The wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the need for the “swift” investigation of cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.
Sanwo-Olu also urged survivors to break the culture of silence by speaking up.
Expressing her stance against the menace in the state, the governor’s wife, who engaged students, government agencies, and sexual assault referral centres that support victims of rape for three days, said she was committed to eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in the state.
The three-day engagement sessions, held separately on Monday, Thursday and Friday, were part of activities put together by the Sanwo-Olu to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”.
She listened to the challenges of the stakeholders, identified solutions, and sought more synergy among all concerned parties in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
She stressed that it is important to always carry out “swift investigations of rape cases to bring justice to survivors and create a safer environment for all,” a statement said on Sunday.
“This is my way of investing in our students by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and platforms to speak up against this menace. This is our stand, and we must also not encourage a culture of silence.
“In thinking about the implication of pursuing the case of defilement or rape to a logical conclusion, the interest of the individual that has been abused should come first over and above any other consideration.
“The whole intention of exposing these students to this campaign is to elevate the voices of our young persons to join in shaping the future. This event also ensures that no one is left behind, as it puts the students at the forefront of the advocacy,” the governor’s wife added.
She further stated that she visited Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, Lagos Island Maternity, Primary Health Centre at Simpson in Ebute Metta, and two Non-Governmental Organisations, Women at Risk International Foundation and Mirabel Centre, to learn more about their efforts in handling rape cases.
According to her, the visit demonstrates her commitment towards a society free from sexual violence, adding that through the efforts of the relevant government agencies, the NGOs, and her office, “an environment where positive change is inspired, and a culture of responsibility fostered is assured.”
She noted that the visit to the Lagos State DNA & Forensic Centre, which plays a vital role in providing scientific evidence for investigations, shows that the centre still offers skeletal services.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to re-equip the centre for maximal operations such that the various evidence and samples collected from relevant Sexual Assault Referral Centres for forensic investigations can be quickly and speedily attended to.
