The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has engaged members of the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON) Lagos State, popularly known as Alaga Iduro/Ijoko, as part of efforts to stem the tide of domestic and sexual violence in the State.
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi in her address at the event held recently at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium revealed that the Agency is embarking on sustainable and proactive programmes in its fight against the menace of SGBV and engaging APWECON members was one of them.
Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that statistics have shown that marriage contracted under customary law and traditional practices is one of the preferred forms of solemnisation where the Alaga’s strategic and influential role while interfacing with intending couples and attending participants can not be undermined.
She said, “Statistics from our Agency reveal that over 75% of clients reporting matrimonial abuses had prior knowledge of the pre-existing abusive behaviour of their partners but proceeded with the union for various reasons. 70% of these survivors submitted to customary law and marriage”.
Her words: “We intend to infuse advocacy around domestic violence into the existing traditional marriage ceremonies conducted by Alagas in Lagos which would have far-reaching effects”.
“This has birthed this programme ‘Idile Alayo’ which amongst other things keeps many abreast of the growing trend of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence issues in Lagos State”, she added.
The Executive Secretary charged the Alagas to use their influence in the course of officiating traditional unions to advocate against Domestic Violence and preach the zero-tolerance message.
APWECON Governor, Mrs. Matilda Ajibola Shipeolu in her goodwill message said the event was a welcome initiative to boost their roles as comperes as well as ensure a firm and strong foundation for a violence-free home.
Noting that the association had always taken it as a priority to address sexual and gender-based violence issues before, during and after marriage for couples, Sipeolu stressed that the training had improved their knowledge of new techniques on how to reduce domestic violence in society.
Facilitators, Barr. Taiwo Akinlami, Head of Field Operations (DSVA) and Oluwakemi Bello, Head of Case Management (DSVA) among others, took participants through the role of culture and tradition in preventing sexual and gender-based violence, forms and consequences, and Introduction to Idile Alayo.
The revised programme of events was put together by the DSVA for an all-inclusive officiating session just as the information cards to be given to couples, were distributed to participants at the event.
