The Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, on Thursday flagged off the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a strong warning to students to guard themselves against the growing trend of digital abuse.
Speaking at Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Ibadan, she said the campaign’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” reflects the urgent need to protect young Nigerians from online harm.
Addressing hundreds of students, teachers, and stakeholders, the First Lady stressed that online harassment has become as dangerous as physical assault.
“Violence against women and girls is no longer just physical violence, it now also happens in the digital space,” she said.
She urged students to use the internet wisely, adding, “The internet never forgets; every post, every comment, every image has lasting consequences.”
She warned that careless online behaviour can destroy lives, noting that digital abuse leaves deep psychological damage.
“Digital violence silences voices, destroys confidence, and in some cases leads to tragedy,” she said.
“Some girls have committed suicide because of the shame that followed after their private information or photos were shared without consent.”
Mrs Makinde encouraged teachers to create safe learning environments and educate students on online safety.
“Teach your students how to stay safe online. Encourage them to report any digital harassment without fear,” she told school authorities.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, recalling the 2020 passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law,
“Here in Oyo State, we recognize that gender-based violence, whether digital or physical is a major obstacle to development. That is why the VAPP Law was passed to safeguard all residents.”
“Let us renew our commitment to ending all forms of violence, both online and offline,” she said.
“Let us build a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear.”
She also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for consistently supporting the annual campaign.
Earlier in her opening address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, set the tone with references to real-life cases of abuse. She narrated the case of late Ochanya Ogbanje, saying,
“She was just eight years old, sent to her auntie for better education, but raped repeatedly for five years until she died from the complications.”
Balogun also told the story of a 16-year-old survivor in Oyo State, whom she referred to as Ibukun.
“Since her mother died, her father had been sleeping with his three daughters in turns for seven years,” she revealed.
“Ibukun became pregnant and had a premature baby who died. Her father is now undergoing prosecution, and we will see this case to a logical conclusion.”
She warned that digital violence is becoming even more dangerous than physical abuse.
“Millions of women and girls are falling prey to online scams, sextortion, and manipulative digital grooming,” she said.
“The digital space is equally, if not more dangerous, if unregulated.”
Balogun stated that the Ministry will roll out cybersecurity training and digital literacy programmes in 2026 to empower women, adding,
“We are determined to build resilience among our women and protect them in an increasingly digitalised world.”
To further strengthen the state’s response, she announced that the Ministry’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) would be expanded.
“His Excellency has approved a quarterly grant to boost the RRT, and we are procuring work tools and vehicles to enhance rapid intervention,” she said.
The panel session also delivered messages from experts. The SSA on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande, cautioned that as technology becomes cheaper, young people become more vulnerable.
“ Tech is now very cheap, and it is easy to deceive or scam people online. Many young boys are being lured into cybercrime, and many girls are falling victim to it,” he said.
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Professor Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, echoed the First Lady’s concerns, saying,
“Violence is no longer only physical; it is now digital. Use your phone wisely. Avoid posting careless content.”
Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Christiana Abioye, reminded the audience of the need to defend women and girls relentlessly.
“We must continue to advocate, protect, and amplify the voices of women and girls across Oyo State,” she said.
Representing the Police Gender Desk, Ayemidara Funke reassured the students of law enforcement’s readiness to intervene.
“Do not suffer in silence. Report. We are committed to ensuring justice for every survivor of abuse,” she said.
Former Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, provided legal insights, noting that international organisations and treaties continue to push nations toward stronger GBV policies.
“Bodies like the UN, UNICEF and UNFPA have placed legal and moral responsibilities on states to create safer environments for women,” he said.
