Uncategorized
Online Violence: Stakeholders Urge Women To Speak Up, Seek Justice
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Women and young girls have been urged to speak up and seek justice whenever they become victims of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), rather than suffering in silence or abandoning the pursuit of justice
The call was made on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a workshop organised by the Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI) to examine the impacts of TFGBV on women and how it could undermine their participation in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The workshop, themed “Digital Voices: Empowering Nigerian Women Against TFGBV,” brought together young women in politics, public leadership and the media, alongside stakeholders who highlighted the growing threats posed by online abuse and the need for collective action to create safer digital spaces for women.
Speaking at the event, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, lamented that many victims and their families often abandon the pursuit of justice after experiencing gender-based violence, adding that, silence protects the offenders, while reporting protects the society.
She stressed that digital safety has become an essential aspect of personal security because women now rely heavily on digital platforms for business, education, healthcare, banking, politics, relationships and entertainment.
“Many people unknowingly leave their digital lives completely exposed. Today, our phones are our homes. Our social media accounts are our identities. Our online presence deserves equal protection. Digital safety is personal safety because violence no longer requires physical contact,” she said.
Ejire-Adeyemi further noted that many victims fail to report abuse due to fear of being blamed, judged or disbelieved, urging families and friends to provide support instead of discouraging them from seeking justice.
She assured participants that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to investigate cyber-enabled crimes, preserve digital evidence, arrest offenders, collaborate with relevant cybercrime agencies, protect victims and intensify public awareness on online safety.
While highlighting the legal protections available to victims, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and relevant provisions of the Criminal and Penal Codes, the police spokesperson stressed that women have the right to digital privacy, online safety, dignity, justice and protection.
She called on governments to strengthen legislation and enforcement, technology companies to improve reporting systems and promptly remove abusive content, while urging schools to promote digital citizenship and parents to monitor their children’s online activities.
“Technology should create opportunities, not fear. Protecting women online is a shared responsibility involving government, families, schools, technology companies, civil society and every Nigerian,” she added.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze, warned that technology-facilitated gender-based violence often leaves victims with depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, shame, damaged careers, broken relationships and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. She called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb the growing menace.
A women’s advocate and Founder of Females Around The World, Abigail Badakin, urged women to strengthen their digital literacy knowledge and protect their privacy in online communication by limiting the personal information they share online. She encouraged participants to adopt stronger passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing intimate images under pressure, verify online identities and promptly report suspicious online activities.
Earlier, the Project Lead of the initiative, Joy Ajibola, said Nigerian women remain among the biggest victims of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, noting that online harassment, smear campaigns and digital attacks against women often intensify during election periods, particularly against female aspirants and public office holders.
She said the workshop was organised to equip young women with practical knowledge on recognising and preventing online abuse, including cyberstalking, doxing, sexist harassment and catfishing, while empowering them to participate confidently in politics and public life without fear of digital intimidation and abuse.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Armed bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in the Isin local government area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I.
It was gathered that the bandits invaded Igbesi at about 11:00 pm. on Saturday and abducted the monarch.
A palace source said the monarch was abducted alongside some other residents of the community during the attack.
“As of now , the exact number of victims and the whereabouts of the abducted monarch remained unclear”, the source said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler, adding that no other person was kidnapped.
He said that efforts are being made to rescue the monarch, adding that: “The narrative of attacks within the past 24 hours is also far from the truth; nothing of such.”
- Urges Unity, Support For Party Candidates
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Share/Oke-Ode Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo, has held a strategic meeting with women and youth leaders from across the Ifelodun Constituency as part of his ongoing consultations and grassroots engagement and mobilisation.
The stakeholders’ meeting, held at the residence of the late Dr. Femi Ogunshola, commenced with a minute of silence in honour and remembrance of the departed APC chieftain.
Dairo said: “Since his demise, I had not held any meeting at the residence, but I now deemed it fit to return there as a mark of respect and honour to the memory of a departed father. The solemn gesture reflected the deep respect and affection with which the late Dr. Femi Ogunshola continues to be remembered by the people.
“This strategic engagement provided me a unique opportunity to interact with party leaders and grassroots stakeholders, listen to their perspectives, and further strengthen the spirit of unity, consultation, cooperation and collective commitment within the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Hon. Oyinloye was accompanied by Alhaji Abdullateef Quadri Oko-Ode, Elder Babalola Arola, Obafemi Babamogba, Yusuf Adekunle Tajudeen, Mustapha Oladipo Alakoro and Biodun Balogun.
Among those present at the meeting were the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Segun Ogunshola; Hon. Timothy Ogunshola; Wahab Adam, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 3; Musbau Toheeb, Youth Leader, Share 1; Raji Ismaila, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 2; Animasaun J. Julius, Youth Leader, Oro-Ago Ward; Aileru Testimony, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 1; Aremu Sarafa, Youth Leader, Share 4; Shaba Suleiman, Youth Leader, Share 3; Ajayi K., Youth Leader, Share 5; Yusuf Ismail, Youth Leader, Share 2; Sheu Kafayat, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 3; Awoyemi Janet, Women Leader, Oro-Ago Ward; Ibrahim Kehinde, Women Leader, Share 4; Azeez Sadiyat, Women Leader, Share 3; Abosede Jacob, Women Leader, Share 2; Mustapha Fatima, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 2; and Usman Limota, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 3.
In his address, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Segun Ogunshola, commended the administration and achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stressing the importance of sustained commitment and collective efforts towards the continued progress of the state and the success of the APC.
He urged all party members and stakeholders to give their maximum support to all APC candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections, from the gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Saliu Yakub Danladi; the Senatorial candidate, Prince Lekan Adewoye; the House of Representatives candidate, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye; to the Share/Oke-Ode Constituency candidate for the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullateef and Elder Babalola urged the women and youth leaders, as well as all party stakeholders present, to remain steadfast and loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasising the importance of party discipline, unity and commitment, and encouraging all members to continue to support the party’s leadership and remain dedicated to the collective progress and success of the party.
The party leaders and executives present reaffirmed their dedication and unflinching loyalty to the leadership, unity and progress of the All Progressives Congress, pledging to intensify their grassroots engagement, mobilise support and contribute their utmost towards the success of the party and its candidates at all levels.
In his remarks, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo expressed his appreciation to the women and youth leaders, party stakeholders and all those who honoured the invitation, urging continued unity, cooperation and commitment to the collective success of the party.
He further emphasised the need to sustain the development strides and vision of the Governor AbdulRazaq, while also urging party members to remain united, support all APC candidates and prepare to vote massively for the party’s candidates at all levels in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The meeting ended on a strong note of renewed commitment, with all those present pledging to strengthen party unity, deepen grassroots engagement and work collectively towards a decisive victory for the All Progressives Congress and all its candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The Association of Northern Nigeria Students ANNS, has bestowed Chief B.M Auta, with the title of Grand Commander and Patron, of Northern Nigeria Students, for his relentless support to students and younger people.
A letter by the National President of the association, Sadiq Sabo, stated that the students body took special notice of B M Auta’s leadership, dedication and humanitarian services to all manner of people.
The letter described Chief Auta, as a symbol of hope, unity and selfless service to humanity, hence the honour.
According to the letter, Chief Auta has been rendering assistance towards youth development, community service and nation building, and has often dedicated himself to uplifting the less previledged.
Chief B.M Auta, who is the representatative of the Shehu of Borno in Kaduna, thanked the student body for what he described as an uncommon recognition by youths for his modest contributions to humanity.
In accepting the appointment, he charged the students to imbibe the spirit of nationalism, self discipline and volunteerism.
He also pledged to continue assisting youths and enggaging the students, for greater services to the nation.
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Northern Students Honour Shehu of Borno’s Man- Auta.
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