The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the remodeled Police Gender-Based Violence and Family Support Unit in Ikeja, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening justice and support services for survivors of abuse.
The facility, located within the Lagos State Police Gender Unit on Harold Shodipo Crescent, Ikeja, has been upgraded to enhance its capacity to provide prompt, survivor-centered response to cases of domestic and gender-based violence across the state.
Speaking during the formal handover on Monday, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the intervention demonstrates the government’s collective determination to address gender-based violence, describing the upgraded center as a place “repositioned to give hope, healing, and timely response to survivors.”
She noted that the event coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action toward ending violence against women and girls. The First Lady highlighted this year’s theme, which draws attention to the rising threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and calls for coordinated action by governments, tech companies, and communities.
“Gender-based violence is not just a crime; it is a violation of humanity and one of the most pervasive human rights abuses of our time, affecting nearly one in three women globally,” she said, urging stakeholders to intensify collaboration to tackle the menace.
She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment through the THEMES+ agenda, stressing that the remodeled center represents a major step in strengthening the state’s response systems.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, commended the First Lady for her consistent advocacy and leadership in the fight against gender-based violence. He announced that the remodeled facility would be named after her in recognition of her contributions.
CP Jimoh described the upgraded center as a “milestone achievement” designed to reinforce justice delivery and protect vulnerable persons, noting that increasing reports of GBV cases made the revamp urgent and necessary.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by top government officials and dignitaries, including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN (representing the Chief Judge); Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende; permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, members of COWLSO, the Police Officers’ Wives Association, and various non-governmental organisations.
