…..As WAPA Department Leads Street Walk From Secretariat To Under-Bridge, Promotes Peaceful Homes
Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Ikeja, Lagos— Ikeja Local Government has taken its campaign against domestic violence to the streets, urging residents to report abuse and seek support early.
The sensitisation walk, organised by the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA Department was held on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD).
The walk kicked off at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat and moved to the Ikeja Under-Bridge, where council officials engaged traders, commuters and residents on the need to build peaceful and respectful homes.
Leading the exercise were Supervisor for WAPA, Hon. Queen Akinduro Oluwafunmibi; Special Adviser on WAPA, Hon. Olajumoke Ogunyemi; and Head of Department, WAPA, Mrs. Tolulope Akingbesote,alongside other council officials and community stakeholders.
Participants carried placards with messages such as “Say No to Domestic Violence” and “Ikeja Says No to Domestic Violence”to raise public awareness.
Hon. Oluwafunmibi said the walk reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of abuse.
“We want peace and unity in Ikeja. We detest every form of violence. Our Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, believes strongly in peace and works tirelessly to ensure that residents continue to enjoy peace and harmony in Ikeja,” she stated.
Mrs. Akingbesote noted that domestic violence is not limited to physical assault. It also includes emotional, verbal and psychological abuse that can have lasting effects on victims and families.
She encouraged anyone experiencing sexual and gender-based violence to come forward for help through proper channels, including the Mediation Centre within Ikeja Local Government, where counselling and guidance are available.
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The team also called on residents to practice healthy communication, mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution. Witnesses and community members were urged to report cases promptly instead of keeping silent.
Ikeja Local Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safer community where residents can live free from violence, intimidation and abuse.
Community leaders who joined the walk applauded the council for bringing the message directly to the people.
