Tag: DSVA

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has intensified its campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with engagement visits to selected paramount traditional rulers in the Epe Division of the state.

The visits, which took place last week, formed part of the agency’s ongoing community engagement and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in preventing and responding to SGBV across Lagos State.

The primary objective of the courtesy visits was to formally engage the monarchs, secure their royal support and agree on suitable dates for community sensitisation programmes on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within their respective domains.

The visits also sought to reinforce the vital role of traditional institutions in promoting community awareness, encouraging early reporting of abuse and fostering positive behavioural change at the grassroots level.

Members of the DSVA delegation visited His Royal Majesty, Alayeiluwa Oba Nurani Sikiru Odedina (Alughin I), the Oni Ladaba of Ladaba Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Alayeiluwa Oba Engr. Sulaimon Adesina Adebowale (Ilufemiloye, Akenren II), the Omola of Odomola Kingdom; and His Royal Majesty, Alayeiluwa Oba Abdurasaq Akanni Musa, the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom.

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The delegation was warmly received by the royal fathers and their palace chiefs.

During the engagements, the team outlined the mandate of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and highlighted the prevalence and impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within communities.

Discussions focused on various forms of SGBV, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other harmful practices, as well as the importance of community-based prevention strategies and early reporting.

The delegation also emphasised the availability of DSVA support services and referral pathways, stressing the need for sustained sensitisation to dispel myths, reduce stigma and promote survivor-centred responses.

The traditional rulers expressed keen interest in the agency’s interventions and acknowledged the growing relevance of SGBV awareness within their communities.

They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the dignity, safety and well-being of women, children and other vulnerable persons.

The visits yielded positive outcomes, with all the monarchs pledging their support for DSVA-led sensitisation programmes in their kingdoms.

Agreements were reached to schedule community engagement sessions at mutually convenient dates, during which chiefs, youth leaders, women groups and other community stakeholders would be mobilised.

The monarchs also assured the agency of their readiness to use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage the reporting of SGBV cases through appropriate channels.

The engagement strengthened collaboration between the DSVA and traditional institutions in the Epe Division and underscored the importance of royal leadership in community-based advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure safer communities and more effective prevention of, and response to, SGBV across the state.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Judiciary, has held a workshop for court registrars to enhance the handling of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases across the state.

The training was aimed at improving survivor-centred case management, strengthening institutional responsiveness, and ensuring timely justice delivery.

Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the engagement was part of efforts to build a more efficient and compassionate justice system for survivors of abuse.

“The session reflects our collective resolve to strengthen the justice system’s response to sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure that survivors receive the dignity, protection, and timely access to justice that is deserved,” she said.

Vivour-Adeniyi noted that Lagos continues to record cases of gender-based violence that demand swift and coordinated response from all stakeholders. She stressed that while DSVA had made significant progress through prevention and support services, the justice sector remained central to real change.

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“Court registrars hold a pivotal place in this chamber. Your role determines how quickly files move, how well survivors are guided, and how effectively justice is delivered,” she added.

She urged registrars to handle their duties with professionalism and trauma sensitivity, noting that their actions could either strengthen public confidence or erode it.

According to her, the training would cover steps to improve documentation, expedite case management, reduce delays, and deepen survivor-centered communication.

She expressed appreciation to the judiciary for its collaboration, and Justice Kasali Maluga, for the continued support and partnership.

Also, Chief Registrar, Lagos State High Court, Mr. Elias Tajudeen, commended DSVA for partnering the judiciary to strengthen the capacity of court registrars in handling SGBV cases.

“This engagement is important because it promotes professionalism and provides clear direction on how to handle matters involving sexual and gender-based violence,” he said.

Tajudeen urged registrars to be patient, attentive, and empathetic to survivors. “Be open-minded towards survivors and attend to them humbly so as not to compound their problems. Handle their cases with urgency and honesty,” he advised.

Presiding Pastor ACT (Assembly of Christ Triumphant) Baptist Church,  Ogudu.  Rev Dr. Remi Mathews Adejumo has urged the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to carry out more awareness campaign against domestic violence for couples going into marriages.

He also advised parents to take interest  and approve who their children is getting married to in order to avoid domestic violence. 

Dr. Adejumo gave the advice while speaking on Friday at a two-day training for religious counselors held at Ikeja Local Government Secretariat Hall

“It is not compulsory that somebody should get married. If you marry  a self centred person, you are going to have problems.

“If the situation between a couple is  too chaotic, they can stay apart for a period of time to allow things to cool down and they can come back together again”, he advised.

“So it’is good that they lecture and create awareness on how these things can be addressed right from when they are preparing for marriage and of course people being taught how they can manage themselves and get things right.”

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Dr Adejumo called for synergy  between marriage counselors in the churches and the mosques, adding that anything not established  in the words of God in the Bible and Quaran  should not be allowed.

Head,  Community Engagement of DSVA, Damilare Adewusi, explained that the purpose of engagement was basically to equip the religious counselors  to be able to handle situations between husband and wives effectively and prevent chaotic situations.

He said this was why they brought the participants at the engagement from amongst we have here are religious counselors from both the Christian and the Muslim.

“Basically, it is just for them to understand the end result – how to help their audience,  the congregation better in terms of counseling. When they can cite someone that might probably be a perpetrator of domestic violence.

So, all that we are doing here is to equip these leaders  with the right knowledge so that when such instances comes up, they know what to do.

“Even in the process of counseling the congregation, they can also tell them what to look out for and also the way out. So, basically. That is what we are doing, equipping them with the right knowledge”, he said.

He said the engagement brought together about  100 religious councilors from the Muslim and Christian faith  adding ” the engagement  was  necessary because they are  almost the last stop before the couples say I Do.

“So it’s important that they understand what it is for a couple to see the signs of violence and be able to flee away from it.”

A Mental Health Nurse  Mr Taiwo Amusa who lectured the religious leaders on Psychological trauma, and Psychological first aid described the  terms as intense problem that everybody faces in life and  it needs psychological first aid.

Asked of the relevance of the psychological training on the religious leaders, he said  the relevance are multi-factorial “because when you say psychology, everybody knows that psychology is a science and study of the mind and if you are not able to study the mind of affected person, you won’t be able to solve his problem at all and you wont be able to relate him or her to the religious aspect in terms of  he or she to know that God knows everything, either Islamic way or Christian way.

“Whatever services you render to care for psychological trauma victim, if it has no basis of spiritual base, then that individual may fall apart after some time.So there are relevances in-between.

He stated that before psychological first aid can be rendered to any victim or survivor, one must know  the cause of the psychological trauma.

“As a psychological first aid health provider, you should have some qualities,  that is psychologically you must be balance, You must use your intent, your knowledge to solve the problems of victims who might be psychologically traumatized.

“So it is very important for everybody,  the parents, the family, every human being in the community needs to have the knowledge of psychological trauma and to have the knowledge of psychological first aid to be given to a survivor or any victim that is having psychological trauma and this will go a long way to reduce damage,  suicide and depression from any victim of any psychological trauma:, he said

 Imam Olawale Mourufudeen  Gen. Sec. League of Chief Imam and Alfas, Isheri LCDA stated his preference for the  the engagement.

“This program is  such  that this society  right now and in the future will always  prefer because during the two day programme, we  have learnt a lot about the topics discussed there. They are topics that have to do with our day-to-day activities.

“Our tomorrow, is being prepared for us today to enable us to prepare our children for the challenges of tomorrow on anything that has to do with emotional trauma, sexual violence among others.

“So we are able to have this type of programme every now and then, it would enlighten everyone and our youths because it is very educational and very enlightening. There are a lot of things happening that we don’t understand.  Our coming here has provided us with an opportunity to learn and have experience for wider knowledge of  what is happening around us”, he noted.

Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Timilade Oladele, the President of Institute of Marriage Administrators Counselors of Nigeria said marriage administrators have the  mandate to educate and give positive advice to both public and private institutions in Nigeria, regarding marriage matters.

“This discussion on the role of  Religious Leaders and Marriage Counselors in Mitigating Sexual and Gender-based Violence, particularly in Lagos State is very germane,  . 

“Religious leaders play critical roles because most of the people that we call our citizens, they are under them. They have over 90%  of people, they are members of many organization either Islamic organizations or Christian organizations.

“So a program like this is very key for them to also know that while they are preaching or  teaching in their places of worship, they should also incorporate that sexual and gender-based violence is not to be tolerated.

“For example, when somebody is saying a female or girl child or woman is inferior to a man., the question is where is the basis?.

“Also like I  have mentioned, anything that we don’t know or have the basis, we should frown at it, and we should also give listening ears to the survivor or the victim of this sexual and gender-based violence. It is  because of how the people  react to them, that they keep quiet and  are suffering and silent.

“So I want to appeal to everybody that whoever is able to identify or notice this kind of a menace that is very evil, they should give opportunity to survivors or to the victim to open up so that they will not be dying  in silence.

“So all of us together, when we join hands together against sexual and gender-based violence, we would be able to have  a better society, where development, progress, and personal contribution will become the order of the day”, he said.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), through its Community Engagement Team, has inaugurated Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) members from Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA).

The event which held  at the  Kosofe sub office of the agency, was part of its continuous effort to strengthen community structures for the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Community Dialogue Committee initiative is designed to empower communities to recognise, respond to, and refer cases of SGBV appropriately, ensuring a more coordinated and effective grassroots response mechanism across Lagos State.

The session began with opening remarks from Chief Adekoya Adesina, Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri, who commended the Lagos DSVA for its continuous dedication to curbing SGBV and fostering safer communities.

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During the engagement, Mr. Tosin Akinde sensitised participants on the various forms of abuse, preventive strategies, available support services, and the legal implications of SGBV. Mr. Adeleke Adenuga further highlighted the roles and responsibilities of CDC members, which include facilitating community dialogue on SGBV, providing immediate support to survivors, identifying and referring cases appropriately, maintaining proper documentation, and serving as liaison officers between the community and DSVA.

The newly inaugurated CDC members include representatives from Ikosi-Isheri LCDA: Chief Adekoya Adesina, Mrs. Adisa Ajoke, Mr. Ahmed Idowu, Mr. Iyanda Taofeek, and Chief Mrs. Oyebanji Christiana; and from Agboyi-Ketu LCDA: Engr. B. A. Badejo and Chief Mrs. Titi Adebowale.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Oluwatobi Ikudaisi, Supervisor, Lagos DSVA Kosofe Sub Office, expressed appreciation to the participants for their active involvement and urged them to continue reporting cases of abuse. He assured that the Kosofe DSVA Sub Office remains open and accessible for walk-in reports and provided the contact line: 09033435494.

Participants expressed gratitude to the Lagos DSVA for its proactive community engagement and pledged their continued collaboration to promote a zero-tolerance culture for all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within their communities.

• By Timilehin Babatope and Kafilat Alabi

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has held the  “Couples Wey Sabi” Market Fiesta at Oyingbo Market.

The event  was held  on Tuesday in collaboration with Power Oil Nigeria Limited and KissKids Nigeria,

The community-centered initiative was designed to promote gender equality, foster healthy relationships, and reinforce shared responsibilities within marriages.

Representing the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Mrs. Ademola reiterated DSVA’s unwavering commitment to combating GBV through advocacy, education, and stakeholder engagement.

 Mrs. Ogunesan     emphasised that the campaign challenges harmful stereotypes by encouraging men and women to jointly manage household responsibilities, while spotlighting men’s vital role in preventing domestic and sexual violence.

One of the major highlights of the event was a cooking competition sponsored by Power Oil, where participants role-played as couples to showcase not only their culinary creativity but also their teamwork.

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The contest reinforced the message that domestic responsibilities are shared duties and not defined by gender. At the end of the challenge, Mr. Lukman and Mrs. Yemisi emerged winners, expressing heartfelt appreciation to DSVA for championing such a refreshing and impactful initiative.

In addition, a childcare competition sponsored by KissKids Nigeria provided couples the opportunity to showcase parenting skills, demonstrating that childcare is a shared responsibility.

The winning team applauded DSVA and KissKids for using the platform to raise awareness on the importance of shared caregiving in the home.

The event attracted the Iyaloja General, the Baba Oja of Oyingbo, and members of the market committee, all of whom commended the Lagos State Government for bringing such an initiative to their community.

The Market Fiesta succeeded in sensitising traders and community members on the values of equality, teamwork in marriage, and the collective responsibility to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Lagos State.

A couple of days ago, the Alausa Secretariat, Lagos and its environs turned purple as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) marked this years’s “Turn Alausa Purple” campaign, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service, has held the annual “Turn Alausa Purple” campaign at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. The campaign was part of the activities to mark the 2025 Domestic and Sexual Violence awareness month.

Led by the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the DSVA team, public servants, stakeholders, and NGOs engaged Alausa with chants, awareness messages and with the decoration of staff with purple ribbons which were  the global symbol of solidarity against domestic and sexual violence.

The secretariat came alive in a sea of purple as ministries, departments, and agencies united in solidarity against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The campaign extended beyond the secretariat, to the Lagos State House of Assembly, community associations and their leaders, thereby amplifying a united front against all forms of abuse.

It also gained the support of the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, who reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators. He further commended DSVA’s relentless efforts, assuring that the Public Service Office would continue to stand firmly with the agency.

It, in addition, received support from the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), whose involvement strengthened the call for a Lagos that says “NO to SGBV”.

To further engage public servants through last week, TelMD Nigeria, in partnership with DSVA, provided free health checks and medical consultations at the secretariat.

Grassroots advocacy

During the year 2025 under review, the DSVA also intensified its grassroots advocacy by engaging 18 Community Development Councils (CDCs) and 367 Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the state. This  intervention was made possible through the invaluable partnership of the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), a strategic platform that connects directly with residents at the community level.

Last Wednesday, as part of activities commemorating the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the agency further strengthened this collaboration by “Turning the CDACs Purple.”

Staff of the agency joined the council during one of its official meetings during which the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, praised the CDACs for their dedication and commitment in spreading the message of SGBV prevention and response to the nooks and crannies of Lagos State. 

57 CDA ambassadors decorated

In recognition of their contributions, the 57 CDAC leaders were decorated with purple lapel pins, symbolizing their role as ambassadors of the SGBV campaign in their respective communities. This symbolic act reinforced their responsibility to amplify the agency’s message, strengthen community response, and serve as change agents in their localities.

The engagement underscored DSVA’s unwavering commitment to partnering with grassroots structures. By working hand in hand with trusted community leaders and associations, she said the agency continues to foster a culture of prevention, protection, and accountability across the state.

She described impact of these collaborations as remarkable Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that 851,000 individuals sensitised through ‘Direct Reach’ while 1,702,000 individuals influenced through community-driven awareness efforts and under ‘Indirect Reach’.

These figures demonstrate the power of grassroots mobilisation in amplifying the fight against SGBV and reaffirm the collective responsibility of all Lagosians in building a safer and violence-free state.

Some DSVA’s achievements, interventions 

One integral mandate of the DSVA is to conduct preliminary investigations, rescue and provide support to survivors. 

Agency conducts 402 rescue missions

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) stated that  the agency  conducted a total of 402 preliminary investigations and  rescue missions of survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Lagos State during the last one year.  

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158 interactions recorded

Pedro who chronicled the achievement of the agency under Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi. He stated that since the activation of the DSVA AI chat box INU in February, 2025 the platform had recorded a total of 158 user interactions.

According to him, 61 interactions requested to chat a live agent and were subsequently directed to the virtual case manager for further assistance whilst 97 of the users involved in either testing the functionality of the platform or either asking information about SGBV.  

57 safeguarding, child protection concerns received

In the period under review, a total of 57 safeguarding and child protection concerns were received by the Lagos State Taskforce on Safeguarding and Child Protection (which comprises the Office of Education Quality Assurance and the Department of School Social Work of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Ministry of Health, DSVA and NGOs).

The erring schools were jointly investigated and where expedient, charges have been proffered against erring individuals. 

DSVA engages 6.3m residents in one year

He said from August 2024 to July 2025, DSVA directly and indirectly engaged 6.3 million residents across the 20 LGAs through door-to-door campaigns, market sensitisation drives, Community Development Association meetings, and  school outreach programs.

Kings, Queens club reached to1,560 children

 Through the Kings Club and Queens Club initiative, DSVA reached 1,560 children, teaching positive masculinity and femininity.

In addition, survivors in high-risk categories accessed grants through the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Trust Fund to rebuild their lives by securing accommodation, medical support, and business capital.

 Initiatives introduced

 In the period under review, DSVA also leveraged technology in the following ways:-

• Launched the ASK INU chatbot

• Launched the DSVCMS- I Report tool, a platform to facilitate self-reporting, upload of evidentiary documents which is critical in ensuring access to justice for survivors.

• Launched the I AM A CHILD Initiative- over 24,611 children have been empowered with information on their rights and are better equipped to prevent child abuse.

• Launched the Intermediate Safeguarding and Child Protection Online Course for Professionals- Over 6, 233 educationists have taken the course.

• Launched the Parenting 101 Course on Safeguarding, Child Protection and GBV- Over 12,457 parents have successfully completed the course.

Technical support extended to 26 states

DSVA also provided technical support to over 26 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory for the purpose of institutionalizing similar SGBV structures in their respective states.

DSVA awareness month

Since 2015, the DSVRT has commemorated the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which has traditionally been in the month of September.  Various activities are usually earmarked to commemorate the month. 

The theme for this year is “SGBV?…”IT CONCERNS US ALL” .This is based on the compelling need to ensure that residents of Lagos realize that SGBV is not a respecter of age, class, creed or economic status, and as such, a collective effort which requires everyone to own the zero-tolerance narrative is most compelling.

Some of  the activities set out for the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month in September 2025 

Turn Alausa, Lagos purple

It has become customary for the agency to ‘Turn Alausa Purple’ on the first day of September.

Public servants will be adorned with purple ribbons, a symbol of solidarity against domestic and sexual violence.

Through the Turn Lagos Purple campaign, the agency would engage Public servants on these critical issues even as they are encouraged to wear a touch of purple, in solidarity with this cause.

Advocacy walks against SGBV

The walks against SGBV  are instrumental in educating the public and raising awareness on the menace. Participants are usually drawn from  critical stakeholders and residents in two communities where there is high reportage of SGBV and for this year, in Ikeja and Alimosho.

 Men Wey Sabi(Market Fiesta)

The  “Men Wey Sabi”, Market fiesta is to educate people on gender and sex roles and how these social constructs encourage the perpetration of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. 

Couples Wey Sabi/ Men Wey Sabi 

The “Couples Wey Sabi,” which builds on the success of our Men Wey Sabi holds on the 18th of September. The event will feature individuals, role playing as couples, performing activities aimed at promoting healthy relationships and challenging gender stereotypes.

 Survivors Day

Survivors’ Day is organized to honour and celebrate the strength of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The event creates a safe platform for survivors to share their experiences, suggest solutions, and inspire others. It also helps assess the impact of existing interventions while promoting healing and encouragement, showing that life continues after violence and that early reporting is vital. The gathering will be intimate, with survivors and key stakeholders present. 

Engagement Of MDAs, Private Sectors on sexual harassment

For the first time, the DSVA will engage private organizations in discussions on the theme “The impact of SGBV on Labour and Productivity”. The agency would launch the Guidelines on Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace thereby fostering safer and more respectful work environments.

 Safeguarding And Child Protection Week

The Safeguarding and Child Protection week would witness the gathering of over 1200 students in a debate on the topic- “It’s okay to Tell”. Participants would also receive books on their rights, body safety and be informed of steps to take to report child protection concerns.

Governor’s Awards/ Award Night

To round off the month, the Governor’s Commendation and  Awards would be held to celebrate officers, institutions and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. 

The following categories of persons would be recognized and appreciated: –

•         Best Family Social Services (FSS) Unit

•         Most Responsive Social Worker

•         Most Responsive Health Facility

•         Most service oriented Non-Governmental Organization for Domestic and Sexual Violence

•         Most Responsive Partner

•         Most Responsive education District/ Guidance Counselor

Overall Result 

By the end of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the following would have been achieved going by the agency’s projection: “a stronger relationship with the media will be established; a significant increase in the number of reported cases, especially through the Toll-free hotline; reduction in the incidence of Domestic and Sexual Violence; substantial data regarding the dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abusers would have been gathered.

Others include policy formulation targeted at preventive measures would be proposed; an increased morale of service providers and frontline personnel in prevention and responding to SGBV services and improved collaboration and partnerships with Stakeholders

The agency said progress recorded reflects the collective resolve of Lagos State to eliminate domestic and sexual violence and that more needs to be done.

The DSVA therefore urged every Lagosian to report cases using the toll-free hotline 08000 333 333; join the upcoming activities during this awareness month of September and speak out, support survivors, and challenge harmful norms.

“Together, let us build a Lagos where safety, dignity, and justice are guaranteed for all”, the DSVA stated. 

Engages out-of-school children on SGBV

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, has held strategic palace engagements with key traditional leaders in the Badagry Division.

The visit was part of its ongoing community engagement efforts to strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Lagos State, the  Agency (DSVA), in

The Traditional Ruler, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba lsrael Adewale Okiki-Ola 1, The Onibereko of lbereko Kingdom welcomed the DSVA team to his palace.

The team led by Head Community Engagement Department, Damilare Adewusi told the audience that the objectives of the visit  was to seek royal support in addressing the menace of SGBV within their respective communities.

Adewusi said the engagement was also to foster collaboration between the traditional institutions and the agency in ensuring effective prevention and response mechanisms.

The team stressed further that that visit was to also secure commitment towards grassroots sensitisation, especially among youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

Adewusi emphasized that the active involvement of royal institutions, such as those of Oba Israel Adewale Okiki-Ola 1,The Onibereko of lbereko kingdom is vital in reinforcing cultural accountability and fostering safe communities across Lagos State.

The monarchs in their response warmly  expressed appreciation for the agency’s efforts in curbing SGBV in Lagos State.

The traditional rulers pledged their commitment to supporting DSVA’s cause, including using traditional platforms to advocate against all forms of abuse.

The stressed the need for continuous sensitization and empowerment of community members was emphasized, and the importance of timely reporting was reiterated.

Discussions were held on establishing clear referral pathways and strengthening community-based support systems in partnership with the palace.                   

The traditional head pledged  unreserved support in the against SGBV.

Agreement was reached to organize a community-wide sensitization session in collaboration with the palaces.

The DSVA distributed IEC Information, Education, and Communication materials for further dissemination within the communities.

The courtesy visit and palace engagement marked another step towards strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders in combating SGBV at the grassroots level.                                               

In a related development, the DSVA also engaged out-of-school children on SGBV at Oyegunle street, Akala, Idi Oro, Mushin Local Government.

The engagement was part of the Lagos State Government’s continuous drive to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children.

The DSVA conducted a sensitization program with out-of-school children in the Akala-Idioro area of Mushin Local Government.

 The program was specifically designed to provide vulnerable children, who are often excluded from school-based interventions, with life-saving knowledge about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child protection.

This outreach recognized that children in informal communities and street settings are disproportionately exposed to exploitation and abuse due to limited access to formal education and protective services. By meeting them in their own environment, the agency ensured inclusivity, accessibility, and a direct approach to prevention.

The engagement also served as a platform to strengthen community-level understanding of SGBV and mobilize young people as advocates of safety among their peers. By encouraging discussions in a language and style the children could easily relate to, the session fostered trust and meaningful participation, which is essential in bridging the gap between institutions and vulnerable groups.

The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, was represented by Mr. Oluwatosin Emmanuel and Miss Bankole Precious, who co-facilitated the session.

 They presented practical lessons on identifying inappropriate behavior, the dangers of silence in abuse situations, and the need to speak up through safe channels.

They also explained the importance of personal boundaries and mutual respect in building healthier communities.

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In addition to DSVA’s representatives, Mrs. L. Nwankwo of the Child Protection Network (CPN) participated actively in the engagement and she emphasized the role of community-based networks in ensuring that children are not only aware of their rights but also know where to go for help in cases of abuse.

She reassured the children that there are structures and organizations ready to support and protect them when needed.

The facilitators adopted interactive and participatory teaching methods such as question-and-answer sessions, storytelling, and scenario-based discussions.

This approach encouraged the children to express their views freely and gave them the confidence to share personal experiences and concerns.

 It also provided facilitators with a better understanding of the children’s realities and the most pressing issues they face.

The engagement yielded a positive impact, as participants left with improved knowledge of their rights and stronger awareness of protective measures. Several children expressed relief at having a safe space to discuss issues that affect them directly and promised to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives. The session also strengthened trust between the agency, community stakeholders, and the children themselves.

More importantly, the program succeeded in breaking down barriers of fear and silence surrounding SGBV.

By assuring the children of confidentiality and accessible reporting channels, the facilitators empowered them to become active and stakeholders in preventing and reporting abuse.

This is critical in building safer communities and reducing the cycle of violence.

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation has inducted 300 students from Education District 5 into the Kings and Queens Club.

The induction  ceremony followed  weeks of orientation to stand against any form of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.

 DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the initiative was designed to establish a sustainable social framework within educational institutions, aimed at dismantling socio-cultural misconceptions and promoting empowered femininity.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by the agency’s Programmes Officer, Zainab Alaka, stated that the initiative also seeks to build a network of trained students who would act as peer educators and advocates for positive expressions of femininity and masculinity within their schools.

She noted that the clubs would equip participants with deeper knowledge about Gender-Based Violence, empowering them to critically examine prevailing societal norms that sustain gender inequality, while also challenging myths and false beliefs surrounding violence.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi, said empowering and inaugurating the students into the King’s Club and Queen’s Club Initiative was expedient as children are amongst the statistics of victims, prey to peodophiles and forms of abuse.

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DSVA  Head of Community Engagement and the Project Coordinator for King’s club and Queen’s club, Damilare Adewusi, said the programme aimed at reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance for all forms of SGBV  and to address the grappling issues of violence that individuals and communities are faced with.

While urging them to speak out and report any case of sexual violence in their community, Adewusi said the purpose was to help the young boys and girls to imbibe the act of discipline in the fight to end SGVB.

Adewusi, who is also the Project Coordinator for Kings and Girls club, urged the students to continue to strive for excellence and champion a world free of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence and to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents in the society.

One of the Teachers from Ansar Ud Deen Society Senior Grammar School Badagry, Linda Orji,who commended efforts of the agency in ensuring attitudinal change in the society, said the effort would tackle the menace of Gender Based Violence and the prevention of child domestic and sexual abuse in Lagos.

A student of Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School Oko-Afo Badagry, Ayomide Amoo, who stated that he has learnt a lot of being in a kings club, stressing that the club has shown him how not to be harmful in the society. But report any forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the society.

Another  Student of Ajara Senior Grammar School, Badagry, Efe Heaven stated that he would always be a peer educators and advocates of positive femininity and masculinity in the society.

After taking the pledge of allegiance, the students from the Education District five, were subsequently inducted into the club and awarded certificates and identity cards to validate their induction into the club.

So far, the  agency has inducted  over 7,400 students thus far I to the Kings Club and Queens Club.

The breakdown for Kings Club, is over 3,900 students while for QC the agency has inducted over 3400 students.

“We are training these students as our Ambassadors who would train their peers and by speaking out thereby breaking the culture of silence which encourages GBV to thrive.

“It is also crucial to note that the partnership with Ford Foundation and DSVA is based on the mutual desire to institutionalize and mainstream  prevention efforts into various sectors including the education sector,   and ensure children are adequately armed with the relevant tools required for child safeguarding and protection”, she said.