News
FAME Foundation Kicks Off Anti-Digital Violence Campaign for 16 Days of Activism
Joel Ajayi
FAME Foundation, a leading non-profit organisation championing the rights of women and girls, on Tuesday launched a nationwide campaign aimed at ending digital violence against women and girls as part of the globally recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
With the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, announced the start of the campaign during a press conference in Abuja.
She noted that the initiative kicked off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and will run until December 10, 2025, the Human Rights Day.
Atoyebi emphasised that the dates are significant, symbolising the link between the fight against violence targeting women and girls and the global push for human rights protection.
She raised concerns over the rising cases of digital abuse in Nigeria, noting that increasing numbers of women and girls face cyberstalking, online harassment, abusive messaging, impersonation, and non-consensual sharing of private images—incidents that frequently go unreported.
Citing findings from Gatefield’s State of Online Harms 2025 report, Atoyebi disclosed that 68.9 million Nigerians have been exposed to various forms of online abuse, including scams, cyberbullying, child sexual exploitation, and identity theft. Women account for more than half of these cases, highlighting the gendered nature of digital violence.
The report also shows alarming statistics on children’s exposure to online risks, revealing that 97% have encountered some form of sexual exploitation online, while 89% have received unsolicited sexual content.
Atoyebi warned that the growing trend of sharing private images without consent has had devastating consequences for many victims, often resulting in harassment, public shaming, loss of opportunities, and long-term emotional trauma.
“Digital violence is not just online,” she said. “It affects mental health, personal safety, and socio-economic opportunities. Survivors frequently suffer reputational damage, emotional distress, and are often forced to withdraw from digital spaces. Although Nigeria has laws such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, enforcement remains weak, and many victims are discouraged from reporting due to stigma and distrust.”
16 Days of Activities and Community Engagement
Outlining FAME Foundation’s activities for the 16-day campaign, Atoyebi said the organisation will host a series of targeted initiatives designed to educate, empower, and mobilise the public.
These include:
Webinars on digital safety innovations
Panel discussions featuring men as allies in combating digital abuse
Playlets, podcasts, and video campaigns encouraging girls to speak out
Youth and sports community engagement, including surveys, live sessions with coaches on safe sport practices, field interviews, and social media quizzes
Video pledges and community outreach programmes in partnership with local sports clubs
According to Atoyebi, each activity is crafted to strengthen prevention efforts, encourage reporting, and support survivors.
She called on all stakeholders—government agencies, civil society groups, tech companies, media organisations, communities, and especially men and boys—to take concrete actions toward creating safer digital spaces.
“To every woman and girl experiencing or witnessing digital abuse, we say: You are seen, you are heard, and you are not alone,” she assured. “Digital platforms should empower, not endanger. Together, we can unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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