The sixth edition of the annual Summit of the Nigeria Governors Spouses' Forum (NGSF) was held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on the 4th of December 2025. I have watched the Forum grow from inception, six years ago till this year. The theme for this year alligns with the global theme for the 2026 edition of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) - United for Change: Men & Women Ending Digital Violence Together.
Ambassador (Prof) Olufolake Abdulrasaq: In her opening remarks, the Chair of NGSF and First Lady Ekiti state, traced the journey of the Forum in the last six years...Over the past six years, the NGSF has remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing the rights, wellbeing and protection of women, children and girls across Nigeria. This has been achieved through sustained advocacy, strategic engagements and strong partnerships. We have continued to strengthen national and sub-national responses to Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), deepen awaareness and reinforce the systems that safeguard vulnerable populations.
Our collective effort since the declaration of the state of emergency on SGBV in 2020 has laid a strong foundation for measurable progress. From supporting the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, expanding Sexual Assault Reference Centres (SARCs), promoting economic empowerment, championing menstrual hygiene, advocacy on six months paid maternity leave, sustained campaigns on immunisation , advocacy on women's representation, supporting drug abuse prevention and cancer awareness to enhancing state-level GBV coordination mechanisms, the Forum has continued to provide leadership that delivers tangible results.
Between 2021 and 2023, we affirmed our resolve to transform norms by strengthening laws which have mobilised all actors towards building a safer and more gender-equitable Nigeria. This conference provides yet another opportunity for reflection, evaluation and advancement in our work...
Some of the Speakers at the Summit are:
*Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (Represented by Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang) - Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum/Governor Kwara state
*Hon Imman Suleiman-Ibrahim - Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development
*Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq - First Lady Kwara state/Chairperson NGSF
*Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) - Attorney-General & Minister of Justice
*Ms. Gill Lever (OBE) - Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria/Acting British High Commissioner
*Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji - First Lady Ekiti state
*Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aiyu - First Lady Sokoto state
*Lady Helen Eno Obareki - First Lady Designate & Coodinator, Office of the 1st Lady, Akwa Ibom state
*Waje - Singer, Humanitarian & Advocate
*Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola (OFR) - Master of Ceremony
*Dr. Ero Ibhafidon - President/CEO Waterlight Industries
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN): Attorney-General & Minister of Justice. The theme is timely because non-consensual sharing of sexual images and other on-line crimes are unacceptable. It could result in mental heath issues in the victims. There are still gaps in legislation we need to address and re-visit: The Cybercrime Prohibition Act; proposed Amendment of the VAPP Act; etc. The Federal Ministry of Justice has a viable Gender Desk which is currently addressing/reviewing referral pathways and training of Prosecutors. We need to continually push for legal reforms. There should be greater collaboration with Law Enforcement Agents. We need more inclusive approaches and shared responsibility. There should be experince-sharing among parents, educators and CSOs on SGBV issues. Digital literacy education is vital. The NGSF is a viable additional platform for ensuring accountability in cyberspace. We can build a Nigeria where technology enhances and not harm the citizens...
Imman Suleiman-Ibrahim: Mnister of Women Affairs & Social Development talked about the significance of the colour orange, which signifies the protection of victims of SGBV. It's 30 years post Beijing, 30 years since the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs was established and 25 years since UNSCR 1325. We have a number of projects in the Ministry which are relevant to the subject at hand: Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention; Digital Harmony Project; etc. We are targeting 4.5 million women with these projects. The Gender Policy needs to be referred to by all practitioners and academics/researchers and policy makers.
Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (Rep. by Caleb Mutwang, Governor of Plateau state): Governors shall continue to support their spouses to make societal impact. We champion safer and more equitable communities. Technology could facilitate violence of immense proportions. NGF will continue to work with state governments to provide safe digital platforms. Ending Digital Violence is not just an obligation, it's central to the dignity of the human spirit. We believe in the Special Seats Bill. The Governors will mobilise their constituents in the National Assembly to vote in favour of the Bill.
Two critical panel sessions followed
Panel 1: Safeguarding her digital space - Policies & platforms for protection
Panel 2: Brothers for change: Engaging men as allies in ending digital violence
First Ladies deliberated on this and recommended thus:
-There should be partnerships and interventions to protect women in cyberspace.
-The First Lady's office could be a hub for innovative ideas which could be turned into policies for the protection of the vulnerable. First Ladies have the strongest platform to fight SGBV.
-There should be many responding channels to SGBV issues, which should be coordinated.
-Hot lines for reporting cases of SGBV should be provided.
-States should liaise with their local tech companies for citizens' education as regards SGBV
-There should be parents/guardians guide as well as minors' guide.
-IEC (Information, Education & Communication) materials should be provided
-A re-orientation drive should be embarked upon to address 'diseases of the mind', e.g. depraved individuals. Youth fora, Churches and Mosques could be useful here - Behavioral change advocates
-Regulations should be enforced.
-Tech companies should input safety features in all their products
-Violence on-line is usually worse towards elections. The noose should be tightened around perpetrators at such times. Political Parties and indeed politicians should be sensitised.
-We should be coversant with the Cybercrime Act, etc
-Positive masculinity ensures that men protect women in their spaces
-Re-orientation of men and boys to have more positive image of women
The side attraction was locally made items of standard quality from the various states (clothes, shoes, hand fans, bags, etc) were on display for sale. This is probably an un-intended benefit for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their products/talent. This is economic empowerment in practice! The conference reiterated the fact that male allies/champions are critical to the task of ending digital violence and the First Ladies' offices are crucial for driving positive change as regard all form of violence aginst women. The discussion continues...
