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The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has said the fight against gender-based violence will require ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Hamzat says public awareness of successful prosecutions will reinforce the message that abuse is unacceptable and punishable under the law.
The deputy governor made the assertion at a book launch titled, ‘’Who Is She?’’, held at Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book, ‘’Who Is She?’’ is authored by Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, running mate of the All Progressives Congress Gubernatorial Candidate for 2027 general election.
“We need to ensure that when people are found guilty, it is made obvious. The people must know that gender-based violence is wrong, criminal, and will not be tolerated.
“There must also be a greater attention to the upbringing of boys just as attention is on girl child protection.
“Young men must be deliberately taught respect, responsibility and healthy relationships.
“Also, governments and families must invest in raising boys to understand what it means to be responsible men and partners,” he said.
Hamzat added that awareness campaigns and value-based education should target both genders.
The deputy governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence, through sustained investments, public awareness and effective enforcement of the law.
He said also that the government was committed to strengthening social protection.
He noted that the state had developed a comprehensive social protection policy backed by a regularly updated social register of vulnerable residents.
The sole aim, he said, was to make the system more inclusive and better coordinated.
“Lagos has a state policy on social protection and a registry of people who need to be protected.
“It is updated regularly to cover children, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
“We will continue to improve the system to make it more inclusive and better organised,” Hamzat said.
According to him, the state’s social protection framework is implemented through various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government covering critical areas.
He said, ‘’These include the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Youth and Social Development, Wealth Creation & Employment; Domestic Violence prevention and welfare of children, women and persons with disabilities.’’
The deputy governor noted that Lagos had made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality through sustained investments in maternal and child healthcare
He disclosed that the state currently operated 11 Maternal and Child Centres, strategically located across Lagos to provide quality healthcare for mothers and children.
Commending the book author, Hamzat described it as a practical contribution to the national conversation on gender-based violence and social protection.
“The book is fantastic. From the review, it is clear that it was written by someone with practical experience who understands the realities of abuse and social protection.
“It offers useful insights into the issues affecting our society and how we can address them,” he said.
In her address, the author, Sonayon-James, revealed that the book was inspired by years of community engagement, research, and documentation of social challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities.
She noted that extensive work within communities exposed numerous social issues and prompted a deeper search for practical solutions.
‘’I want every child that reads the book to identify a gap, take responsibility, scale up and develop the spirit of change, ‘’ the author said.
She expressed hope that the publication would serve as a catalyst for dialogue, learning and action.
The author was also optimistic that it would inspire individuals, organisations and policymakers to work collectively toward building stronger families, more resilient communities and a better society.
Reviewing the book, Dr Joy Chionuma, a lecturer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, said it highlighted the challenges confronting the girl child.
‘’These include limited access to education, maternal and child mortality, harmful cultural practices, and other societal barriers, ‘’ Chionuma said.
She, therefore, called on the government and policymakers to enforce child protection laws and intensify advocacy for the protection of the girl child.
Similarly, in his review, Mr Dayo Adu, Managing Partner and founder of Moroom Africa, called for reforms to ensure that educational opportunities translated into meaningful employment for Nigerian youths.
Adu stressed that investing in education without creating corresponding job opportunities undermined national development.
NAN reports that the 267-page book advocates the protection of the girl child and is a clarion call to Nigerians to be part of the change agents in promoting gender equality.
Also, it seeks their participation in protecting the rights of women and girls, and creating a society where every woman can realise her full potential. (NAN)
Photo Caption L-R: Spouse of the author, Dr Joachim Adenusi; Author, Princess Damilola Sonayon James and Lagos State Deputy Gov. Dr Obafemi Hamzat, at a Book launch titled: “Who is she?”
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