Delta First Lady Leads Campaign Against Digital Violence on Women and Girls

By: Elizabeth Ide

The Wife of Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori on Tuesday,  flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling for urgent collective action to protect women and girls from rising cases of digital abuse.

Launching the campaign in Asaba, the First Lady said this year’s theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” reflects the growing threats faced by females on digital platforms. She urged communities, institutions and families to break the culture of silence that enables abusers to thrive both online and offline.

In her address, the First Lady commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, for mobilising groups across the state for the campaign. She described digital violence as a daily reality for many girls and women, warning that countless victims continue to suffer in silence because their complaints are dismissed or ignored.

She condemned the widespread tendency to shield perpetrators, noting that even some women defend offenders at the expense of victims. Citing the tragic case of Ochanya, repeatedly violated by her aunt’s husband and son while her guardian protected the abusers, she said many other victims face similar horrors in silence. “This injustice will no longer be tolerated,” she declared.

Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized that protecting women and girls is now a shared responsibility, stressing that security agencies can only act on cases that are reported. She reaffirmed her commitment as “Mother of the State” to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders and praised ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society and faith-based organisations for their partnership in the fight against gender-based violence.

Earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, said women across Delta State were prepared to embark on activities marking the 16 Days of Activism. She sought the First Lady’s approval to commence the campaign, reiterating the importance of addressing growing cases of digital violence against girls and women.

Also speaking, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, urged parents, especially mothers to closely monitor their children and listen to them without intimidation. He warned that shielding offenders only enables further abuse. He cited recent cases in Delta State, including a father sexually abusing his three teenage daughters and a pastor molesting a teenage church member, stressing that sensitisation must target both female and male children with equal intensity.

Director of VAP Law in Delta State, Mrs. Uche Akamagwuna, noted that minors now account for about 50% of gender-based violence victims. She said the campaign would help strengthen accountability mechanisms and urged groups to submit their data to the Ministry of Women Affairs. She also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for domesticating the Violence Against Persons Law, which has expanded access to justice for victims.

Representing the Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), the Director of Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and Child Rights at the Ministry of Justice, Oghoro Onome Roseline, said the ministry has intensified efforts to eliminate gender-based violence in Delta State. She highlighted ongoing initiatives strengthening the justice system’s response to sexual and domestic violence.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign from November 25 to December 10 that seeks to raise awareness, promote action, and end all forms of violence against women and girls, including digital abuse. During this period, communities, governments, and organizations conduct advocacy, education, and reporting initiatives to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.