Lagos DSVA Strengthens Community Response To SGBV Through CDC Meeting In Ibeju-Lekki LGA

In its continued commitment to strengthening community structures for the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), through its Community Engagement Team, held a Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) meeting at the CDA Town Hall in Magbon Segun, Lekki. The initiative aims to empower communities to recognise, respond to, and appropriately refer cases of SGBV, thereby promoting a more coordinated and effective grassroots response mechanism across Lagos State.

The session brought together stakeholders and representatives from the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LGA). In his opening remarks, Mr. Modiu Ismail, representing the Lekki CDA Chairman, welcomed all participants and emphasized the critical role of collective community action in addressing and reducing incidents of SGBV. He noted that such dialogues foster understanding, unity, and practical solutions to challenges faced by vulnerable members of society.

During the meeting, Ms. Bunmi Amosu, a DSVA Officer, sensitized participants on the various forms of abuse, preventive measures, and available support services for survivors. She also discussed the legal implications of SGBV, stressing the need for timely reporting and coordinated response. Mr. Adeleke Adenuga further outlined the duties of CDC members, which include leading community dialogues on SGBV, offering immediate support to survivors, maintaining documentation, and serving as critical links between their communities and the DSVA for effective case management.

Newly inaugurated CDC members were officially introduced during the event. Representing Lekki LCDA were Chief Adeyemi Sabiu (Traditional Leader), Mrs. Opeyemi Hussain (Market Leader), Mr. Odunsanwo Kabiru (Youth Leader), Mr. Modiu Ismail (Survivors’ Advocate), and Nurse Oyenuga Modupe (Health Representative). From Ibeju-Lekki LGA, members included Chief Ayo Alade Disu (Traditional Leader), Alhaji Titilayo Odukoya (Market Leader), Honourable Olajide Sodik (Youth Leader), Mr. Musa Lukman (Survivors’ Advocate), and Mr. Segun Ogunbote (Education Representative).

The meeting ended on a note of appreciation and commitment as Mr. Jabita Adeboye, CDC Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, commended the DSVA for its consistent engagement and proactive measures against SGBV. He highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions and pledged the committee’s full cooperation in advancing the state’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Participants expressed gratitude for the DSVA’s ongoing advocacy efforts and resolved to strengthen awareness, support survivors, and uphold a culture of respect and protection across their communities.