Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared September the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, underscoring the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Over the past year, Lagos has secured 50 convictions related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), marking a significant step forward in the fight against these crimes.
In a video shared by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on his X handle (formerly Twitter), the governor explained the rationale behind dedicating a month to this cause. “Dedicating a whole month to this cause is one of the ways we ensure that these issues remain on the front burner,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Through the THEMES Plus Agenda—which focusses on areas like Transportation, Health, Education, and Security—the Lagos State government has implemented comprehensive policies aimed at preventing and addressing domestic and sexual violence. These initiatives provide essential support, protection, and empowerment to survivors, ensuring that justice is served.
“In the past one year, the state has secured over 50 convictions,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said, adding that more than 6,000 survivors have received holistic services amidst advocacy and sensitisation efforts that have reached over a million Lagosians.
While these achievements are significant, the governor recognised that many survivors still struggle to access the services available to them. He emphasised the importance of community involvement in breaking the silence around these issues. “Together we can raise awareness, support survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” he urged.
In a forward-looking approach, the declaration of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month serves as a catalyst for continued action. The governor expressed confidence in the effectiveness of Lagos’s initiatives, noting that the state’s pioneering efforts are yielding tangible results. “Lagos has indeed walked the talk on issues of sexual and gender-based violence, with our pioneer initiatives yielding fruits by the day. Therefore, you can trust my administration is fully committed to this cause,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.
The focus on awareness, prevention, and justice reflects a broader strategy to sustain progress in combating domestic and sexual violence while also fostering a supportive environment for survivors to seek help and rebuild their lives.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared September as Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the state. Over the past year, Lagos secured 50 convictions related to SGBV and provided holistic services to over 6,000 survivors. The governor emphasized the importance of dedicating a month to keep these issues prominently in public discourse.
The Lagos State government's THEMES Plus Agenda, focusing on areas like Transportation, Health, Education, and Security, includes comprehensive policies to prevent and address domestic and sexual violence. These initiatives offer essential support and protection to survivors, ensuring justice is served. Despite significant progress, many survivors still face challenges in accessing available services, prompting the governor to call for greater community involvement to break the silence around these issues.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos's efforts, noting that the state's pioneering initiatives are yielding tangible results and reaffirming his administration's commitment to combating domestic and sexual violence. The awareness month aims to sustain progress by raising public awareness, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for affected individuals to rebuild their lives.
