Ekiti First Lady Leads Push Against Rising Cyberbullying Targeting Women and Girls

Ekiti intensified its fight against online harassment on Tuesday as First Lady Olayemi Oyebanji led an advocacy walk through Ado Ekiti to confront the surge of cyberbullying aimed at women and girls. The event, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs with civil society partners, marked the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Ekiti First Lady Leads Push Against Rising Cyberbullying Targeting Women and Girls

Dr Oyebanji warned that violence has shifted from homes and streets to phones and social platforms, leaving many young women exposed to threats, blackmail and humiliation on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram. She stressed that government will not tolerate the trend and reminded residents that the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law 2019 criminalises online abuse.

She urged victims to report cases to the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Justice and Women Affairs or the nearest police station, saying silence only emboldens offenders.

Women Affairs Commissioner Peju Babafemi said government needs stronger community support to curb digital violence. She called on youth groups, market leaders and civil society organisations to help protect women and girls.

Attorney-General Dayo Apata (SAN) noted that online harassment attracts stiff penalties, including up to ten years imprisonment. He said the state is working with security agencies and human rights groups to strengthen enforcement.

Ado North LCDA chairperson, Adetokunbo Gbadamosi, asked young girls to resist intimidation and warned that anyone caught harassing women online will be prosecuted.

The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, and senior government officials joined the walk, signalling the state’s commitment to tackling cyberbullying with visible community action.

Ekiti First Lady Leads Push Against Rising Cyberbullying Targeting Women and Girls

Ekiti First Lady Leads Push Against Rising Cyberbullying Targeting Women and Girls