The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) recently held a Governor's Commendation Night to honor individuals, institutions, and organizations for their efforts in preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence in the state. The event was part of the activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was awarded the Lagos State Champion Against SGBV Award for his support and commitment to eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The award ceremony brought together government leaders, law enforcement stakeholders, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, development partners, and survivors to recognize efforts towards strengthening Lagos State's response to domestic and sexual violence. Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Tawakalitu Toriola, commended frontline workers and institutional partners for protecting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and building safer communities. He emphasized that the evening was not only about celebrating past milestones but also about inspiring all sectors of society to take responsibility for ending domestic and sexual violence.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, commended the awardees and partners for their commitment to strengthening the state's response to domestic and sexual violence. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, civil society, and other stakeholders in protecting survivors and ensuring access to justice. Pedro was represented by Director of Advisory Services, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Folashade Anibaba-Bossman.
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed deep appreciation to the awardees, partners, and state leadership for their contributions to the fight against gender-based violence. She emphasized that combating gender-based violence requires a multi-sectoral approach connecting police units, health facilities, justice systems, social services, and civil society, with survivors remaining at the center of all interventions.
The agency also honored institutions and individuals for outstanding contributions across key response sectors. The Festac Family Support Unit (FSU) was named the Most Responsive Family Support Unit, while Family Social Services, Kosofe Local Government, received the Family Social Service of the Year award. Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre won the Most Responsive Primary Health Care award, and Somolu General Hospital received an award.
The DSVA's efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State have been ongoing, with various stakeholders working together to provide support to survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. The agency's recognition of outstanding contributions aims to encourage continued collaboration and commitment to eliminating gender-based violence. The event demonstrated the importance of partnerships in addressing this critical issue.
Key stakeholders, including government leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, are working together to strengthen Lagos State's response to domestic and sexual violence. The recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu and other awardees highlights the critical role of leadership and collaboration in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. The DSVA's initiatives aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors.
Key points
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was awarded the Lagos State Champion Against SGBV Award for his support and commitment to eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- The DSVA honored institutions and individuals for outstanding contributions across key response sectors, including the Festac Family Support Unit and Ita Elewa Primary Health Centre.
- The agency emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders in protecting survivors and ensuring access to justice.
