BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR/BENIN CITY
AS part of activities to commemorate the year 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has held a sensitization outreach on digital safety for public primary and secondary schools in the State.
The programme, which took place at the Imaguero College Hall in Benin City, brought together pupils, educators, child-protection advocates, and officials of the Ministry to address the rising threat of digital violence and the need for safer online communities for children and adolescents.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, stated that the 2025 theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” is both timely and urgent as it confronts the growing reality that violence was no longer confined to physical spaces but has moved boldly into the digital world.
Mrs. Abdallah emphasized that the event was specially designed for young people and their teachers because they were the first line of defence in creating safer digital environments. In her words, “Today’s programme is specially designed for you, our young people and the educators who shape your learning journey. We have selected students and teachers from across Edo State because you are the ambassadors who will carry this message back to your schools, your peers, and your communities. You represent the voice and the future of a safer digital environment. Together you will help us spread awareness across Edo State, creating safe digital communities in your schools.”
The Commissioner explained that while the internet has provided opportunities for learning, creativity, research, innovation, and connection, it has also become a platform where harm can be inflicted effortlessly and anonymously.
She urged students to learn how to use the internet responsibly, how to protect themselves and their peers, and how to speak up when something is wrong. She stated, “Let me remind every young person here, you have the right to be safe online. You have the right to dignity. You have the responsibility to treat others with respect. Your voice matters.
Your choice matters. Let us use technology as a tool for learning and empowerment, not a weapon for violence”.
