Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday led an all male walk against Gender, sexual based violence in the state.

The walk started from Ikeja under Bridge through Awolowo Way to Lagos House in Alausa.

It involved several dignitaries such as members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, key government functionaries, entertainers, youth artisans, workers, among others.

Addressing participants at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Ambode, said it was time for men to stand up and tackle the menace of Sexual Gender Based Violence in the society.

He said: “I will like you to join hands with me to say no to rapists, say no to women beaters and wherever they are. We know that the Task Force that we have set up will swing into action once it receives any petition from any member of the society.

“We are looking for the first 11 scapegoats whether highly or lowly placed in the society. We say no to domestic violence and sexual abuse.

“It is time we take the bull by the horn in tackling this menace of sexual and gender based Violence in our society. Research and countless reports have indicated clearly that women are significantly more prone to being victims of these crimes.

“There is also an evident trend of suppressing the voice of these victims due to the fact that these acts are perpetrated largely by men.”

“We should not take for granted the potential exponential effect of having emotionally and psychologically damaged women in a society as the effect could transcend to their children who grow up in an environment, thinking this is the norm.”

The Governor also commended the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), organisers of the Walk.

•Photo showsGovernor Ambode leading the walk . . . on Wednesday in Lagos.