LAGOS DSVA CELEBRATES SURVIVORS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS DSVA CELEBRATES SURVIVORS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence as it commemorated Survivors’ Day 2026, with a call for survivors to reclaim their voices, rebuild their lives and look towards a future filled with hope.

The event, held on Tuesday, 15th September 2026, at Protea Hotel Ikeja, was themed “Breaking the Cycle, Building Hope.” It brought together survivors and key stakeholders for meaningful conversations on healing, empowerment, resilience and the support required to move beyond experiences of violence.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to keeping survivors at the centre of interventions against Domestic and Sexual Violence. She emphasised the need for safe environments where survivors feel heard, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives.

She also appreciated Wema Bank Plc
@wemabank
, Power Oil
@PowerOilNG
, and Kisskids Nigeria
@KisskidDiapers
for their support and partnership in making the event possible, noting that strong partnerships remain essential to advancing survivor-focused interventions and strengthening support systems.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, Couple, Sex and Mental Health Therapist, spoke on “Healing After Violence: Reclaiming Your Voice, Identity and Future.” The session explored the emotional impact of violence and the importance of healing, self-worth and reclaiming one’s identity after abuse.

The event also spotlighted economic empowerment as a critical pathway to breaking the cycle of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Speaking on the topic, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, highlighted the role of economic opportunities and independence in helping survivors regain stability and build sustainable futures.

A particularly moving segment was the Survivor Spotlight, themed “My Journey from Survival to Hope”, which provided an opportunity for a survivor to share her personal journey and demonstrate the strength, courage and possibility of rebuilding after violence.

The programme further featured a wellness session facilitated by Ms. Oyinkan Talabi, Holistic Movement and Wellness Coach, and an interactive session led by Mrs. Ifeoma Nwonu, Programs Manager at DSVA, creating space for participants to engage, reflect and share their experiences.

The Lagos State Government acknowledges that Survivors’ Day goes beyond celebrating survivors, but it also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to strengthen support systems, promote survivor-centred responses and ensure that no survivor is left to navigate the journey to recovery alone.

E-signed,
Onadipe Opebere
Head, Public Affairs Unit
Lagos DSVA
15/09/2026

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