LASG Intensifies Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), led by the Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices through continuous sensitisation and community engagement. This commitment was reiterated during a Sensitisation Programme on Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Traditional Practices held on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at Ago Egun Iwaya, Yaba, with the theme: “Combating Harmful Gender Norms and Practices in Our Communities.

Among the visitors were the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade; award-winning actress and filmmaker Mrs. Omoni Oboli; Managing Director of Trace Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Samuel Onyemelukwe; Chief Executive Officer of Shakara Festival, Mr. Godson Oriaku, and his team; as well as Chief Executive Officer of Jyraes Motion Pictures, Mrs. Busola Komolafe, who also attended with her delegation.

In her remarks, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s strong commitment to supporting and promoting the creative industry through strategic collaborations, interventions, and endorsements designed to strengthen tourism activities across the state. She emphasized that the creative industry had grown significantly and that the State Government would continue to create an enabling environment for creatives to thrive and contribute to Lagos’ economic growth.

The Commissioner highlighted the importance of projecting Lagos as a global cultural hub, sustaining its visibility on international platforms. Citing the successful E1 Lagos Grand Prix, which attracted about 400 visitors from the diaspora, she noted that such global events demonstrate Lagos’ potential to draw international participation and investment. She further urged stakeholders to look beyond the seasonal “Detty December” celebrations and develop homegrown festivals through public-private partnerships.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also stressed the need for year-round cultural and tourism programming to ensure consistent engagement, economic opportunities, and global recognition for Lagos. She explained that the courtesy visits were aimed at building lasting partnerships with the Lagos State Government to promote cultural tourism, advance creative development, and expand the reach of creative enterprises, ultimately boosting both the state and national economy through sustainable investments in tourism and culture.