…Calls for Collective Action to Protect Survivors and Uphold Justice
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the newly remodeled Police Gender-Based Violence and Family Support Unit at the Lagos State Police Gender Unit, Harold Shodipo Crescent, Ikeja, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening justice and support systems for survivors of abuse.
Speaking during the official handover, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the upgraded facility reflects government’s renewed resolve to confront gender-based violence and ensure timely, compassionate response for survivors across the state. She described the unit’s transformation as a beacon of “hope, healing, and dignity” for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
The First Lady noted that the commissioning aligns with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action to end violence against women and girls. She highlighted this year’s theme, which draws attention to the rising threat of technology-facilitated abuse and calls for coordinated efforts by governments, tech institutions, development partners and citizens.
“Gender-based violence is not just a crime; it is a violation of humanity and one of the most pervasive human rights breaches of our time, affecting nearly one in three women globally,” she said, urging stakeholders to unite in combating the scourge.
Reaffirming government’s commitment through the THEMES+ agenda, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the remodeled centre as clear evidence of intervention efforts aimed at strengthening institutional response.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, commended the First Lady for her relentless advocacy in safeguarding the rights of women and girls. He announced that the centre would be named after Dr. Sanwo-Olu in recognition of her leadership and dedication. Jimoh described the facility’s upgrade as a significant milestone driven by the rising number of reported GBV cases and the urgent need to improve support services.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Representative of the Chief Judge; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende; Permanent Secretaries; Local Government Chairmen; senior government officials; members of COWLSO; POWA; and several civil society organizations.
