NFSAN Delta State Marks 16 Days Of Activism With Focus On Ending Digital Violence Against Women, Girls

By Faith Ebireri

The National Female Students’ Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Delta State Chapter, hosted aN event on the 8th of December, 2025, at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The programme centred on the 2025 theme of uniting to end digital violence against women and girls.

The event drew a diverse audience, 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.

Key dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Oshimili South Constituency 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.

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In her opening address, NFSAN President Comr. Olusesan Bunmi Joy highlighted the pervasive nature of online violence.

She said: “The internet promised freedom, connection, and empowerment. Yet, for women and girls, it has become another arena for violence, from online harassment and cyberstalking to non-consensual intimate imagery and digital extortion.”

She stressed the devastating effects on mental health and safety, urging leaders, tech companies, and women to collaborate in creating safer digital spaces.

Comr. Faith Oghenemarho Ebireri, Director of Socials and Welfare, addressed the challenges of marginalisation faced by girls and emphasised unity, speaking out, and reporting incidents.

An interactive session allowed participants to share experiences. One student recounted receiving life-threatening comments on TikTok from a private account since her third year at university, despite blocking and reporting the user. Speakers assured her of follow-up support.

Hon. Barr. Anyafulu, a guest speaker, provided historical context for the campaign, which runs annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). She noted its origins in response to violence against women and stressed that gender-based violence extends beyond physical harm to include denial of education, inheritance rights, and early marriage, all violations of fundamental rights. She called for collective action to combat these issues.

Hon. Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan focused on practical online safety measures amid rising threats from deepfakes and AI.

“Perpetrators target girls and young women, knowing they may not be believed.” she warned.

She advised setting accounts to private, avoiding unknown followers, disabling real-time location sharing, refraining from posting personal details or intimate images, and avoiding public Wi-Fi.

“Do not respond to threats, screenshot and report to platforms and authorities.” she added, while advocating for more programmes to amplify women’s voices.

Hon. Princess Pat A. Ajudua cautioned against behaviours that increase vulnerability, such as sharing nude photographs, noting that “The internet never forgets.” and such actions can lead to blackmail.

She emphasised the dignity in self-respect and shared real-life examples of sexual harassment and violence faced by women and girls.

A panel discussion facilitated by Engr. Ariomobi Miracle featured secondary school students and those from Dennis Osadebe University, who shared insights and reflected on changes they would make to their online habits.

The event concluded with the swearing-in 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. It ended on a high note with group photographs and networking among attendees.