By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

The Lagos State Government has appointed some key officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) as ambassadors of its campaign against rape, domestic violence, child abuse, maltreatment and neglect in the State.
Speaking at a sensitization and engagement initiative held at Abule Egba Secretariat of Lagos State branch of NURTW, Coordinator of Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), an agency under the state’s Ministry of Justice, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, explained that the plan was to adopt all strategies that would make the state uncomfortable for rapists and abusers.
Vivour-Adeniyi pointed out that the engagement was particularly premised on the fact that NURTW officers were rooted within their communities, and at certain times, could serve as first responders to incidences.
While addressing NURTW officials at the programme, she argued that it was important for them to understand the different forms of abuses, steps survivors of rape and defilement should take after the assault, and the role of Christian and Muslim doctrines on the issue.
She also announced plans by DSVRT to scale up the partnership by visiting the garages and zones across the State, and ensuring that all officers and members of NURTW were properly sensitized.
Responding, Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Tajudeen Agbede commended the state government for the initiative to appoint his members as ambassadors, and pledged their full commitment to the cause.