Sanwo-Olu harps on advocacy to halt SGBV in society

By Daniel AdeleyeThe wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has enjoined all and sundry to increase their current level of advocacy and speak against the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the society.The first lady stated this at the official launch of the Idera Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) in Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos. Mrs. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the establishment of the centre actually confirmed the commitment of Lagos State government to completely stamp out the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state.She noted that the centre being strategically and intentionally located in Alimosho is comforting and reassuring because apart from carrying the huge burden of being one of the largest local governments in Lagos State, the statistics according to SGBV response team, had also revealed that Alimosho has the highest Sexual and Gender Based Violence crime rate in the state.Mrs. Sanwo-Olu expressed displeasure over many reported cases of SGBV that were not prosecuted, adding that the newly launched Sexual Assault Referral Centre will greatly facilitate the necessary care for the victims of SGBV in the state.Describing sexual abuse as act of evil that must be condemned in the society, the first lady stated that the Nigerian governors wife forum had formed alliance against gender based violence in the country because they believe that the crime cannot be fought in isolation.Mrs. Sanwo-olu appreciated Lagos state Ministry of Health and the development partners which include the British Council, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (RoLAC) and the European Union, for the support and collaboration that led to the establishment of the center.Also speaking at the event, the Lagos state commissioner for health, Prof. Akin Abayomi represented by the ministry permanent secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye noted that the health sector plays a pivotal role in the state government response to Gender Based Violence by providing crucial services in form of medical and forensic services for victims of defilement, rape and sexually assaulted.
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