DSVRT – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos enforces Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies in Schools

Posted on March 1, 2022

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.

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

Posted on February 24, 2022

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.

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

Posted on December 15, 2021

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.

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

Posted on December 9, 2021

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.