Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-based Violence, LASU, partners UN women, commemorates 2025 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence
The Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), Lagos State University, in collaboration with UN Women, organised the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The global campaign, themed “Unite! To End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, was held on Monday, 8th December 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU, Main Campus, Ojo.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Acting Director of CRPSGBV, Prof. Igot Ofem, delivered the welcome address. She warmly commended the participants for their impressive turnout and reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to justice, safety, and dignity for all members of the LASU community. She emphasised that activism is not a one-off event but a continuous movement that demands sustained engagement, vigilance, and collective responsibility.
In her own remarks, the Acting Director, Prof. Ofem, reiterated LASU’s dedication to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and violence-free academic environment. She urged all stakeholders students, staff, and partners to remain active contributors in building a community where respect and protection are prioritised. She further shared the Centre’s emergency support lines to ensure that help remains accessible to those in need:
☎ 0913 400 0409, 0811 114 8887
✉ crpsgbu@gmail.com
The first facilitator, Mrs Omolara Akinyemi, presented on the topic “Protecting Girls in Digital Spaces.” She noted that while digital platforms open doors to learning, creativity, and global engagement, they also expose young girls to increasing risks such as cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, social media shaming, and various forms of emotional abuse. She explained that these experiences may severely affect mental health and self-esteem. She therefore encouraged the audience to uphold digital etiquette, respect personal boundaries, and promote compassion and responsibility in all online interactions.
The next presentation was delivered by Mr Bolaji Ojediran, who spoke on “Boys as Allies: How Young Boys Can Lead the Fight Against Online Violence.” He provided insight into how cyber abuse can instil fear, insecurity, and long-term psychological harm. Introducing the “3S Rule” Stop the spread, Support the target, and Speak up to the source, he urged young people to become active allies in preventing digital violence. He reminded participants that “the internet never forgets,” advising them to think carefully before posting or sharing content online.
Representatives of First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Bukola Ajayi, Prince Oriuwa, Philip Omolaoye, and Rita Ifeanyi-Chukwu also featured as a speaker, addressing the topic “Smart Money Moves: Spotting Online Scams.” Rita’s session provided practical guidance on financial safety in digital spaces, helping participants recognise fraudulent schemes and protect their digital identities.
The programme also featured creative performances. Students of Zeka Private School delivered a compelling spoken-word piece on digital violence, while “The Gifted Arts” staged a thought-provoking drama titled “The Apple,” which illustrated the consequences of online misconduct and the importance of responsible digital behaviour and advantages of reporting such to the centre.
A key highlight of the event was the Badging of the Orange Ambassadors, a recognition bestowed on individuals committed to promoting gender equality and advocating against all forms of violence.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Registrar/Administrative Secretary, Mrs Akinyemi Olasunbo, who expressed deep appreciation to all speakers, guests, partners, and participants for their contributions towards the success and impact of the programme.
We are LASU, We are Great!
