The Lagos State government has taken a significant step in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence by engaging religious leaders across the state. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency organized a comprehensive two-day training program specifically designed for clerics and religious figures.
Training Program Details
The important event commenced on Thursday, November 7, 2025, and continued through Friday, with sessions held at the Ikeja Local Council Secretariat. The training brought together religious stakeholders from various faith backgrounds to equip them with essential knowledge about sexual and gender-based violence issues affecting communities across Lagos.
Psychological First Aid for Survivors
Mr Taiwo Amusa, a mental health nurse who served as one of the program facilitators, provided extensive education on psychological first aid and available support services for survivors of psychological trauma. "All of us need to have at least basic knowledge of psychology and psychological first aid," Amusa emphasized during his presentation.
He further explained the crucial connection between psychology and religious practices, stating that "if you are not able to study the mind of an affected person, you won't be able to solve his problems, or her problems." Amusa also highlighted the importance of combining spiritual foundation with practical support services, warning that services rendered without this foundation might cause victims to fall apart.
Religious Leaders as Key Partners
Pastor Oladele Emmanuel, President of the Institute of Marriage Administrators and Counsellors of Nigeria and another facilitator at the event, addressed the critical roles religious leaders play in combating sexual and gender-based violence. He strongly advocated for enhanced cooperation between religious bodies and government agencies to effectively tackle this pervasive issue.
"There should be a synergy between the government and the leaders of these organizations," Pastor Oladele stated. He emphasized that programs like this training would enable religious leaders to incorporate discussions about sexual and gender-based violence into their sermons and religious teachings, thereby reaching wider audiences.
Participants' Positive Responses
Attendees expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its importance for their communities. Rev. Dr Matthews Adejumo, one of the participants, commended the program, saying "I love the programme because it creates awareness, not only to the religious leaders, but the community at large."
Imam Olawale Marufuddeen, another participant, described the training as essential for society, noting that "We learnt a lot about the topics discussed... they are topics that have to do with our day-to-day activities—our tomorrow, being prepared for us today to enable us prepare our children for the challenges of tomorrow."
The Imam further emphasized the need for more frequent initiatives of this nature, stating they are highly educational. He committed to sharing the knowledge gained with his congregation, saying "We shall try to enlighten our gathering to let them know the effects and preventive measures of sexual and gender-based violence."
This collaborative effort between the Lagos State government and religious institutions marks a significant advancement in addressing sexual and gender-based violence through community-based approaches and spiritual guidance.
