Women’s Digital Safety: Ekiti Tackles Cyberbullying as First Lady Leads Advocacy Walk

News Update

As part of moves to tackle the rising wave of online harassment and technology-enabled violence, the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and several civil society organisations, has staged an advocacy walk across major streets and markets in Ado-Ekiti to mark the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s campaign focuses on the theme: “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

The walk, which took off from the Office of the First Lady, drew government officials, civil society actors, market leaders and concerned citizens who marched through the city to raise awareness about the fast-growing threat of cyberbullying, especially against young women and adolescent girls.

Addressing the crowd during the procession, the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, warned that violence against women had expanded beyond physical assault into a dangerous digital dimension.

She said the prevalence of cyberbullying on platforms such as Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram had become alarming.

“Women are at the receiving end of the majority of abuses today. What brought us out is the disturbing rise in online violence. Many girls and young women in Ekiti are being harassed, threatened, shamed, and blackmailed on social media. Let me state clearly that such practices will not be tolerated,” she said.

Dr. Oyebanji reminded residents that Ekiti has a functional legal framework, including the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law 2019; which criminalises all forms of abuse, both offline and online, urging perpetrators to rethink their actions as violators risk severe penalties.

“Anyone caught posting damaging content to intimidate or harass women will face the full wrath of the law. Victims should not suffer in silence. Report to the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Justice and Women Affairs, or the nearest police station. Cyberbullying can push victims into depression, and we must not allow that,” she added.

On her part, The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, called for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations, market women, youth groups, and community leaders. She said government alone cannot eliminate digital violence without community support.

“We appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji for championing this cause. But this fight needs everyone. We must all stand against cyberbullying and protect our women and girls,” she said.

Also speaking, the Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), said the state already has strong laws against gender violence, but awareness and enforcement must be intensified.

“The laws are in place, but people are not fully aware of them. That is why this rally is important. We are working closely with the police, NSCDC, NAPTIP and human rights groups to ensure effective implementation. Online harassment attracts stiff penalties; in some cases up to 10 years imprisonment,” Apata warned.

Also, the chairman of Ado North LCDA, Mrs. Adetokunbo Gbadamosi, emphasised the need for continuous sensitisation, warning that anyone caught harassing or blackmailing women online would be sanctioned.

“Our young girls must not allow themselves to be intimidated or manipulated on social media. We will continue to create awareness and enforce the law where necessary,” she said.

Top government officials who participated in the walk include the Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, among others, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; SA/DG Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo and Local Government Chairpersons.