Lagos DSVA Trains Customary Court Presidents On SGBV

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Thursday, held a one-day capacity-building workshop for 65 Customary Court Presidents at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. The training aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) laws, policies, and referral mechanisms, while also equipping them to deliver survivor-centered justice within the customary court system

In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the Customary Court Presidents for their continued dedication to justice. She underscored the importance of empathy and cultural sensitivity in handling SGBV cases, stating that “beyond the legal frameworks, it is crucial that our cultural and traditional systems embody fairness, empathy, and justice for survivors.” Her remarks set the tone for a session that blended legal insight with human-centered justice principles.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Adebola Olabisi Odeyemi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, praised the participants’ commitment to justice delivery. She encouraged them to engage actively throughout the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen justice delivery in SGBV-related cases across Lagos State.

The workshop featured several expert-led sessions. GBV Consultant, Mrs. Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai, facilitated the first session on “Understanding the Role of Customary Courts in Responding to SGBV Cases,” stressing the importance of empathy and clarity around consent. The second session, led by Mr. Babajide Boye, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, examined “The Legal Framework and Reporting Mechanisms for SGBV in Lagos State,” citing sections 134–138 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015).

The final session, delivered by Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, Head of Legal Department, DSVA, focused on “Integrating Referral Pathways for Strengthened Survivor-Centered Justice within the Customary Justice Systems,” highlighting collaboration and timely referrals as essential for effective survivor support.

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants shared experiences and sought clarifications on handling complex SGBV cases. In her closing remarks, Mrs. Oginni Ladenegan-Ajoke, Head of Public Affairs, DSVA, expressed appreciation to facilitators and participants for their active involvement. She commended their shared commitment to advancing access to justice and protecting the rights of survivors across Lagos State.