SGBV Activism: Lagos First Lady storms Rehab Centre, promises urgent overhaul

Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday undertook a working visit to the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Ikorodu, as part of activities marking the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

She was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, and other senior officials, who led her round the facility. They described the visit as a significant morale booster for both staff and residents.

During the inspection, the management highlighted several operational challenges, including infrastructural deficits and staff welfare concerns.

In her remarks, Dr Sanwo-Olu commended the workforce for their dedication and reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that provide care, protection, and rehabilitation for vulnerable residents. She assured that the Centre would soon receive targeted upgrades designed to enhance service delivery, institutional efficiency, and staff wellbeing.

“This administration remains fully committed to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every resident, especially those who depend on specialised support,” she said. “The issues raised today are receiving priority attention, and a renewed intervention is underway.”

The First Lady also visited two frontline civil society organisations—Vision Spring Initiative and the Community Women’s Rights Foundation—both located within the Igbogbo–Ikorodu axis, where she engaged with stakeholders working on gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice.

In addition, she inspected the Juvenile Welfare Centre, Alakara, Mushin, a temporary shelter for displaced children awaiting family reunification, and assessed areas requiring government intervention to ensure their safety and shield them from abuse.

Dr Sanwo-Olu noted that the visits form part of her sustained advocacy to deepen collaboration between government and civil society in tackling SGBV, strengthening survivor support systems, and boosting community-level engagement.

The 16 Days of Activism Against SGBV is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness, improving institutional responses, and mobilising stakeholders to eliminate all forms of violence.