UK Based Scholar Urges LASODA To Go Beyond Advocacy And Awareness Creation, As Group Donates Assistive Devices To PWDs In Lagos

A clarion call has been made to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) to strengthen its role as the coordinating arm of government on disability matters in the state and go Beyond advocacy and awareness creation to taking more decisive steps towards enforcing the provisions of the Lagos State Special People's Law. The call was made by Mr Michael Fadeyi, a UK based Nigerian scholar, during the presentation of assistive devices to persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the International Press Centre, Ogba in Ikeja.

Mr Fadeyi said there was a need for LASODA to take more steps in enforcing the law, especially where there are clear cases of non-compliance.

“Where there are clear cases of non-compliance by individuals, organisations, or institutions, such matters should be pursued through the appropriate legal channels,” he stated, stressing that effective enforcement would send a strong message that disability rights are not acts of charity but matters of justice, dignity, and law.

 

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“Together, we can build a Lagos where persons with disabilities are not merely included in policy discussions but are fully considered in the design and implementation of health and social programmes,” Mr Fadeyi added.

The UK based scholar also advised that health initiatives targeted at persons with disabilities should go beyond general programmes and recognise the additional financial and health burdens they experience, adding that Healthcare support, insurance schemes, subsidies, and social protection measures must take these realities into account.

In his own words, “Since part of what we are doing here today is health-related, the Lagos State Government's health initiatives must be deliberately designed to meet the particular needs of persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities often face economic realities that make them poorer than their non-disabled counterparts, whether they are employed or unemployed. Disability frequently comes with additional costs that many people do not see.

“For example, consider a person who is blind and works for the Lagos State Government. Such an individual may own a car like any other employee, but because they cannot drive, they must employ the services of a driver. This is an extra expense that a non-disabled employee may not have to bear. Similar hidden costs exist across different disability groups, reducing disposable income and increasing vulnerability to poverty.

“For this reason, health initiatives targeted at persons with disabilities should go beyond general programmes and recognise the additional financial and health burdens they experience. Healthcare support, insurance schemes, subsidies, and social protection measures must take these realities into account.”

Mr Fadeyi noted that persons with disabilities are not a homogeneous group as  Different disabilities come with different health needs. A person with albinism, he said, may require specialised dermatological care, regular skin examinations, and protection from the harmful effects of the sun, which are entirely different from those of a blind person.

“Likewise, individuals with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy may require physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialised interventions that are very different from the needs of persons with hearing impairments. The implication is clear: a one-size-fits-all approach will not adequately serve persons with disabilities. Health programmes must be disability-responsive, inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of different impairment groups,” he stated.

The presentation of assistive devices at the International Press Centre was the culmination of a 3-day event that included the donation of a desktop computer and a standalone scanner to the Visually Impaired Unit of the University of Lagos Library, as well as  the donation of a washing machine to Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted. The beneficiaries were drawn from different clusters, including  the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Let Cerebral Kids Learn Foundation, Divine International Centre Solution for the Blind, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) and Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDDN).

The items distributed at the event include: two desktop computers, anti-seizure medication for three months for 10 children with cerebral palsy, games and learning materials for blind students, accessible BP monitors for blind people; guide cane and talking wristwatch, and one wheelchair.

The event was initiated and supported by Michael Fadeyi, a doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex, UK, with financial contributions from the Oliver family, also in the United Kingdom. It was coordinated and executed by BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), a non-governmental organisation that promotes the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Dr Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, representing the General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, thanked Mr Fadeyi, BOFIM and the supporters for the initiative, saying that the effort would help to enhance the well-being of PWDs

Dr Adekola noted that the Lagos State government has rolled out different forms of support to PWDs, but the government cannot do it alone, and encouraged stakeholders within the space to join hands with the government to promote the rights of PWDs in the state. She also urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items received.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the assistive devices, saying the devices would go a long way in helping them to cope with the health, mobility and other challenges that come with disability.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Sunday Amabli, who represented the Special Education Unit, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, appreciated the desktop computer given to the unit.

“Our students use typewriters currently; with the computer, they can learn better and be computer literate, which would be useful in preparing them ahead of higher institutions. With this, they can cope effectively in the higher institutions,” he stated.

A parent receives a three-month supply of medication for her child with cerebral palsy

L-R: University Librarian, Prof Christopher Okiki; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, UNILAG Prof Muyiwa Falaye; Head Readers' Services, UNILAG, Prof E.A. Adekanmi; Dr Onaadeojo, Head, Technical Services  receiving accessible desktop scanner and desktop computer

 

 

  

 

     

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N6 Retracts Rape Allegations Against Peruzzi, Says He Was Misinformed

The feud between on-air personality and rapper, N6; and singer, Peruzzi, has taken a new turn, with N6 issuing a public apology and retracting the allegations of rape and paedophilia he made against the singer.

The controversy began after N6 criticised Peruzzi’s business decisions, particularly his reported practice of writing and giving out hit songs without formal agreements, describing the move as a “stupid idea”.

Peruzzi responded by accusing N6 of squatting at his residence for years, using drugs, including alleged crack cocaine, and failing in roles such as a “DJ manager”. He also shared old videos which appeared to show N6 comatose on a couch.

 

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N6 denied the drug allegations and offered a N1m reward for anyone who could provide proof. However, the disagreement escalated when he brought up the rape allegations previously made against Peruzzi in 2020.

During the heated exchange, N6 referred to Peruzzi as a “Nationally Registered Rapist”, “sexual degenerate” and “paedophile”, claiming the matter was resolved out of court. He also alleged that the controversy affected Peruzzi’s finances and ability to get a visa, while making comments about his family.

He further encouraged people to search Peruzzi’s name alongside the word “rapist” and hinted at plans to produce a documentary on the issue.

However, some fans and observers criticised N6, accusing him of hypocrisy, and questioning why he maintained a relationship with Peruzzi despite being aware of the previous allegations, and only bringing them up because of their fallout.

However, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, N6 issued an apology on X, retracting all the claims he made against the singer.

He stated that the rape, paedophile, financial and family-related allegations were false and baseless, noting that they were based on unverified information without proper fact-checking.

He also acknowledged that he initiated the exchange of insults and allowed online provocation to worsen the situation.

The rapper apologised for mocking Peruzzi’s songwriting career and early years in the music industry, adding that he had deleted the offensive posts.

N6 extended his apology to Peruzzi, his family, fans and members of the entertainment industry, promising not to repeat such claims.

Peruzzi had yet to publicly respond to N6’s apology as of the time of filing this report.

  

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How Sandra Edoho Tricked Me Into Their Home And Locked Me Up - Alleged Lover

An entrepreneur, Adekoya Ibukunoluwa, has taken legal action against Sandra Edoho, demanding N100m in damages over alleged defamatory Instagram publications linking her to an extramarital affair with Sandra’s estranged husband and popular broadcaster, Frank Edoho.

In a memorandum of claim dated July 17, 2026, and signed by lawyer and Managing Partner of FOLEGAL, Festus Ogun, Adekoya accused Sandra of libel, fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of privacy over posts allegedly made on her Instagram page, “vivibella_designs.”

According to the document, the dispute dates back to October 2023 when Monisola allegedly met Frank Edoho by chance at Hardrock Café, Lekki, Lagos, where they discussed their shared interest in Arsenal Football Club and exchanged contacts.

 

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The entrepreneur’s lawyers alleged that on November 19, 2023, Sandra impersonated her husband on WhatsApp and invited Adekoya to the Edoho residence in Victoria Garden City, Lagos, with an offer of N10m, claiming she was only expected to “honour the invitation.”

The memorandum further alleged that Sandra, while posing as Frank’s brother, picked Adekoya up and took her to the residence, where she was allegedly locked inside a room.

The lawyers claimed that Frank, who was reportedly asleep at the time, was later woken up and expressed shock over the allegation of an affair. He was said to have apologised to Adekoya over the incident.

The entrepreneur’s legal team further alleged that following a marital crisis between Sandra and Frank in May 2026, Sandra embarked on a “calculated campaign” against their client by posting her photograph, private WhatsApp conversations and a video on Instagram.

The posts, according to the claim, portrayed Monisola as one of several women allegedly involved in relationships with Frank.

One of the alleged posts quoted in the memorandum read: “Or is it the smelling prostitute whom you led into our home? Where I had a video record you escorting her to the gate.”

Monisola’s lawyers described the posts as “blatantly false, mischievous and misleading,” claiming they damaged their client’s reputation by portraying her as a “prostitute, sex worker and a person of questionable character.”

The legal document claimed that the posts allegedly went viral, were republished by blogs and online platforms, and subjected Monisola to cyberbullying, harassment, insults and public ridicule.

The entrepreneur further sought a declaration that the May 19, 2026 Instagram post was defamatory, false and malicious, while asking Sandra to retract the posts and issue an unreserved apology.

She is also seeking an injunction restraining Sandra from publishing similar materials in the future, N100m in damages and the cost of the legal action.

The memorandum also proposed an out-of-court settlement, requiring Sandra to delete the alleged publications, issue a public apology acknowledging the alleged impersonation of Frank Edoho, and pay N20m in damages.

  

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Nigeria Tops Porn Charts But Nobody Admits Watching Them — Seyi Hunter

Actress and adult entertainment consultant, Seyi Hunter, has spoken about Nigeria’s complex relationship with sexuality, arguing that many Nigerians consume sexual content in private despite publicly acting otherwise.

Speaking in an interview with the Punch, Hunter said, “I won’t call it hypocrisy; I’ll say Nigerians are private people. It’s like most of us (not me) are living double lives. People often feel the need to present themselves in ways that align with societal or religious expectations, even when their private interests are different.

 

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“There’s a reason we are always topping charts on porn sites, but nobody admits they watch them. Before I lost my first Sinful Friday channel on Xvideos, it had over a billion views. Who was watching? People pretend a lot, but Gen Z are breaking that stereotype,” she said.

Speaking on whether more open conversations about intimacy could help couples build stronger relationships, Hunter said communication is key to sexual compatibility.

“If you are sexually compatible with your partner, all you need is communication to get the ball rolling. Always let your partner know what you want, and always explore. Fifty per cent of sex and intimacy is communication. Even if there’s a deeper issue, you’ll never know without communication,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Hunter added that attraction alone does not always guarantee compatibility in a relationship.

“I dated someone I liked, but every time he touched me, it felt like he was using pins on my skin,” she added.

Culled from the Punch 

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Four Million Dollars Property Scam Report Is Fake - Bella Shmurda

Popular singer Bella Shmurda has dismissed reports alleging that he lost $4 million in a Lagos property scam, describing the claims as fake.

The singer made the clarification in a series of posts shared on his Instagram Story on Friday, days after a viral report claimed he broke down in tears during an Instagram Live session over an alleged fraudulent property deal.

On the Instagram Live session he was said to have said “Nigeria, I need your help. I’m not doing okay right now. I spent $4 million of my own hard-earned money, only to find out I bought stolen property.”

 

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But today in one of the posts, Bella Shmurda wrote, “Fake news!! I wasn’t scammed. Trust bloggers @ ur own Risk. Doing fine and happy. Peace & Love”

He also shared another Instagram Story with the caption, “4m$ keh?? This country no go sleep!!”, mocking the widespread reports about the alleged $4 million property scam.

The Instagram Live report, which was widely circulated online, claimed the singer became emotional during the session while appealing for help over the alleged loss.

The alleged incident sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many fans expressing concern over the singer’s welfare.

Subsequent reports quoting members of the singer’s camp also described the story as false, stating that the viral video being circulated online was an old clip from 2023 that had been taken out of context.

  

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Demolition Of Fire-damaged Martins Street Building Begins

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, has commenced the controlled demolition of the fire-damaged building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

He said the “exercise followed a comprehensive structural assessment and would be carried out in line with international best practices in urban safety, disaster risk management and public health protection.”

 

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Oke-Osanyintolu “advised traders, residents, customers and members of the public to comply strictly with all safety directives” during the demolition.

He said the affected building and its immediate surroundings had been declared a restricted and hazardous area.

According to him, “no unauthorised person should enter the premises, while traders and customers should keep a safe distance to avoid injuries from falling debris or possible structural collapse.”

He added that all trading, parking, loading and other commercial activities around the building had been suspended until the area was certified safe by relevant authorities.

The permanent secretary said the “site had been barricaded with warning signs, while security personnel had been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage crowds.”

He said the demolition contractor would conduct a final structural assessment before commencing work and ensure full compliance with established safety regulations.

According to him, the site will remain “cordoned off throughout the operation, with dust suppression measures as well as traffic and pedestrian management plans in place.”

Oke-Osanyintolu said all personnel on site must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, while operators of heavy machinery must ensure all equipment is certified fit for use.

He said emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service and first aid personnel, would remain on standby throughout the exercise.

He added that the demolition team would work with the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other relevant agencies.

The permanent secretary said continuous public sensitisation would be carried out to discourage residents, traders and onlookers from gathering around the site until the exercise was completed.

He acknowledged the economic importance of Martins Street to the Lagos Island business community but said the precautionary measures were necessary to protect lives and property.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to cooperate with security and emergency personnel, advising them to report safety concerns through LASEMA Response Units or the emergency toll-free lines 112 and 767.

He thanked the Martins Street community for patience, understanding and cooperation as the government worked to restore safety and normalcy to the area. (NAN)

  

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Senate Bans Preaching, Hawking In Commercial Buses

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement and curb practices considered capable of distracting drivers, now awaits presidential assent.

If signed into law, the legislation will also impose a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, on motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the FRSC during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

 

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The amendment forms part of a broader review of the FRSC Act aimed at increasing compliance with traffic regulations, reducing road crashes and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads through stiffer penalties for traffic offences.

Under the proposed law, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.

The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.

Convicted offenders also risk up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will equally face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The proposed amendment further increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000.

Similarly, speed limit violations, previously punishable with a N5,000 fine, will now attract a N100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also be punishable with a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences contained in the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.

According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.

  

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Why Lagosians Should Avoid Floodwaters As Much As Possible - Health Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible.

The commissioner noted that floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, creating ideal conditions for waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. He said they also increase the risk of skin infections, injuries, snakebites, and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.

With flooding plaguing the state in this rainy season, Abayomi urged residents to drink only safe or treated water and to maintain good hand hygiene.

Posting on X, Abayomi advised Lagosians to switch off electricity before entering flooded homes, and seek immediate medical attention for diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or other signs of illness.

 

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“Health is shaped not only by the care we provide in hospitals but also by the environments in which people live. Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city,” he said.

The commissioner revealed that beyond damaged roads and submerged homes, floods disrupt access to healthcare, schools, workplaces, and essential services. He noted that families lose property and income, communities are displaced, and the physical and emotional toll can last long after the waters recede.

He said the impact of flooding falls hardest on those already most vulnerable: older persons, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people living with disabilities.

“Alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and other senior officials, I visited affected communities to assess the situation firsthand. One striking sight was canoe operators ferrying residents, particularly older persons and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets. While this demonstrates the resilience and ingenuity of Lagosians, it also highlights how deeply flooding disrupts daily life.

“As the Ministry of Health, our focus goes beyond treating illness. We are strengthening disease surveillance in affected communities, promoting safe water and sanitation practices, monitoring for outbreaks of waterborne diseases, and coordinating with other ministries to reduce flood-related health risks,” the commissioner said.

Abayomi revealed that the state government has designed new healthcare facility blueprints that integrate robust climate adaptation and resilience measures tailored to Lagos’s annual flooding and worsening weather.

The blueprint features low-carbon, naturally cooled designs elevated above projected flood levels; improved local drainage and green roofs to manage stormwater while harvesting rainwater; strict infection-prevention compliance to ensure safe, hygienic operations during crises; and integrated solar power systems to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare delivery during grid outages.

  

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Having Kids With Different Women One Of My Biggest Mistakes — Ubi Franklin

Nigerian talent manager and music executive Ubi Franklin has described having children with different women as one of the biggest mistakes of his life, urging young people to learn from his experience.

Franklin made the remarks in a recent episode of his podcast, Talks with Ubi Franklin. A clip from the episode was shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday.

Reflecting on his personal life, the father of four said he loves his children deeply but wishes he had made different choices.

 

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“One of the worst decisions you could ever make is to have kids with different women,” he said.

“I’m one of those people who are in it, and I can tell you that no matter the money you think you have, no matter what you have, no matter what you think you are doing, that should never be a decision you’re going to make in life.”

Franklin explained that providing for his children financially has never been the issue. Instead, he said the greatest challenge has been managing relationships with the mothers of his children.

“Some of us are lucky that God has given us some good money to be able to take care of them. But taking care of them is not the problem. It is managing the emotions of the adults who are their mothers,” he said.

He also advised young people to avoid finding themselves in similar situations.

“I want to tell young people, please and please, no matter the life you want to live, let baby mama drama not be part of it because some of us have survived it, but some of you might not be able to survive it.”

The music executive said that if he had the opportunity to make the decision again, he would choose a different path, while stressing that children remain life’s greatest blessing.

“I wish I had taken a different road on it. Children are the best thing that we can ever have in our lives. If you can do anything possible in your life, just have all of them in one place,” he said.

In the caption accompanying the video, Franklin said he was speaking openly about his past to help others make better decisions.

“Learn from my experience. Growth begins with honesty,” he wrote.

Franklin married actress Lilian Esoro on November 1, 2015, but the couple separated a year later. They share a son, Jayden.

In 2017, the talent manager revealed that he battled depression for nine months following the collapse of the marriage.

Aside from Jayden, Franklin has three other children from different relationships.

  

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Igbogbo Monarch, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, Rallies Residents Against Sexual, Domestic Violence

The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has urged residents to report cases of sexual and domestic violence, assuring them that the palace would not shield perpetrators.

The monarch gave the assurance on Wednesday at his palace shortly after a rally against sexual and gender-based violence held across Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area in Lagos.

The awareness campaign formed part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, scheduled for July 19 to 26, 2026.

Participants, including community members, marched through major roads in the LCDA carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘real men don’t abuse women’, ‘protect the rights of women and girls’, ‘Stop the violence, break the bias’, and ‘stand against all forms of domestic and sexual violence in Igbogbo’.

 

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Speaking at the event, Oba Kasali described sexual and gender-based violence as a growing global concern and called for collective efforts to curb the menace.

The monarch warned that anyone found violating the law would face justice, stressing that legal provisions existed to protect all citizens.

He said, “We must all do our part to reduce the occurrence of sexual and gender-based violence in our society.

“The law is there to protect everybody, but it will deal with whoever tramples upon it.”

He urged victims and witnesses to speak up, assuring residents that reports made to the palace would be handled without fear or favour.

He also appealed to residents to obey the law and fulfil their civic responsibilities in promoting a violence-free community.

The monarch said, “We are speaking with one voice alongside NGOs and relevant Lagos State agencies against sexual and domestic violence.

“We encourage people to speak out whenever such acts occur. People should not hesitate to approach the palace. I assure you that nothing will be swept under the carpet.”

Delivering a lecture at the event, the Head of Field Operations, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Oluwakemi Bello, said domestic violence cuts across all family relationships and remains a major concern for the state government.

Bello said, “Domestic violence can happen between husband and wife, father and child, mother and child, or even children against their parents.

“The Lagos State Government does not want domestic violence because we have repeatedly seen reports of couples killing one another over disagreements.”

Speaking in an interview, the Executive Director of the Community Human Rights Foundation, Alhaji Lateef Akinborode, said data from Lagos State indicated that Ikorodu remained one of the areas with a high incidence of domestic violence.

He said, “This event is timely because when we reviewed Lagos State data on domestic violence, we realised that Ikorodu is one of the areas with the highest cases.

“Sensitisation like this is important to eradicate the menace and cleanse the community.”

 

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