As part of the activities ending the awareness month of September tagged: “Its on You” for tackling sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, Lagos State has held a Governor’s Award and Commendation Night. ADEBISI ONANUGA reports that individuals, non-governmental organisations, the police and government agencies that exhibited uncommon commitment in the fight against the vice were honoured at the event.
StakeholdERS in the justice sector recently gathered in Lagos for the Governor’s Award and Commendation Night held to recognise and appreciate individuals and organisations that are committed to the fight against sexual, domestic and other forms of gender-based violence in an effort to rid the state of the vice.
The event, held at the Grandeur Events Centre, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, attracted justices of the state’s Judiciary, traditional rulers and activists that have devoted their activities to fighting and ridding the state of the vice.
The award of the “Most Outstanding Family Support Unit (FSU)” was won by Ketu Police Station; “Most Outstanding Family Social Services won by Agege; while Most Responsive Health Facility won by Epe Primary Health Centre.
Child Protection Network (CPN) was adjudged the “Most Efficient NGO in Case Management; The Women helping Hands Initiative (TWHHI) was declared the “Most Efficient NGO”; Fan Milk Nigeria Plc was the “Most Supportive Private Partner” while the award of the “Most Supportive Government Partner” went to the Office of Education Quality Assurance.
Mrs Imran Fatimoh Abiola was the “Mandatory Reporter of the Year”; the award of the “Most Responsive Government Agency” went to Lagos StateEmergency Management Agency (LASEMA) while the Long Service Award went to Ms Bunmi Orekoya and Mrs Oluwakemi Aminat Bello.
In his address at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the awards and commendation ceremony is the culmination of a months-long sensitisation exercise which brings to the fore the need for an affirmative action on domestic, gender and sexual violence which are destroying the fabric of society.
The governor, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu congratulated all the departments and units that have teamed up to fight in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and awardees who exemplified excellence and commitment to service.
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He charged them “to work even harder and come up with more innovative ways to achieve our goals. Our policy of zero tolerance on issues of GBV is non-negotiable and we are willing and ready to collaborate with organisations to achieve loft goals of building a greater Lagos in which SGBV will have no place.
“Through this award and commendation, ensuring appreciation for what you have done and the positive impact your efforts have produced.
“In the same vein, we are encouraging you to do more as there is much more work to be done. We cannot rest on our oars until we achieve our goals of making Lagos free of SGBV.
“We must continue to sensitize the public and ensure that no perpetrator of this evil goes unpunished to serve as deterrent to others”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu said since the inception of his administration, the fight against these forms of abuse had been on the front burner, adding that this was why they initiated programmes and strategies which have been very effective particularly in breaking the culture of silence under which the crime had continued to be perpetrated.
“The family is the foundation of the society and it is a stable family that can raise men and women and capable leaders in the society. If we want to build a Lagos of our collective desire, then we must thrash any obstacle to bring peace, tranquility and positive growth of the family unit”, he stressed.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, in her personal remarks, noted that there were some teething problems, but said she was gladdened by the fact that people are getting more aware of their rights.
“The children are more vocal. They can call the designated phone numbers, 08003333333. They are no longer afraid to talk to people who can help them out there,” she added.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) said the bid to combat the prevalence of sexual and domestic violence, is why the state government is giving priority to adequate reporting and concerted efforts are being made for the prosecution of reported cases.
Onigbanjo assured that this also includes helping survivors get holistic support including medical, legal, psycho-social support and justice.
He expressed happiness that the state is gradually breaking the culture of silence.
“We all agree that the time for complacency has gone and now is the time for stronger action,” Onigbanjo said.
The AG described domestic violence as an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic debilitation to the nation, stressing that “the right of all to be free of violence, especially in the homes depends on protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice.”
He thanked the state judiciary for ensuring that justice is dispensed speedily and therefore rekindling faith in the judicial system.
In a goodwill message, Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Abiodun Alabi who was represented by ACP Mary Ayim, reiterated the command’s resolve in ensuring diligent investigation and prosecution of domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) cases, stressing that, “we would therefore leave no stone unturned until we fully address and rid the state of this menace.”
He recalled that since 2013, the command had deemed it expedient to establish a designated and dedicated unit named Family Support Unit (FSU) within the police force whose mandate is to investigate and prosecute incidences of DSGBV in the state and which is supported by the Justice for All programmE of the British Council.
In a resolve to ensure sustainability of this innovation, he said his office has, over the years, partnered with the office of the Attorney-General with a view to establishing other FSU in the state.
He said there are 21 FSU across the metropolis controlled by the Gender Desk Department located in the Police headquarters in the state, noting that these innovations have been replicated in other parts of the country.
Executive Secretary DSVA Mrs TitiLola Vivour-Adeniyi thanked the governor for the commendation and all state officials and dignitaries who graced the event.
She thanked all who collaborated with the Agency and congratulated the nominees and winners for making the event a success.