IKOSI-EJINRIN LCDA HOLDS SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has joined forces with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to champion the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). As part of the commemoration of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Council organized a Purple Campaign themed “SGBV – It Concerns Us All.”

The sensitization exercise, held at the Council Secretariat and across communities in Ikosi-Ejinrin, recorded wide participation from community leaders, market women, youth groups, advocacy organizations, and residents at large.

Leading the campaign, Mrs. Olajumoke Ajoke Anomo, Chairperson of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, charged residents to rise against all forms of abuse, stressing that silence only empowers perpetrators.

“We must create safe spaces in our homes, schools, markets, and religious centers. SGBV is not a private matter; it is a community concern. Everyone has a role to play in breaking the cycle of violence,” she said.

The Executive Chairman, Otunba-Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, also addressed participants, urging vigilance at the family level as the first step in prevention.

“As parents and guardians, we must pay attention to our children, monitor their activities, and listen to them. Many cases of abuse thrive in silence. Prevention begins with vigilance at home. I also urge spouses to desist from violence against one another during disagreements. The family is the most important unit of society—once every family gets it right, the society will surely be better,” he said.

In her remarks, the Head of Department for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Somoye,  emphasized the need for collective responsibility.

“No woman, man, or child should live in fear of abuse. We must empower victims to speak up and ensure perpetrators face justice. Education and awareness are our strongest tools,” she stated, encouraging residents to take advantage of support channels provided by the State Government.

The campaign featured a lecture by officials of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, a street rally, distribution of awareness materials, and interactive sessions where residents pledged their commitment to speaking out against abuse. Community stakeholders also renewed their pledge to sustain advocacy beyond the Awareness Month.

“This is not just a campaign, it is a movement. SGBV must not find a home in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, nor in Lagos State,” participants resolved.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Aishat Dehinsilu, wife of the Vice Chairman; Hon. Shakirat Adesanya, Councillor Ward G1; Mrs. Hassan, wife of the Leader of the House; Hon. Jimoh Odumeru, Former Vice Chairman; Hon. Anthony Ajewole, Secretary APC; Mrs. Tawa Adeaga, Iyaloja general Ikosi-Ejinrin, members of the management staff, among other notable dignitaries.