In a proactive move to eradicate abuse within educational institutions and local communities, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) officially inducted 300 secondary school students into the Kings’ and Queens’ Clubs on Thursday, 16th July 2026.
The landmark ceremony, held at Dolphin Senior High School on Lagos Island, welcomed an equal demographic of 150 boys and 150 girls drawn from across Education District III.
Empowering the Next Generation of Advocates
The highly anticipated induction marked the culmination of an intensive six-week training programme spearheaded by the state government. The curriculum was specifically designed to equip the young participants with vital knowledge, leadership skills, and the foundational confidence required to serve as peer advocates. Their primary mission is to actively champion the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) within their respective schools and broader neighborhoods.
Addressing the newly minted advocates, the Head of Programmes for the DSVA, Miss Zainab Alaka, warmly congratulated the students on their successful completion of the rigorous training.
“I encourage you all to firmly uphold the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and leadership as you step into your roles as true ambassadors of these clubs,” stated Miss Alaka during her welcome address.
Creative Advocacy and Testimonies
The event was marked by highly engaging student participation. Newly inducted representatives delivered moving testimonies detailing how the six-week initiative profoundly strengthened their self-confidence and leadership capabilities. The students noted a vastly improved understanding of critical societal issues, including child protection laws, the dynamics of healthy relationships, and actionable violence prevention strategies.
Reinforcing these lessons, the students utilized creative arts featuring original drama performances, spoken word, and poetry—to amplify key messaging around gender equality, mutual respect, and the absolute intolerance of SGBV.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the educators, Mrs. Temitayo Olaoye, the District Counsellor for Education District III, praised the initiative.
“The Lagos DSVA must be commended for actively empowering our young people through preventive education. I urge every student here today to remain an exemplary ambassador of this great cause,” Mrs. Olaoye remarked.
The Pledge of Allegiance and Call to Action
A defining moment of the ceremony was the official Pledge of Allegiance, jointly led by Mr. Olaonipekun Kazeem and Mrs. Aderonke Oyelakin. Standing before their peers and mentors, the 300 students solemnly committed to honoring the clubs’ values, promoting a culture of respect, swiftly reporting any signs of abuse, and serving as positive role models for their generation.
Bringing the event to a close, Mr. Damilare Adewusi delivered the vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all stakeholders who made the initiative a reality. He left the audience with a vital reminder, urging the newly appointed Kings’ and Queens’ Club ambassadors to utilize the Lagos State Government-approved toll-free line, 08000 333 333, to securely report any emerging cases of domestic and sexual violence.
With this latest induction, Lagos State takes another definitive step toward cultivating safe, respectful, and violence-free school communities through the power of youth advocacy.
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