Wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Tuesday morning led a decisive walk against digital violence through the heart of Ado-Ekiti. The advocacy walk, commencing from her office at the Adunni Olayinka Building, Fajuyi, moved through Oja Oba market and back, turning the city centre into a platform against cyberbullying.
The advocacy walk was meant to round off the 16-Days of activism of no violence against women and girls with the theme:United to end digital violence against all women and girls.
Dr. Oyebanji stated that the fight against Gender-Based Violence must now aggressively target the digital space. She charged participants and the public to break the silence surrounding online abuse. “Do not let anybody bully you in the cyber world. Silence is not an option. When it happens, report it immediately,” she declared.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, echoed the call, emphasizing the government’s stance. “Digital violence is real violence. The Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration is tightening frameworks to prosecute online harassers and support victims. This walk aside being a global call is a signal of our operational readiness,” Babafemi said.
Babafemi charged that it is collective rescue mission where everyone has to know their responsibilities and play it well.
Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, directed the message at the workforce. “Civil servants are not immune. We are integrating digital safety protocols and support systems within all ministries. Your career should not be a target for online blackmail or abuse.”Explaining further she described the walk as critical because the society is full of abuse especially women and girls, hence the government has put up mechanisms to check the trend urging residents not to keep quiet but report cases promptly for action.
In a similar vein,Ado-Ekiti North Local Government Chairman,Hon.Tokunbo Gbadamosi, pledged grassroots enforcement. “We are mobilising our community watch structures. From Odo-Ado to Oke-Ila, we will educate our people and ensure no one is afraid to speak up against digital predators.”.
She noted that the sensitization walk is to alart residents on the latest form of abuse and how to quickly nib it in the bud as government will not take it lightly for any offender.
The walk, which featured government officials, civil society organisations, and youth corps members, culminated in a unified pledge to make Ekiti’s digital space hostile to abusers and safe for all citizens.
The event saw impressive attendance from top government functionaries, emphasizing the State’s commitment to the cause: Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr. Dayo Apata S.A/D.G Office of Transformation Service Delivery, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo Local Government Chairwomen,DG Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship Mrs.Olawumi Famuyiwa,DG Community Communications Mrs.Mary Oso Omotosho, Civil Society Organisations, NYSC Corp members.
