. At the end of the program, the girls were exposed to modules on Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health, Femininity, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Anger Management, Grit, Resilience & Tenacity and Transitioning from Girl to Woman. After taking the pledge of allegiance, the students were subsequently inducted into the club and awarded certificates as well as identity cards to validate their induction into the club. In a bid to show gratitude for their sacrifices, selfless service and for a job well done during the course of the six weeks training, the various mentors and facilitators were presented with plaques and certificates. The Queens Club initiative would be replicated across all Education Districts in Lagos State.

Lagos DSVA Commences Engagement of Schools In STRAC Initiative.

Posted on June 19, 2022

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has commenced engagement of Primary & Secondary School Students via its “Safeguarding the Rights of a Child”, STRAC initiative in its effort to curtail domestic and sexual abuse in the State on Friday, 17th of June, 2022 at the Education District 1, Agege. Speaking at the workshop, Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that the STRAC initiative is critical in view of the fact that children have a role to play in their own protection. She stated that STRAC is an interactive workshop to engage children in age appropriate language on their rights, responsibilities, body safety, child abuse, how to avoid being a victim of sexual abuse, self-defence tips, and how to preserve evidence if physically or sexually abused and ultimately, speaking out and reporting abuse. Vivour-Adeniyi noted that this prevention workshop is led by trained peer educators, who have experience in gender relations, socialization, dating violence and sexual violence prevention, which will go a long way in curbing incidents of Child Abuse in the State. Vivour-Adeniyi said the goal is to empower millions of children in order to ensure that they are able to prevent the occurrence of domestic and sexual abuse in Lagos State. Asides from verbally engaging students on their rights and responsibilities, the Executive Secretary added that there are provisions of STRAC textbooks prepared by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to strengthen the reading culture of children, empower them and serve as a preventive tool against all forms of abuse. She expressed satisfaction on the success of the programme as students expressed delight that the programme has empowered them to speak up in any case or form of abuse. She noted that another workshop would be held for about 3500 students from at least 31 primary and secondary schools to enlighten them on Safeguarding the Rights of a child. The workshop had in attendance about 750 Secondary School Students drawn from Mulero Junior Grammar School, State High School Ajewole, Eko Senior College, Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School and Lagos Baptist Senior College, Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Iloro Junior Grammar School, Agege Junior College, Iloro, Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Sango Senior Secondary School, Sango Junior Secondary School, District Junior College, Yewa Junior High School and Unity Junior High School.

Lagos Hosts Attorneys-General

Posted on June 17, 2022

… As Sanwo-Olu applauds the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation Lagos State is currently hosting a 3-days meeting with the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation (BOAGs) which is ongoing at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The meeting is been organized to discuss several critical legal issues bordering on the London/Paris Club loan Refund claim, Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, Amendments to the 1999 Constitution (Amended), among others. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu in his welcome address applauded the body of Attorneys-General for organizing the meeting to discuss critical issues and proffer solutions for the betterment of the country. “The roles played by Chief Law Officers across the Federation cannot be overemphasized and we also know how important it is to have you all at the helm of affairs in the country”. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted. The governor expressed his delight at hosting the meeting, stating that he will continue to provide support to the BOAGs. In his keynote address, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) stated that there can be no better time for the Chief Law Officers of the 36 States of the Federation to come together to critically look into provisions of the laws and the attendant issues thrown up as they continue the march to nationhood. Akeredolu noted that the 1999 Constitution has been amended twice in which there is another promise of further amendments arising from the manifest irregularities in many provisions, stating that this has compelled many lawyers and educated citizens to insist on having a new constitution which will reflect the agitations of the groups which make up the country He stated that the structure of the federal police has failed while calling on the establishment of state police to maintain law and order due to the current spate of insecurity across the country. The Governor challenged the 36 State Attorney’s General to take a stand on restructuring to curtail the Federal Government’s unbridled quest for more powers. The Attorney General of Lagos State and Interim Chairman of the BOAGs, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), in his address noted that the body was established as part of efforts to form a formidable force to take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the states. “The forum provides a platform for peer learning and deliberation on common issues that affect the collective interest of the member states with a view to finding lasting solutions as this will remain at the core of our convergence and deliberations”. Onigbanjo stated that part of its mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues. Other critical legal issues discussed at the meeting includes the State Anti-Corruption Commission established by States, FIRS threat to recovering “unremitted tax deductions by States” and Local Governments, current issues in the legal profession and related matters, pensions and gratuity for Judges, amongst others.

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

Posted on June 13, 2022

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.

Lagos Attorney-General Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

Posted on June 12, 2022

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.

Land Dispute: Court Dismisses Oluwajuwonlo Oluwole Suit against LASG

Posted on June 8, 2022

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.

DSVA Continues Enforcement of Safeguarding And Child Protection Policy In Schools

Posted on May 31, 2022

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.

DSVA Partners LASWA On Domestic And Sexual Violence

Posted on May 31, 2022

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.

Lagos CMC Advocates For Peaceful Co-Existence In The State

Posted on May 19, 2022

… 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.

Lagos Begins Rehabilation Programme for Sex Offenders

Posted on May 16, 2022

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