The First Lady of Lagos State, Joke Sanwo-Olu, has once again taken the helm in the fight against domestic and sexual violence as she joins the flag-off event for the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, an initiative that takes place annually in September. This year’s campaign, highlighted by the hashtags #sgbv and #SGBVNotOnMyWatch on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), marks the beginning of 30 days of intensive advocacy.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
As a staunch advocate against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the First Lady, alongside Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, and members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), welcomed the DSVA advocacy group to officially kick off the campaign.
In recognition of their commitment, the First Lady and other top government officials were decorated with the “Stop Domestic & Sexual Violence” insignia, symbolizing their dedication to the cause.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a 2-minute 40-second advocacy video shared on his official X account and the LDSVA page, reiterated his unwavering support for victims of domestic violence and condemned all acts of gender-based violence. He addressed Lagosians, saying, “Dear Lagosians, as you may be aware, the month of September is the Lagos State (annual) Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Dedicating a whole month to this cause is one of the ways we ensure these issues continue to remain on the front burner.”
He further emphasized the administration’s comprehensive preventive policies, strategic interventions, and programs designed to support, empower, protect, and ensure justice for survivors, all backed by strong political will.
The governor also highlighted the progress made since the initiative’s inception, noting, “…the State has secured over fifty convictions. We have provided holistic services to over 60,000 survivors and reached out to over a million Lagosians.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded his address by urging all Lagosians to actively participate in the campaign, saying, “Therefore, my administration is fully committed to this cause. I urge Lagosians to join us this September and beyond as we unite to say NO! to domestic and sexual violence in our communities.”
The 2024 edition of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, themed “Not On My Watch,” is set to feature a series of impactful events.
The campaign will commence with a Media Parley at Baguda Kaltho Press Center from August 30 to September 1, followed by the “Turn Alausa Purple” event on Monday, September 2, in Ikeja. Other key activities include the “Eko Men Walk Against SGBV” on Wednesday, September 9, in Ajegunle, a “Symposium” on Wednesday, September 18, in Ikeja, and “Safeguarding and Child Protection Week” from Tuesday, September 17 to Sunday, September 22, across various educational districts in Lagos.
The campaign will also feature another symposium on Monday, September 23, in Ikeja, and conclude with “Campus Activations” in universities and polytechnics across the state, culminating in the Governor’s Award and Commendation Night on Monday, September 30, in Ikeja.
