LAGOS: Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho Ranked High In Gender Based Domestic Sexual Violence

The Lagos State Government has expressed worries over the increasing number of men and children suffering sexual and gender-based violence in Ajeromi Ifelodun and Alimosho Council areas of the state.

Through the State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), on Friday , disclosed that it recorded about 24,955 gender-based sexual violence in the state between 2019 till date.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, raised the alarm at a news briefing to mark the commencement of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

Mr Pedro, represented by the Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr Hammed Oyenuga said various programmes had been earmarked for the month including, Turn Alausa Purple, Advocacy Walks, Men Wey Sabi, Market Fiestas and Governor’s Award.

Speaking on the activities of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in the last year, the Executive Secretary, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency received a spike in heartbreaking reports of abused children from Ajeromi Ifelodun Council Area, while Alimosho Council Area had been number one for violence against women.

The theme of this year’s Sexual and Gender-based Violence Month is, “SGBV – Not On My Watch. Not in my Lagos.”

Meanwhile , the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) extended its sensitisation campaign programme to members of the CDC at Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA during their monthly meeting.

Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated that the aim of the awareness and sensitisation efforts of the Agency is to curb all forms of abuse across the State.

Vivour-Adeniyi, speaking through the Community Engagement Officer from the Agency, Ms. Opemipo Ogunse, emphasised that the Agency is steadfast in its commitment to eradicating SGBV from the State.

The over 40 participants were educated about about the various free support services available from the State Government which include medical, legal, empowerment, psycho-social support, and law enforcement services, as well as those offered by partner agencies.

Also at the event, Ms. Sheriki J.O, the Head of Department Agric, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, provided further insights into SGBV and urged participants to be proactive reporters and share the information within their communities.

CDC Chairman, Mr. George Oluyemisi Shodipe expressed gratitude to the agency for the outreach and affirmed their community’s willingness to cooperate with the State government in putting an end to the menace.