We’re determined to completely stamp out rape, others – Sanwo-Olu

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, reiterated his administration’s commitment to completely eradicate rape and other forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), saying that various initiatives, including institutional strengthening, have been put in place to combat the menace in the state.

During the second community sensitization programme for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Political Groups organized by the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Sanwo-Olu spoke at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Governor, who was represented by Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the Commissioner for Housing, stated that significant progress has been made in the fight against Domestic and Sexual Violence in the last two years.

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“Institutions have been strengthened to respond appropriately, policies have been formulated and implemented to ensure that survivors receive holistic care and support, and we are gradually ending the culture of impunity, as evidenced by the Ministry of Justice’s convictions.” To put it another way, we are talking the talk and walking the walk.

“With the enactment of a law that now supports the Sex Offenders Register, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has now transformed into the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.”

“It’s encouraging that the agency has taken advantage of technology by launching the Gender-Based Violence Virtual and Referral System, which provides 24/7 access to GBV services.” This allows survivors to reach out to trained GBV service providers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free hotline (0 8000 333 333).

“In light of the public health implications of sexual violence’s aftermath, the Lagos State Government has recently launched an Intervention Fund under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, which now ensures survivors of sexual violence have free access to immediate medical attention at all Primary Health Centers, General Hospitals, and designated private hospitals,” the Governor said.

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Earlier, the First Lady, who was represented by Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, said the program was aimed at discussing issues related to citizen welfare and well-being, particularly SGBV.

She said Lagos was ecstatic to join the rest of the world in commemorating the United Nations’ declaration of 16 days of activism against SGBV this year, with the theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!”

In response to the recent defilement of a 10-year-old girl in Lagos by a 34-year-old married man said to be her father’s friend, the First Lady stated that every effort must be made to prosecute the perpetrator in accordance with the law.

“We have zero tolerance for rape, defilement, and related crimes in Lagos State.” To combat the threat in our state, we have worked diligently through a multi-sectoral stakeholders Initiative coordinated by my office.

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“It’s gratifying that we’ve been able to achieve some historic achievements as a result of these efforts.” The establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Sex Offenders Register, which will provide a quantum leap in terms of the legal framework to significantly and frontally tackle the menace of domestic and sexual violence, name and shame perpetrators, and most importantly, the declaration of Surulere, Bariga, and Alimosho as rape free zones, the presentation of three utility vehicles to critical agencies to support the fight against the menace, the declaration of Surulere, Bariga, and Alimosho

Participants were given lectures on the following topics as part of the program: Victims of sexual and gender-based violence receive training and empowerment. Boy Child Advocacy: The Importance of Correcting Gender Preference Imbalances for a Safe Society; Sexual as well as

Awareness, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Tuberculosis; and Gender-Based Violence: Insight, New Law, and Response Protocol.

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Participants received free medical services, as well as enlightenment talks from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), and Mercy International Medical Mission and the Stop TB Partnership.