The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has said the fight against gender-based violence will require ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
He said public awareness of successful prosecutions will reinforce the message: Abuse is unacceptable and punishable under the law.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 polls, made the assertion at the launch of a book, titled: “Who Is She?”
The launch was held in Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book was authored by Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the running mate of the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general election.
Hamzat said: “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.”
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.
Hamzat said: “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.”
According to the Deputy Governor, the state’s social protection framework is implemented through various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government covering critical areas.
He said: “These include Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Youth and Social Development, Wealth Creation and Employment; Domestic Violence prevention and welfare of children, women and persons with disabilities.”
He 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.
He added: “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.”
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.
