SGBV: Lagos State Doubles Down on Fight, Prioritizes Justice

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has reinforced its commitment to eradicating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the state, promising a significant strengthening of the prosecution mechanisms for all related offenses.

Cablenews24 reports that the declaration came from the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, during the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night organized by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

Speaking at the high-profile event held Tuesday evening, Mr. Pedro labeled SGBV as one of the “gravest social issues confronting society,” noting its devastating impact that transcends individual homes to affect schools, workplaces, and the very fabric of shared humanity.

Holistic Justice Mandate

The Attorney General reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to forging a society where dignity and security are guaranteed universally—irrespective of gender, age, or social standing. He detailed that the government’s approach to justice for survivors must be comprehensive, moving beyond just court proceedings.

“Access to justice must be holistic,” Pedro asserted. This encompasses not only robust legal representation but also crucial wraparound support services, including sensitive psychosocial aid, necessary rehabilitation efforts, and prompt provision of safe shelter when required. The goal, he stressed, is to ensure that the process is both sensitive and highly effective.

Crucially, the commitment involves operational improvements on the ground: “We are committed to strengthening the prosecution of SGBV-related offences, training investigators and prosecutors, and ensuring the proper implementation of laws such as the Criminal Law of Lagos State, the Child Rights Law, and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law.”

Celebrating Frontline Heroes

The event also served as a platform to shine a deserved spotlight on the individuals leading the charge against these offenses. Mr. Pedro paid tribute to a wide array of frontline workers—police officers, social workers, medical professionals, teachers, and NGOs—who often risk personal safety to intervene and support survivors.

“To all our awardees and nominees, you are not just being recognised for your service, you are being celebrated for giving hope, for standing in the gap, and for making it clear that in Lagos State, silence is not an option,” the AG proclaimed.

Prevention as the Next Frontier

While celebrating enforcement successes, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to intensify their focus on prevention with the same passion currently dedicated to prosecution. He underscored the theme of the ongoing awareness month: “SGBV – It Concerns Us All.”

READ ALSO: Latest Nigerian News On CableNews24.com

“Let us teach our children consent, respect, and accountability,” he urged. The fight against violence, he concluded, cannot be shouldered by the government alone; it requires deep engagement from families, faith-based institutions, communities, and the private sector.

DSVA Confirms Progress Amid Persistent Challenges

Following the formal ceremony, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, provided an update on the agency’s ongoing efforts. While confirming progress in awareness creation and direct survivor support, Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi acknowledged persistent, deeply entrenched societal barriers. She cited the prevalence of rape culture, anti-survivor sentiments, stigma, and socio-cultural factors as major contributors allowing SGBV to continue.

In a direct appeal to the public, Ms. Vivour-Adeniyi sent a clear message of solidarity to those suffering in silence: “To all survivors, we believe you; you are not alone. Help is only a phone call away.” She strongly encouraged all residents to embrace their role as mandated reporters, urging them: “If you see something, you have a duty to say something so that we can do something.” Residents can reach the support line on 0800033333.

About Cablenews24:
CableNews24 is an online TV and newspaper website offering a dynamic mix of up-to-the-minute news, and insightful articles, We’re your trusted companion in navigating today’s fast-paced world. We delivers everything you need to stay connected. From local happenings to global events, we deliver news that matters…Join the CableNews24 experience – where news meets convenience.

CableNews24 – News, Anytime, Anywhere.

For Advertisement, Event Coverage/MC, Public Relations, Story/Article Publication, and other Media Services, kindly send an email to: cablenews24.com@gmail.com OR Kindly call: 08023535955 . To stay updated with the latest news stories, kindly visit cablenews24.com published by AAAANDREL GLOBAL SERVICES