Other states of the federation have been urged to emulate Lagos State in the fight against domestic violence, rape, defilement and all forms of gender-based violence.
The call was made on Thursday by the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV).
In a statement issued in Ikeja, the Executive Director of CAIDOV, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, said Lagos State remained a shining example in Nigeria when it comes to combating domestic and sexual violence with sincerity and political will.
Soloki said Lagos had distinguished itself through the creation of strong institutions such as the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), functional reporting channels, the Sex Offenders Register, special courts for speedy trial and comprehensive support for survivors.
According to him, the Lagos model, which includes massive awareness campaigns in schools, markets, motor parks and religious centres, as well as collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and civil society, has helped to break the culture of silence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
He said unlike many states where cases of rape and domestic violence were swept under the carpet, Lagos, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had demonstrated zero tolerance for such crimes.
“If other states can emulate Lagos and replicate its policies, legal framework and institutional support, the menace of rape and domestic violence will be drastically reduced across the country,” Soloki stated.
The group commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, for their commitment to the cause of justice for survivors.
CAIDOV therefore called on other state governors and Houses of Assembly to domesticate the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, strengthen their justice systems and adopt the Lagos template in protecting women and children.
