In a bid to curb domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State, the state government has engaged members of the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON), known as Alaga Ijoko/Iduro.
The state Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) at the meeting held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, lectured APWECON members on their role in preventing the menace of domestic and sexual violence in the state.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary, DSVA Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi disclosed that engaging the group was one of the agency’s steps to embark on sustainable and proactive programmes in its fight against the menace of SGBV
On why the agency chose to engage the group, Vivour-Adeniyi said that statistics had shown that marriage contracted under customary law and traditional practices was one of the preferred forms of solemnization where the Alaga’s strategic and influential role while interfacing with intending couples and attending participants, could not be undermined.
The Secretary said, “Statistics from our Agency reveal that over 75% of clients reporting matrimonial abuses had prior knowledge of the pre-existing abusive behaviour of their partner but proceeded with the union for various reasons. 70% of these survivors submitted to customary law and marriage.
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“We intend to infuse advocacy around domestic violence into the existing traditional marriage ceremonies conducted by Alagas in Lagos, this would have far-reaching effects.
“This has birthed this programme ‘Idile Alayo’ which among other things keeps many abreast of the growing trend of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence issues in Lagos State.
“We use this medium to implore you to use your influence in the course of officiating traditional unions to advocate against Domestic Violence and preach the Zero tolerance message. Together, we can salvage our State from this destructive menace.”
In her reaction, the APWECON Governor, Mrs. Matilda Ajibola Shipeolu, commended the state government for the enlightenment adding that it will further ensure a firm and strong foundation for a violence-free home.
Sipeolu stressed that the training had improved their knowledge of new techniques on how to reduce domestic violence in society, which she stressed was part of the agenda of the association.