… As Agency Holds Commendation, Awards Ceremony

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commended the management of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi for supporting the State in its efforts to achieve its goal of building a Greater Lagos in which sexual and gender-based violence will have no place.

The Governor gave the commendation at the Agency’s Commendation and Awards ceremony held recently at the Grandeur Events Centre, Ikeja, adding that the event was organised to show appreciation for the positive impact the efforts of the awardees had produced.

In his words: “Through this Award and Commendation ceremony we are showing our appreciation for what you have done and the positive impact your efforts have produced. The Lagos DSVA hit the ground running, and in collaboration with you stakeholders, has been able to achieve the success we are celebrating today”.

The Governor, who was represented by the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu asserted that since the inception of his administration, the fight against all forms of abuse has been on the front burner and that the state government had been unrelenting with the initiation of various programmes and strategies, particularly in breaking the culture of silence under which the heinous crime of domestic and sexual violence has continued to be perpetrated with impunity.

He said: “There is a need to strengthen the family as the foundation of the society whose stability can raise strong capable leaders for the Lagos of our collective desires. Hence, the need to tackle obstacles to the peace, tranquillity and positive growth of the family unit”.

Congratulating all the awardees who have exemplified excellence and commitment to service, Sanwo-Olu charged them to work even harder and come up with more innovative ways towards more achievable goals.

He stressed that his administration policy of zero tolerance on issues of gender-based violence is non-negotiable and expressed willingness to collaborate with organisations and well-meaning individuals to nip the menace in the bud.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, described Domestic and Sexual Violence as one of the most pervasive violations of human rights in the world that is least prosecuted, and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development.

He lauded the state government’s resolve to proactively tackle the heinous crimes by giving assent to the Law establishing the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency whose mandate is to increase victim safety and offender responsibility by providing a cross jurisdictional response which is uniform in approach in responding to all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and ultimately, reduce the occurrence of SGBV in Lagos State,

Onigbanjo enunciated that prioritising adequate reporting and concerted effort towards the timely prosecution of reported cases is important to help survivors receive holistic support, including medical, legal, psychosocial support, and justice even though the data reveals the issues continue to remain grossly underreported.

The Commissioner appreciated the Lagos State Judiciary, led by the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, for ensuring swift dispensation of justice thereby rekindling faith in the judicial system, just as he called for strengthened collaboration with every major stakeholder.

The Executive Secretary DSVA Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi appreciated the Governor for always making available all the machinery of Government to support the Agency at all times.

Vivour-Adeniyi also thanked all who collaborated with the Agency as well as the nominees and winners at the event.