Lagos first lady commissions remodelled police gender-based violence unit
By Adeola Ogunrinde –
Lagos State First Lady, Dr Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the remodelled Police Gender-Based Violence and Family Support Unit located at the Lagos State Police Gender Unit, Harold Shodipo Crescent, Ikeja, to strengthen justice and support services for survivors across the state.
Speaking at the formal handover of the facility, Dr Sanwo-Olu said the intervention reflects the government’s collective efforts to tackle gender-based violence, noting that the transformed centre is repositioned to offer hope, healing, and timely response to survivors.
She noted that the commissioning coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a period dedicated to raising awareness, mobilising action, and advocating the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Dr Sanwo-Olu explained that this year’s global campaign highlights the rising threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and calls for action from governments, tech companies, donors, and individuals.
She described gender-based violence as a violation of humanity and dignity, stressing that it remains one of the most pervasive human rights abuses globally, affecting nearly one in three women.
The first lady urged all stakeholders to support efforts to curb the menace, reaffirming the government’s commitment through the THEMES+ agenda and noting that the remodelled centre stands as a testament to ongoing interventions.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, commended Dr Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls, adding that the centre would be named after her in recognition of her efforts. He described the remodelled facility as a milestone achievement aimed at strengthening justice and protecting vulnerable persons, explaining that the rise in gender-based violence cases made its upgrade urgent.
The event was attended by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat; senior government officials; judicial representatives; and women-focused organisations.
