The Guardian Newspaper has been recognised by the Lagos State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency (SGBVA) for its reportage of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

The Guardian was one of the organisations and individuals awarded during the yearly Commendation and Awards Night held with the theme, ‘SGBV? Not in my Lagos’, as part of activities to round off the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness (DSVA) month in the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that the state government has secured the conviction of 70 people engaged in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).He also disclosed that 600 SGBV cases were still in court, saying the government has continued to maintain its zero tolerance against SGBV.

The event, which usually wraps up the month-long programmes of the DSVA month, was used to showcase achievements to further encourage other stakeholders in the fight against the SGBV scourge and to further inspire and encourage already crusading stakeholders to scale up their commitment in bringing relief to the victims and eradicate the menace in the society.

Sanwo-Olu said that various initiatives and advocacy programmes carried out by the agency towards raising public awareness, rehabilitating victims and ensuring justice for domestic and sexual violence offenders have significantly and positively impacted the target audience by encouraging more victims to speak out and end the cowardly culture of silence.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hudenyin, appreciated individuals and organisations who have joined hands with the state government to fight against SGBV.

He explained that the number of victims of domestic and sexual violence that sought for the intervention of the agency between May 2019 and July 2023 was 20,614, noting that this is a pointer to its acceptability and confidence in the service delivery by the public.

“In 2022, 70 convictions were secured while about 600 cases are ongoing. This is a testament to the agency’s commitment and dedication to this administration’s zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence,” he said.

The governor commended the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and the team for their hard work and commitment to actualise the agency’s mandate by offering the required support to enable survivors to overcome their physical and psychological trauma.

He expressed optimism that there would be more conviction of perpetrators in the state to serve as a deterrent to others.Sanwo-Olu described SGBV as evil, wicked and inhumane and called for collaboration and partnership with the DSVA to end the scourge.

“May I reiterate here today my administration’s determination not to relent in supporting the work and effort of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and those of various organisations that are committed to this noble cause. We must have and enjoy a safer and more secure environment where all are at liberty to live happy lives.

“Further, our renewed focus on this menace is expressed in the plus components of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda, which stands for Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Development,” he said.

Earlier, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, explained that the state has been relentless in the fight against all forms of abuse and SGBV, saying the engagement has been robust and fruitful.

He noted that the time of complacency was long gone, urging the public to help sustain the conversation at work and religious places, institutions, residential and social areas to enable the government to galvanise a progressive society.

Also, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, in her goodwill message, said domestic violence is not tolerated in Lagos State