Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi: The Lagos Woman Fighting Domestic and Sexual Violence

Lagos is home to individuals whose work goes beyond their professions to address challenges affecting the lives of residents. One of them is Titilola Moira Nkiru Vivour-Adeniyi, a lawyer and public servant whose career has focused on tackling domestic and sexual violence, protecting vulnerable people, and improving access to support for survivors. Through her work in government, education, and philanthropy, she has contributed to efforts aimed at making Lagos a safer place for women and children.

Born and raised in Lagos State, Vivour-Adeniyi spent the first decade of her life growing up in the Rhodes-Vivour family compound in Ikeja. She attended Chrisland School for her nursery and primary education before moving to Paris, where she completed her secondary education at École Active Bilingue. She later earned a bachelor's degree in Law from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom, laying the foundation for a career that would combine legal knowledge with public service.

Her journey into public service began in 2007 during her National Youth Service Corps programme at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Following her service year, she attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar on November 30, 2010. She has since pursued further professional development, including studies at the School of Public Policy and Governance and the London School of Economics, strengthening her understanding of governance and policy development.

Vivour-Adeniyi comes from a family with a longstanding history in law and public service. She is the daughter of Barristers Olawale and Nkechi Rhodes-Vivour. Her paternal uncle, retired Supreme Court Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, and her late grandfather, Judge Akinwunmi Rhodes-Vivour, are also part of the family's legal legacy. Her great-grandfather, Steven Bankole Rhodes, was the second indigenous judge appointed in Nigeria. Despite this distinguished background, her own professional journey has developed through her work in public administration, advocacy, and social development.

A defining part of her career has been her contribution to improving Lagos State's response to domestic and sexual violence. During her work in government, she identified gaps in how cases of sexual and gender-based violence were handled and contributed to the development of a more coordinated response. This work helped give rise to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), which was established to improve collaboration among institutions involved in responding to abuse and supporting survivors.

Her work has included contributing to procedures for managing sexual violence cases, strengthening reporting systems, and improving coordination between law enforcement and healthcare providers. She has also been involved in initiatives relating to sexual assault evidence collection kits and the development of protocols for handling cases at police stations and primary healthcare centres. These efforts address the need for survivors to receive appropriate care and support while navigating what can be a difficult and emotionally demanding process.

Beyond institutional reforms, Vivour-Adeniyi has placed emphasis on education and prevention, particularly among children. She has authored books covering domestic violence, sexual violence, civic education, self-love, and body safety. Through educational initiatives and safeguarding programmes, she has helped promote awareness of children's rights and the importance of recognising and reporting abuse. Her work also includes training and awareness programmes for professionals and community stakeholders who play a role in protecting vulnerable people.

Her commitment to social welfare extends beyond government through the Lola Vivour-Adeniyi Foundation. The organisation supports vulnerable individuals and disadvantaged communities through food distribution, educational assistance, and economic empowerment. Its initiatives have included providing grants and business support to women-led enterprises, assisting children with their education, and distributing school materials to families. These interventions aim to ease some of the financial pressures facing vulnerable households while creating opportunities for children and small-business owners.

Vivour-Adeniyi is also an author of Living for a Higher Purpose: Inspiring Hope Through the Nigerian Public Service, published in December 2022. The book explores purpose and the potential for meaningful contributions within Nigeria's public service. Her writing complements her professional work by drawing attention to the values that can shape a career devoted to public responsibility. Together, her advocacy, educational publications, and philanthropic activities demonstrate the different ways she has pursued social impact.

Lagos is often celebrated for its business opportunities, entertainment industry, and cultural diversity, but the city's development also depends on people working to address social challenges. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi's journey highlights the importance of strengthening institutions, educating children about personal safety, and supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Through her work in public service and philanthropy, she has contributed to efforts to protect vulnerable residents and improve access to support, making her part of the wider story of people working to build a safer and more supportive Lagos.