Lagos honours frontline workers, entities in fight against domestic, sexual violence - The Guardian Nigeria News

For many survivors of domestic and sexual violence, what happens immediately after an incident can determine whether they receive timely help or are left to deal with trauma alone.

In Lagos, that response often involves a chain of people and institutions, including police officers, social workers, healthcare professionals, lawyers, civil society organisations and community advocates.

Some of those working on the frontline to protect survivors and strengthen the state’s response to domestic and sexual violence were on Tuesday night honoured by the Lagos State Government for their contributions to the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The awards were presented at the Governor’s Commendation Night organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) as part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

The ceremony brought together government officials, law enforcement personnel, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, development partners and survivors to celebrate individuals and institutions working to make support services more accessible and strengthen the response to SGBV.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Lagos State Champion Against SGBV Award to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in recognition of his administration’s support for efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

Represented by the Founder of Oasis Mediation and Solicitors, Mrs Tawakalitu Toriola, Sanwo-Olu said the fight against violence required sustained commitment from all sectors of society.

He noted that violence remained prevalent in homes, schools, workplaces and communities, urging survivors and victims to report cases and preserve evidence needed to prosecute alleged perpetrators.

“Too many cases lose momentum between the first report and the final verdict because evidence has been lost.

“Survivors become under pressure to withdraw, and when that happens, justice is denied. These are gaps we must continue to close,” he said.

he governor said that over the past five years, the DSVA had provided legal support, shelter, rescue operations, interventions and other services to survivors, adding that more than 700 people had been charged to court and over 160 convictions secured.

He commended frontline workers and institutional partners for their efforts to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and build safer communities.

The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the fight against gender-based violence could not be left to one institution, stressing the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.

She said the response must link police units, healthcare facilities, the justice system, social services and civil society organisations, while ensuring that survivors remained at the centre of interventions.

Vivour-Adeniyi also highlighted the agency’s increased focus on prevention, including the recently launched Lagos State GBV Prevention Policy and engagements with residents aimed at promoting behavioural change and raising awareness about preventing gender-based violence.

She expressed appreciation to the award recipients and partners for their contributions to the state’s response.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), represented by the Director of Advisory Services, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Folashade Anibaba-Bossman, said Lagos must continue to strengthen its safety net for vulnerable citizens.

He described the fight against gender-based violence as a collective responsibility, noting that society had a role to play in defining what it would tolerate and reject.

The awards recognised contributions across several sectors of the SGBV response.

The Festac Family Support Unit (FSU), represented by ASP Okanlawon Yetunde, received the award for Most Responsive Family Support Unit, while Family Social Services, Kosofe Local Council, represented by Mrs Abosede Owovoriho, was named Family Social Service of the Year.

In the healthcare sector, Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre, represented by Dr Osagie Ehimeme, received the Most Responsive Primary Health Care award, while Somolu General Hospital, represented by its Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesina Ayodele, was recognised as the Most Responsive General Hospital.

The Walk Against Rape and Indirect Discrimination Foundation (WARAID), represented by Mrs Bunmi Onilude, received the NGO of the Year award.

The recognition covered different aspects of the response to domestic and sexual violence, including emergency intervention, medical care, social support, child protection, community advocacy and institutional collaboration.

Beyond the applause and certificates, the ceremony underscored the importance of the people who encounter survivors at some of their most difficult moments and provide the support needed to begin the journey towards recovery and justice.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated, survivor-centred response and to expanding access to legal, medical and psychosocial support services across the state.

The DSVA also urged residents and institutions to sustain efforts towards building a Lagos where domestic and sexual violence is prevented, reported and effectively addressed.