The wife of Oyo State Governor, Tamunominini Makinde, has charged women and girls across the state to guard themselves against the growing trend of digital violence.
She lamented that online harassment has become as dangerous as physical assault, highlighting the need to protect young Nigerians, especially women and girls.
Speaking in Ibadan while flagging off the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with the theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”, Mrs Makinde said violence against women and girls is no longer just physical, but is now also happening in the digital space.
She urged the students to use the internet wisely, because the internet never forgets; every post, every comment, and every image has lasting consequences.
She warned that careless online behaviour can destroy lives, noting that digital abuse leaves serious psychological damage.
According to her, 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, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards ending GBV, citing the passage of the 2020 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law by the state government.
“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. Let us build a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, warned that digital violence is becoming more dangerous than physical abuse.
She said, “Millions of women and girls are falling prey to online scams, sextortion, and manipulative digital grooming. The digital space is equally, if not more, dangerous if unregulated.”
Balogun stated that the Ministry would 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. The governor has approved a quarterly grant to boost the RRT, and we are procuring work tools and vehicles to enhance rapid intervention.”