The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has launched a pilot initiative to promote responsible fatherhood and strengthen father-daughter relationships, with 70 fathers pledging to protect girls from abuse and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The initiative, organised in partnership with the Daddy’s Girl Project, was held on October 27, 2026, at Ikoyi Senior Grammar School, Lagos, themed, “Promoting Responsible, Present and Protective Fathers.”
It seeks to encourage fathers to take a more active role in their daughters’ lives and recognise how their presence, emotional support and guidance can help prevent abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the DSVA Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Ramat Balogun-Lamidi stressed that fathers have a crucial role to play in protecting girls and creating homes where children feel safe, valued and heard.
“Protecting our girls begins at home. Fathers must understand that their responsibility goes beyond providing financially; it includes being present, listening to their daughters, earning their trust and creating an environment where they feel safe enough to speak up when something is wrong,” she said.
Balogun-Lamidi added that the initiative was designed to encourage more fathers to take an active role in preventing abuse and building stronger, healthier family relationships.
She identified emotional availability, open communication, positive role modelling and active involvement in their daughters’ growth and development as essential elements of responsible fatherhood.
The programme’s facilitator, Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, a parenting coach, author and host of the Manhood radio show, urged fathers to build relationships with their daughters based on trust, respect, emotional security, active listening and appropriate guidance.
Participants also discussed toxic masculinity and positive parenting, reflecting on their parenting styles and exploring practical ways to become more present, supportive and protective fathers.
The engagement 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 efforts to tackle domestic and child abuse, the DSVA urged members of the public to report cases through its 24-hour toll-free line.
The agency said the pilot initiative forms part of its broader efforts to promote positive parenting, strengthen family relationships and prevent sexual and gender-based violence in homes, schools and communities.
It added that greater parental involvement was essential to safeguarding children and building a culture in which protecting every girl is recognised as a shared responsibility.