Lagos engages ‘Alaga’, traditional marriage comperes, for advocacy against SGBV

The Lagos state Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has tasked the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON) to use their role in advocating against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

An APWECON member, popularly referred to as ‘Alaga Ijoko/Iduro’, is a woman who is the master of ceremonies at Yoruba traditional weddings.

DSVA, on Tuesday, launched ‘Idile Alayo’, a Yoruba phrase which means “happy family”, as part of its sustainable and proactive programmes in its fight against the menace of SGBV.

Speaking at the event which held in Ikeja, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, DSVA executive secretary, said statistics have shown that marriages contracted under customary law and traditional practices are one of the preferred forms of solemnisation.

She said “the Alagas’ strategic and influential role while interfacing with intending couples and attending participants cannot be undermined”.

“Statistics from our agency reveal that over 75% of clients reporting matrimonial abuses had prior knowledge of the pre-existing abusive behavior of their partner but proceeded with the union for various reasons. 70% of these survivors submitted to customary law and marriage,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

“We intend to infuse advocacy around domestic violence into the existing traditional marriage ceremonies conducted by Alagas in Lagos, which would have far-reaching effects.

“This has birthed this program ‘Idile Alayo,’ which, amongst other things, keeps many abreast of the growing trend of sexual and gender-based violence issues in Lagos.

“We use this medium to implore you to use your influence in the course of officiating traditional unions to advocate against domestic violence and preach the zero tolerance message.

“Together, we can salvage our state from this destructive menace.”

Matilda Ajibola Shipeolu, APWECON governor, said the event is a welcome initiative to boost their roles as comperes as well as ensure a firm and strong foundation for violence-free homes.

She added that the association had always taken it as a priority to address SGBV issues before, during, and after marriage for couples.

She said the engagement with DSVA had improved their knowledge of new techniques to reduce domestic violence in the society.

In June, DSVA established a shelter named “Eko Haven” for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.