Governor Ambode:

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says domestic violence continues to be a real tragedy faced by many citizens in the society and requires collaborative effort to address.

Ambode said this in Lagos on Friday night, at a dinner to end the Domestic Violence Awareness Month organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

He was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule.

The governor said aside legislation, a sustained, coordinated and multi-level approach across all sectors of the society was needed to end domestic violence.

He said that all the sectors in the society, such as the police, health, justice, education and social services must be involved.

“My administration is fully committed to drastically increase the rate of conviction of offenders to serve as deterrent based on the fact that domestic violence is considered a serious crime in Lagos State.

“We have ensured that the right laws are in place, infrastructure and support system are being worked on, and I recently approved the purchase of rescue vehicles to respond timely to distress call.

“We are in the process of establishing more shelter and transit homes as support services for victims and would-be survivors of domestic violence.

“The government alone cannot do it and I urge you all to continue to partner and participate in these sensitisation campaigns as this is the key driver of the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

“Your partnership and participation will bring succour to victims in Lagos State and ultimately eradicate this menace from our society,” Ambode said.

Also speaking, Mrs Funmilayo Tejuosho, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Mushin Constituency 1, described domestic violence as a crime against humanity.

Tejuosho urged law enforcement agencies to ensure proper and total enforcement of the provisions of the landmark Prevention Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007.

Mr Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, said that domestic violence was a pervasive and heinous violation of human right as well as a threat to development and peace in the world.

According to him, if this crime is left unaddressed, it poses a serious threat to the future generation.

In his remarks, Mr Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, promised that the law enforcement agency would put in its best to curb the menace.

Owoseni who was represented by Mr Biodun Odule, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, also urged the public to speak out and report cases of violence within their areas.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, commemorated every October since 1995, is to create awareness, break the silence and end violence once and for all.