Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on citizens to actively speak out against sexual and gender-based violence, emphasizing that the culture of silence only allows such abuse to persist in society.
Speaking through his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the governor made the appeal during the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, organized by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in Ikeja on Monday.
“The 2024 theme against sexual and gender-based violence, ‘Not on My Watch,’ is more than a slogan; it is a call for action to all of us,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
“The fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires participation from everyone—religious leaders, community heads, families, and individuals. It is not just the responsibility of the government or the agency. It is a collective endeavor. Together, we must continue to strengthen our legal framework, expand our support systems, and most importantly, break the culture of silence that allows abuse to persist.”
At the same event, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, represented by Mojisola Daba, reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of violence.
“I am a strong advocate of family values and social cohesion, therefore, I affirm my support for zero tolerance for any act of violence or intimidation against any persons, groups, or gender. We have achieved a lot so far in the campaign to end domestic and sexual violence,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, revealed that since its inception in 2014, the agency has handled over 25,000 cases, with 6,330 reported just last year.
“The top five local government areas with high reports of sexual violence are Alimosho, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa, and Oshodi-Isolo,” Vivour-Adeniyi noted.
The awards night capped off the DSVA’s 10th-anniversary celebrations, which included a symposium and various activities aimed at raising awareness across the state.
