In living for higher purpose, Vivour-Adeniyi addresses SGBV
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, has launched her memoir, Living For Higher Purpose, where she chronicles her journey towards setting up a response centre and team dedicated to addressing and helping victims and survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
Vivour-Adeniyi, who said at the book launch held in Lagos that she has been on the journey since 2014, said they had been through a lot, first as a team then more recently as an agency.
She disclosed that writing the memoir proved very therapeutic for her, revealing that it helped her put her thoughts down and also honour many professionals behind the scene that have been doing their best to reduce the menace of SGBV in Lagos.
“I wanted to eulogise these individuals and tell our stories. Also, this book would serve as guide for responders in other states that are looking to set up similar systems on what to do and what to avoid,” she noted.
Vivour-Adeniyi, who said she left a well-paying job to pursue public service, added that it was passion, commitment, favour and early belief in what she was doing that carried her through the tough days.
“It just shows anything is possible if there is genuine interest because it is not money that inspires us; rather, seeing victims metamorphose into survivors is what galvanises us,” she said.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while unveiling the book, said his government was achieving its vision of a state free from all forms of SGBV. Represented by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, he said his administration was working not only to curb domestic and sexual violence, but also to ultimately eliminate it.
According to him, in the past three years, the state government has made significant gains in the war against domestic and sexual violence.
“Institutions have been strengthened to respond appropriately; policies have been formulated and introduced in ensuring we have to provide holistic care and support to survivors. We are also gradually ending the culture of impunity, as evidenced in the convictions secured by the Ministry of Justice. One of the individuals responsible for achieving my vision of a Lagos State free from all forms of SGBV is Titilola Viviour-Adeniyi,” he said.
Reviewing the 13-Chapter book, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, stated that in spite of the challenges faced by the team, it withstood the test of time through its transition into a full agency, approved by the current administration.
Atsenuwa described the author as a merchant of hope, saying the book gives hope and guidance to every determined public servant who meant to take steps towards improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Adeniyi commended the efforts of the past and current administrations in Lagos State for having the political will to fight SGBV as well as non-governmental organisations, development partners, volunteers, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.