The Ondo State Government on Tuesday decried the escalating cases of violence against women and girls, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to social stability and human dignity.
Speaking at a press conference in Akure, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, lamented that despite sustained governmental advocacy and nationwide efforts to curb domestic and gender-based violence, incidents are unfortunately on the rise.
“It is regrettable that despite years of sensitisation and intervention, violence against women and the girl-child keeps increasing across the country. This is totally unacceptable. Ondo State will intensify its action, collaboration, and support services to ensure survivors are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.”
Osamaye, who unveiled a robust 16-day programme to commemorate the 2025 global campaign against gender-based violence, said this year’s theme, “Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” highlights an emerging but often ignored threat.
“Technology should empower, not endanger our women and girls. Digital violence, including cyberstalking, online harassment, revenge pornography, and misogynistic trolling, is silent, pervasive and easily overlooked. We cannot win the fight against gender-based violence if we ignore the virtual spaces where it is rapidly growing.”
She said the campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December, will feature statewide advocacy, capacity-building, community engagement, and survivor support initiatives.
According to Osamaye, highlights include: “Orange the World” illumination ceremony and press briefing (25th Nov); Awareness walk and roadshow in Akure (26th Nov); Specialised training for law enforcement and first responders on survivor-centred response; Youth and school sensitisation on cyberbullying, consent, and online safety (29th Nov)
It will also feature engagement with men and boys under the “HeForShe” initiative (1st Dec); free legal clinic in collaboration with Ministry of Justice, NBA, and FIDA (3rd Dec); Statewide social media marathon and release of short documentaries (8th Dec) and the grand closing ceremony featuring awards, cultural performances, and release of GBV Action Plan communiqué (10th Dec).
She added that the state is collaborating with strategic partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, the Ministries of Health and Justice, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, CSOs, traditional institutions, media organisations and disability groups, to ensure broad impact.
Osamaye further announced that the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, will lead the campaign, particularly championing initiatives tailored toward persons with disabilities, rural communities, market women, and survivors in need of medical, psychological, and economic support.
“Our goal is to build a safer Ondo State where women and girls, whether offline or online, can live without fear. Violence has no justification and no space in our society. This campaign is not just a programme; it is a movement”, the Commissioner affirmed.
Fidelis David
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