Lagos Lights Alausa Purple, Urges Residents To Speak Up Against Abuse

Ilyas Opeyemi

The Lagos State Government has turned the State Secretariat in Alausa purple as part of activities to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against domestic and sexual violence across the state.

The initiative, tagged “Turn Alausa Purple”, is part of activities marking the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month and is being championed by the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA.

The purple illumination is intended to draw public attention to the realities of domestic and sexual violence while encouraging residents, public institutions and other stakeholders to take action against abuse.

Speaking on the initiative, Agoro said the campaign was more than the lighting of government buildings, describing it as a statement of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting people affected by domestic and sexual violence.

“Turning Alausa purple is more than illuminating our offices and public spaces. It is a statement that we recognise the problem, we care about those affected, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe and protected,” he said.

The Head of Service urged public servants to recognise their role in tackling domestic and sexual violence, stressing that awareness must be followed by action.

He encouraged workers to speak up, support survivors and direct victims or persons at risk to appropriate support services.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour Adeniyi, said the campaign was designed to remind residents that keeping silent about abuse could allow it to continue.

“Today, Alausa is purple to send one clear message: Lagos State has zero tolerance for domestic and sexual violence. We are telling survivors, you are not alone, and we are telling perpetrators, there will be consequences,” she said.

Vivour Adeniyi called on public servants experiencing abuse, as well as those who witness or suspect cases of domestic or sexual violence, to speak up and seek help.

She stressed that survivors should not be left to deal with the consequences of abuse alone and urged members of the public to support efforts aimed at preventing violence.

The DSVA executive secretary also called on private organisations, schools, communities, the media and other stakeholders to participate in the awareness campaign by sharing accurate information about prevention, reporting channels and available support services.

“If you see something, say something. Abuse thrives in secrecy,” she added.

Residents were further urged to report suspected cases and take steps to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency was established to coordinate responses to gender based violence and provide support services to survivors across the state.