The Speaker of Lagos State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has stressed the importance of more advocacy to curb domestic violence, saying focusing on the family as the first line of tutelage for children will help to prevent the circle of domestic violence from continuing.
While acknowledging the fact that the issue of domestic violence is global, he called for proper education of children about the implications of domestic violence by their families.
The speaker’s remarks formed part of resolutions reached on the floor of the House that Commissioners for Basic and Tertiary Education and other stakeholders should focus attention on the root cause of domestic violence as a catalyst for prevention.
Hon. Omolara Olumegbon-Lawal, Chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who brought the matter before the House in commemoration of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”, underscored the need for more advocacy to be extended beyond addressing physical abuse to include guidance and counselling aimed at preventing these issues from occurring.
Corroborating her, Hon. Ladi Ajomale spoke about the importance of addressing the underlying causes, which include entrenched cultural beliefs and specific systems that condone violence.
He advocated for public education and sensitisation by the relevant government agencies, alongside the enactment of supportive legislation to combat what he described as outdated ideologies.
While calling for better community involvement in responding to gender-based violence, Hon. Stella Osafile commended the Lagos State government for its ongoing advocacy against domestic violence and called for the strengthening of existing laws to effectively curb the menace
In his contribution, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye extended his appreciation to the wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her unwavering support on this issue.
He highlighted the importance of family upbringing in eradicating gender violence, stressing the need to teach boys how to treat women with respect and acknowledge that men are also victims sometimes.
