The National Female Students’ Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Delta State Chapter, held an event, at Unity Hall in the Government House, Asaba, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s programme focused on the 2025 theme, which calls for united action to end digital violence against women and girls.
The event brought together a wide mix of participants, including students from secondary schools such as Royal Mira, All Saints International, and Hollywood International, as well as representatives from tertiary institutions like Delta State University and Dennis Osadebe University.
Several notable officials also attended, including Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu of the Delta State House of Assembly and patron of NFSAN; Hon. Princess Pat A. Ajudua, Commissioner for Women Affairs; Hon. Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development; and Engr. Arimobi Miracle, Special Assistant to the Governor on Female Youth Development.
In her opening remarks, NFSAN President, Comr. Olusesan Bunmi Joy, spoke about the rising prevalence of online abuse. She noted that while the internet was designed to offer freedom and connection, it has increasingly become a space where women and girls face harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual intimate image sharing, and digital blackmail. She highlighted the serious toll such abuse takes on mental health and safety and called on leaders, technology companies, and women themselves to work together to build safer digital environments.
Comr. Faith Oghenemarho Ebireri, Director of Socials and Welfare, discussed the marginalisation experienced by girls and encouraged them to stand together, speak up, and report any incidents of abuse.
During an interactive session, participants shared personal experiences. One university student described receiving threatening messages on TikTok from an anonymous account since her third year, despite repeated attempts to block and report the user. Speakers assured her that support would be provided.
Guest speaker Hon. Barr. Anyafulu offered background on the global campaign, which takes place every year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). She explained that the initiative was created to confront violence against women and stressed that gender-based violence includes more than physical assault, it also involves denial of education, inheritance, and early marriage, all of which violate human rights. She urged everyone to take part in addressing these issues.
Hon. Princess Pat A. Ajudua urged participants to avoid behaviours that may put them at risk, such as sharing nude images, warning that “the internet never forgets” and that such actions can lead to blackmail. She also shared real-life stories of sexual harassment and violence experienced by women and girls.
A panel discussion led by Engr. Arimobi Miracle featured contributions from secondary school students and students from Dennis Osadebe University, who reflected on their digital habits and discussed changes they intend to make.
The programme ended with the inauguration of new NFSAN executives, including Comr. Olusesan Bunmi Joy as Chairperson, Comr. O’stone Abiagom Daniella as Deputy Chairperson, Comr. Ogheneochuko O. Angel as Treasurer, and Comr. Ebireri Faith Oghenemarho as Director of Welfare and Socials. The event wrapped up on a lively note with group photos and networking among participants.
