Digital abuse: Oborevwori’s wife calls for urgent action to protect women, girls

Tobore Oborevwori, Delta Governor's wife and founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, flagging off 2015 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Voilence, in Asaba, Tuesday.

Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of Delta State Governor and founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, has called for urgent collective action to protect women and girls from rising cases of digital abuse.

She made the call while flagging off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The campaign was launched in Asaba, the state capital with the year’s theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”.

Oborevwori who noted that the theme reflects the growing threats faced by females on digital platforms, urged communities, institutions and families to break the culture of silence that enables abusers to thrive both online and offline.

She commended Pat Ajudua, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, for mobilizing groups across the state for the campaign.

While describing digital violence as a daily reality for many girls and women, she warned that countless victims continue to suffer in silence because their complaints are dismissed or ignored.

She condemned the widespread tendency to shield perpetrators, noting that even some women defend offenders at the expense of victims.

Citing the tragic case of Ochanya, repeatedly violated by her aunt’s husband and son while her guardian protected the abusers, she said many other victims face similar horrors in silence. “This injustice will no longer be tolerated,” declared Oborevwori who is a deaconess.

According to her, protecting women and girls is now a shared responsibility, adding that security agencies can only act on cases that are reported. She reaffirmed her commitment as “Mother of the State” to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders just as she lauded ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society and faith-based organisations for their partnership in the fight against gender-based violence.

Earlier, Pat Ajudua, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, said women across Delta State were prepared to embark on activities marking the 16 Days of Activism. She sought the First Lady’s approval to commence the campaign.

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