Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, has emphasized that the fight against gender-based violence cannot be left to the government alone. He urged individuals, families, professionals, religious and traditional leaders, and institutions to take responsibility for preventing abuse and protecting survivors. Pedro made this call at the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month Commendation and Award Night.
The event, where the Lagos State Government recognized individuals and institutions for their contributions to the fight against gender-based violence, was attended by the ministry's Director of Advisory Services and Judicial Liaison, Folashade Anibaba-Bossman, who represented Pedro. The Attorney-General stressed that the purple campaign and awareness activities may end with the month, but the responsibility to prevent violence must continue beyond the campaign.
Pedro emphasized that the fight against gender-based violence requires responsibility at every level, from government and law enforcement to healthcare workers, teachers, parents, religious leaders, and members of the public. He cited examples of how various individuals, such as police officers, doctors, prosecutors, and teachers, could play decisive roles in preventing further violence.
The Attorney-General also called for greater responsibility within families and communities, saying parents must teach boys that strength does not mean control, while friends and other bystanders should be prepared to challenge abusive behavior. According to him, the state had spent the year engaging communities, markets, schools, workplaces, professionals, survivors, law enforcement officers, and young people to strengthen the response to domestic and sexual violence.
Pedro pointed out that the most important question remained whether individuals and institutions were prepared to act when confronted with violence. He noted that the state had strengthened stakeholder conversations and professional capacity, hosted the national meeting of state GBV coordinators, and advanced legal and institutional measures aimed at prevention.
The commissioner commended lawyers, prosecutors, police officers, healthcare professionals, social workers, psychologists, civil society organizations, and other frontline responders for their work in supporting survivors and strengthening the justice system. He acknowledged that sustained political will and institutional investment were necessary to ensure that the safety and dignity of citizens remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
Pedro urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve institutions, and build communities that would no longer tolerate violence. He emphasized that ending gender-based violence begins with individuals and that collective action is necessary to prevent violence and protect survivors. The awards were intended to recognize and acknowledge the people working behind the scenes to support survivors and strengthen the justice system.
Key points
- The fight against gender-based violence requires collective responsibility from individuals, families, professionals, and institutions.
- The Lagos State Government has been engaging communities and stakeholders to strengthen the response to domestic and sexual violence.
- Sustained political will and institutional investment are necessary to ensure the safety and dignity of citizens.
