LAGOS DSVA TRAINS CUSTOMARY COURT PRESIDENTS ON SGBV
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) on Thursday, 23rd October 2025, organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for 65 Customary Court Presidents on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
The training was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of existing SGBV laws, policies, and referral mechanisms, while strengthening their competence in delivering survivor-centered justice within customary court
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the Customary Court Presidents for their dedication to upholding justice. She emphasised that “beyond the legal frameworks, it is crucial that our cultural and traditional systems embody fairness, empathy, and justice for survivors.”
Delivering the goodwill message, Mrs. Adebola Olabisi Odeyemi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, commended the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to ensure justice in SGBV cases.
Facilitating the first session, GBV Consultant, Mrs. Juliet Olumuyiwa-Rufai, spoke on “Understanding the Role of Customary Courts in Responding to SGBV Cases.” She highlighted the need for empathy and a clear understanding of consent, stating that “consent must always be freely given, silence or a person’s appearance should never be misinterpreted as consent.”
The second session, led by Mr. Babajide Boye, Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, focused on “The Legal Framework and Reporting Mechanisms for SGBV in Lagos State.” He cited sections 134–138 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) and outlined practical steps for handling confessional statements. He encouraged the Presidents to “work closely with DSVA and other justice actors to ensure offenders are prosecuted and survivors protected.
The third session was handled by the Head of Legal Department, DSVA, Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, she made presentations on “Integrating Referral Pathways for Strengthened Survivor-Centered Justice within the Customary Justice Systems.” She emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that “timely referrals and coordinated responses among justice actors are key to ensuring effective support for survivors.”
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants shared experiences and sought clarifications on handling complex SGBV cases.
While giving her closing remarks, Mrs. Oginni Ladenegan-Ajoke, Head of Public Affairs, DSVA, expressed gratitude to all facilitators and participants, commending their dedication to strengthening access to justice and safeguarding the rights of survivors.
More photos below.
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