Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria- The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has inaugurated a Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) to strengthen grassroots action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration on Monday, DSVA Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi described the initiative as “a major milestone in enhancing community-based mechanisms for preventing and responding to SGBV.”
Represented by Community Engagement Officer Adetoun Odumbo, Vivour-Adeniyi said the committee’s goal is to reinforce local structures capable of identifying, reporting, and supporting SGBV cases.
“This initiative embeds sustainable support systems within local communities to make the state’s SGBV response more effective and accessible,” she noted.
The event, held for stakeholders from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo LCDA, gathered over 50 participants, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth advocates, and survivor champions.
“It also includes representatives from health and education sectors, and gender desk officers from local councils,” Vivour-Adeniyi added.
Head of Community Engagement, Damilare Adewusi, said the committee would drive community dialogues, provide confidential survivor support, and ensure proper referrals to relevant authorities.
“Members will maintain accurate records of reported cases and serve as liaison officers between their communities and the DSVA,” he explained.
Adewusi emphasised that the CDC’s work would promote faster intervention and stronger collaboration in Lagos State’s fight against gender-based violence.
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