Lagos DSVA Takes Awareness to Grassroots, Engages Community Leaders Through CDC Initiative

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has intensified its grassroots engagement with the official launch of the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) Initiative, aimed at deepening the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across local communities.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ijeshatedo Community Town Hall in Mushin, marks a significant milestone in the State’s ongoing commitment to eradicating all forms of SGBV by empowering community structures to identify, respond to, and refer cases appropriately.

“The goal is to take the message beyond government offices — into the streets, homes, and hearts of communities,” said Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, represented by Ms. Adetoun Odumbo.

Approximately 50 key representatives from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) participated in the event. The newly inaugurated committees comprise traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, survivor advocates, and education and health officers.

During her address, Ms. Odumbo provided a comprehensive briefing on the various forms of abuse, preventive measures, available survivor support services, and the legal implications of sexual and gender-based offenses. She emphasized that the fight against SGBV begins with awareness and community ownership.

The DSVA team, led by Mr. Damilare Adewusi, further outlined the specific roles of CDC members — which include facilitating awareness dialogues, offering confidential support to survivors, identifying and referring potential cases, and maintaining accurate documentation for follow-up actions.

“Our communities must become safe zones — not silence zones,” Mr. Adewusi declared. “These committees will be the bridge between government and the people, ensuring no survivor suffers in isolation.”

Inaugurated CDC Members

Mushin Local Government:

Community Leader: Mr. Femi Okuyemi
Women’s Group Representative: Mrs. Adebisi
Youth Leader: Mr. Kayode Famodu
Survivors’ Advocate: Ms. Anu Okuyemi
Health and Education Representative: Ms. Fasanya Omotoyosi

Odi-Olowo LCDA:

Traditional Ruler: High Chief O.A. Oladunjoye Anibaba (Baale of Igbari Odi-Olowo)
Women’s Group Representative: Chief Mrs. Mufuliat Adebunmi (Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo)
Youth Leader: Mr. Gbenga Falaye
Survivors’ Advocate: Mr. Lanre Elegbeleye
Health and Education Representative: Chief Mrs. Folashade Jonad

Participants at the event commended the Lagos State Government and DSVA for sustaining advocacy and intervention efforts at the grassroots. They urged the Agency to continue expanding its awareness and response network across the state.

“The fight against sexual and gender-based violence begins with each of us — in our homes, schools, and places of worship. Silence is not protection.”

This initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, reaffirming its commitment to building a safer, more inclusive society under the #AGreaterLagosRising vision.

#LagosDSVA | #SGBVItConcernsUsAll | #CommunityDialogueCommittee | #LASG