The Lagos State Police Command on Monday inaugurated the Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Centre for Gender-Based Violence and Family Support, as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against GBV.
The centre, established in partnership with the Command’s Gender Unit and supported by government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, was formally inaugurated by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in Ikeja.
Speaking during the inauguration, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, described the renovated centre as a transformative stride in survivor-centred policing.
He said the idea was conceived in 2023 following a surge in GBV cases, which made it necessary to create a more robust, proactive response system.
The commissioner praised Mrs Sanwo-Olu for her steadfast advocacy, describing her as a partner whose commitment has strengthened the command’s capacity to respond swiftly and professionally.
CP Jimoh also commended partner organisations for their technical support, training initiatives, and community engagement efforts that align the facility with global best practices.
Highlighting achievements made in the past year through the revamped gender unit, the police boss said 219 suspects were arrested for SGBV and family-related offences.
“198 cases were charged to court, with multiple convictions; 114 suspects arrested for defilement of minors; 10 suspects prosecuted for rape; and 24 suspects prosecuted for sexual assault by penetration.
“Investigations and prosecutions also involved child abuse (3), abduction (1), domestic violence (14), child trafficking (2), child stealing (2), human trafficking (1), sexual assault (16), assault/battery (17), and parental or spousal neglect and threats.
“The unit had successful rescue and reunification of abducted, trafficked, or missing children with their families,” he said.
He added that international organisations that inspected the facility expressed satisfaction with its structure, purpose, and services.
Jimoh reiterated that the centre’s success stems from strong collaboration and pledged that the command would continue to ensure comprehensive care and timely justice.
“We are building a society where justice is never out of reach, and no survivor is silenced,” he said.
According to him, the centre, named in honour of Sanwo-Olu, is expected to serve as a beacon of protection, healing, and empowerment for survivors of GBV across the state.
In her remarks, the First Lady described the centre as a reborn, renewed, and repositioned facility designed to restore dignity to survivors and strengthen the state’s justice architecture.
She recalled that the gender unit previously operated from a cramped two-room space, clearly unfit for sensitive and traumatic cases.
The new centre, she said, reflects Lagos State’s commitment to global best practices.
“The state-of-the-art centre now includes specialised interview rooms, electronic and video-recording equipment, a functional case-management system, staff offices and documentation rooms.
“Others are a short-stay shelter for male and female survivors, medical and psychological support units, a conference hall, vocational training room, and recreational facilities, upgraded security and communication systems,” she said.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu urged that similar facilities be replicated across local government areas to improve accessibility and strengthen survivor support structures.
She commended the Lagos State Police Command, government ministries, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, NGOs, individuals, and development agencies for their roles in birthing the centre.
The First Lady also thanked frontline officers, investigators, counsellors, psychologists, and social workers, whose dedication she said forms the true backbone of change.
She appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, community groups, and political leaders to join in strengthening reporting channels and increasing awareness about available services.
“To every survivor, past, present, and future, you are seen, you are believed, and you matter,” she said.
