FIGHT AGAINST SGBV: LAGOS FIRST LADY COMMENDS JUDICIARY
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has commended Lagos State Judiciary for supporting the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), especially on the conviction of those found guilty in a bid to send a clear message to would-be perpetrators in society.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation during an advocacy visit to the Office of the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja.
She said the visit was part of her contribution to the ongoing global 16 Days of Activism against SGBV designed to eliminate violence against women and girls.
The Governor’s wife acknowledged the efforts of the leadership of the Judiciary, particularly Justice Alogba, in ensuring that the administration of justice has continued to prevail on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence offenders.
Her words: “I say a big thank you to the judiciary for all they are doing in Lagos State. It is important we come here to appreciate the Honourable Judges and Principal Officers of the High Court of Lagos. We have realised that we have to visit the special offences and domestic violence courts and family courts to understand how the judiciary dispenses its cases”.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu urged victims of SGBV to seek justice through the family courts, adding that her office, in collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF), would continue to work towards eliminating violence of all sorts against women and girls, men and boys in the country.
“I am a voice to the voiceless and I will use my position to achieve that to the best of my ability. If someone was raped somewhere, they should have hope and know that l am their voice”, the First Lady asserted.
Responding, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Alogba thanked the First Lady for her visit and assured the delegation that the judiciary will leave no stone unturned towards stamping out the menace.
He said the judiciary, under his leadership, has dispensed appropriate judgment and punishment to anyone found culpable of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence offences, pledging that it will continue to ensure that cases of offenders are treated with dispatch and due diligence.
While soliciting the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders in the fight against the menace, the Chief Judge maintained that the State Government cannot do it all alone.
“We cannot achieve this alone, it is a collective effort by all stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Justice and Judiciary, among others”, Alogba asserted.
He disclosed that the Sexual Offenders Register is now operational in the State to name and shame perpetrators, adding that a Rape Fund for victims is also in place while and the number of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) has been increased to three.
Alogba pleaded with the First Lady to use her office to raise awareness on SGBV by sensitising community and religious leaders, school children and all relevant stakeholders about the effect of the terrible crime on victims.
As part of the visit to the High Court, Dr. Sanwo-Olu donated books and other gift items in support of the fight against SGBV.
OI/TMS/OS
