Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called on families, communities, and institutions to take decisive action against all forms of violence against women and girls.
The call was made in Lokoja on Monday at an event by the First Lady’s office in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
She declared that online violence is real violence, warning that silence enables abusers and must therefore be prevented from becoming a norm in the society.
Hajia Safinat urged parents to educate their children on responsible use of technology and to create homes where young people feel safe, valued, and guided.
She reminded women to use their platforms wisely and reject all forms of digital harassment.
Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Magret Oyibo, emphasized that violence whether digital or physical must not be tolerated, insisting that women are not objects for dominance.
Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, in her address, stated that women must never be treated as instruments of aggression.
She called on parents to take full responsibility for raising disciplined and respectful children, emphasizing that every child deserves a future free from fear and violence.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Acharu Okpanachi, advocates stronger protection of the girl child and highlighted the need to raise boys who respect and value girls rather than harm them.
Director-General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, Hajiya Mariam Abedo, urged parents and caregivers to actively listen to their children, noting that open communication builds trust and enables children to freely share their concerns.
In her remark, Representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barrister Oluwakemi Omeiza warned about the rising threat of cyberbullying and digital harassment.
She explained that online abuse can inflict deep emotional harm and therefore encouraged parents to closely monitor and guide their children’s digital activities.
The event also featured a road walk to raise public awareness on the elimination of violence against women as Kogi State joined the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence- a global campaign to combat the scourge of violence against women and girls.
