The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Daddy’s Girl Project, has launched a pilot initiative to promote responsible fatherhood, strengthen father-daughter relationships and prevent the abuse of girls, with 70 fathers pledging to safeguard their daughters’ safety, dignity and well-being.
The initiative, held on October 27, 2026, at Ikoyi Senior Grammar School, Lagos, was themed “Promoting Responsible, Present and Protective Fathers.” It seeks to encourage fathers to become more actively involved in their daughters’ lives and recognise their role in preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Speaking on behalf of the DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Ms. Ramat Balogun-Lamidi stressed that fathers play a crucial role in protecting girls and creating homes where children feel safe, valued and heard.
She noted that fatherhood goes beyond financial provision to include emotional support, active listening, trust-building and creating an environment where daughters can confidently speak up when something is wrong.
Balogun-Lamidi added that responsible fatherhood requires emotional availability, open communication, positive role modelling and active participation in daughters’ growth and development.
The programme was facilitated by Mr. Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, a parenting coach, author and host of the Manhood radio show. He encouraged fathers to build relationships with their daughters based on trust, mutual respect, emotional security, active listening and appropriate guidance.
Participants also engaged in discussions on toxic masculinity and positive parenting, reflecting on their parenting practices and identifying practical ways to become more present, supportive and protective fathers.
The programme ended with an interactive session and a collective pledge by the participating fathers to prioritise their daughters’ safety, dignity and overall well-being.
As part of its ongoing efforts to address domestic and child abuse, the DSVA urged members of the public to report cases through its 24-hour toll-free hotline, 08000-333-333, email info@lagosdsva.org, or USSD code *6820#.
The pilot initiative forms part of the Agency’s broader commitment to promoting positive parenting, strengthening family relationships and preventing sexual and gender-based violence in homes, schools and communities. Through the initiative, the DSVA aims to encourage greater parental involvement in child protection and reinforce the principle that safeguarding every girl is a shared responsibility.