LASG EDUCATES MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESIDENTS ON SEXUAL, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

As part of its continued efforts to curb all forms of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has held its monthly local government town hall meeting at Mainland Local Government Area to sensitise the residents against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the State.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the town hall meeting with the theme: “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”, is the fourth in the series of Local Government Town Hall Meetings aimed at creating awareness amongst members of the community at the grassroots.

She urged the participants to see themselves as active bystanders saddled with a responsibility to report cases of sexual and domestic violence in their vicinity, reiterating the need to regularly sensitise members of the public on the various forms of SGBV.

On her part, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. (Mrs.) Omolola Essien, assured participants of the local government’s commitment to ensuring that all relevant stakeholders collaborate to rid Lagos Mainland LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Also contributing, the Chairman of Yaba Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Kayode Omiyale, represented by Mr. Michael Olufemi Babalola, the Human Resource Officer, reassured participants of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Yaba eradicates all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the community.

In his remark, the Divisional Police Officer of Denton Divisional Police Headquarters, Ebute Metta, SP Joseph Egwuonu, encouraged residents of the Local Government Area to report incidents of SGBV as the police personnel are regularly trained on ways to respond to such cases.

Also speaking at the forum, the Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin; Centre Manager, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. Aniekan Makanjuola and Medical Officer of Health, Mainland LGA, Dr. Yesufu Baqiah, educated all participants on the effects of sexual and domestic violence on the victims as well as society at large, informing that the State Government has made resources available to cater for victims.

They, therefore, urged everyone, including the victims, to call the toll-free number: 08000333333 to report cases of abuse.The meeting had over 200 stakeholders in attendance, drawn from Lagos Mailand LGA, Yaba LCDA, Community Development Councils, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans and captains of industry among others.