Ekiti State Governor’s Wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has called for the establishment of accessible and effective reporting channels across all states of the federation to help victims of cyber violence seek justice without fear or stigma.
Dr. Oyebanji made the call in Abuja while speaking as a panelist at the 2025 6th Annual Summit on Cyber Violence Against Women, organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF).
Addressing the theme of the summit, “United for Change: Men and Women Ending Digital Violence Together,” the Ekiti First Lady noted that many victims of online abuse are reluctant to report violations due to stigmatization, fear of backlash, and lack of trust in existing systems.
She emphasized that creating structured reporting channels such as dedicated desks in the Offices of Governors’ Wives, State Ministries of Women Affairs, and Ministries of Justice would provide survivors with safe spaces and trusted officers to handle cases of digital violence.
According to Dr. Oyebanji, collaborative efforts remain vital for meaningful progress in curbing online abuse.
“The roles of stakeholders including religious bodies, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, and Civil Society Organizations are critical. Their joint efforts will help sensitize women on the importance of speaking out. Many victims suffer in silence due to cultural beliefs, but with proper support systems, they can come forward confidently”. She said.
In her opening remarks, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum and First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, highlighted the global surge in online harassment, misinformation, exploitation and cyberbullying particularly targeted at women and girls.
She stressed that the digital space should remain a platform for education, innovation, and empowerment, not a breeding ground for abuse.
Also delivering goodwill messages were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; international development partners and other dignitaries.
They collectively called for stronger, holistic approaches including updated legal frameworks to curb the rising tide of cyber violence in Nigeria.
Speakers at the summit unanimously advocated comprehensive digital literacy initiatives, emphasizing that technology should expand opportunities and empowerment rather than expose women and girls to harm.
The event drew participation from top government officials, non-state actors, international partners including representatives of the British High Commission, and other stakeholders committed to advancing a safer digital environment for women across Nigeria.