Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection programmes and combating gender-based violence through sustained investments, public awareness and strict enforcement of relevant laws.

Hamzat stated this at the presentation of “Who Is She,” a book focused on girl-child protection and social issues, authored by Princess Damilola Sonayon-James in Lagos.

According to the Deputy Governor, Lagos has developed a comprehensive social protection policy supported by a regularly updated social register that captures vulnerable groups, including children, women, persons with disabilities and other residents requiring support.

He said the state’s social protection framework is being implemented through various ministries and agencies responsible for women’s affairs, youth development, poverty alleviation, employment generation, child welfare and domestic violence prevention.

Speaking on gender-based violence, Hamzat stressed the need to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and sanctioned, noting that public awareness of successful prosecutions would serve as a deterrent and reinforce the message that abuse is unacceptable.

He also called for greater attention to the upbringing of boys, urging families and institutions to promote values of respect, responsibility and healthy relationships among young men.

The Deputy Governor further highlighted Lagos State’s efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare, revealing that the state currently operates eleven Maternal and Child Centres to provide quality healthcare services for mothers and children.

Commending the author, Hamzat described the book as a valuable contribution to discussions on social protection, gender-based violence and societal development.

In her remarks, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James said the book was inspired by years of community engagement, research and documentation of social challenges affecting families and communities.

She expressed hope that the publication would encourage dialogue and inspire collective action towards protecting vulnerable groups and building stronger communities.

Reviewers at the event also called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, increased advocacy against gender-based violence and reforms to ensure educational opportunities translate into meaningful employment for young Nigerians.