ASHENEWS reports that the Wife of the Niger state Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago has emphasized the importance of recognizing the positive aspects of technology while actively working to mitigate the negative consequences, particularly in the online world.
She noted that the online world has become a breeding ground for various forms of sexual abuse calling on parents and guardians to ensure proper monitoring of their children and wards using android phones.
“My advice is for all parents to be monitoring these children. The issue of getting them android phones or tablets is a thing of context, there is nothing we can do about it especially since that is what is happening in the society. A child that is being denied of it feels sidelined and left out and that in its own leads them to doing various acts that are not acceptable.
“Getting them android phones is very okay but we need to monitor them. We need to know the activities they carry out with it. I think the first is by not allowing them to password their gadgets so that from time to time you can check what is happening and maybe that cn be of help to us”, she noted.
Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on rape and child sexual abuse organized by The Peak Story, Bago called for the exposure of abusers and their tactics so that young girls can identify and protect themselves.
Specifically focusing on northern Nigeria, she emphasized the need to protect the region’s cultural norms and values from the negative impact of technology and social media.
“As we navigate the complexities of digital age, we must not forget to delve into the intersecyion of technology, social media and the prevention of sexual abuse particularly within the unique, deep cultural context of northern Nigeria.
“Our cultural and ethical values in the region remains the moral compass that has alwasys distinguised in our conduct and social endeavors and engagements. In addressing the pervasive impact of technology, we must recognize what its potential for good and the challenges it presents.
“The online world has become a powerful tool for communication, education and connection but unfortunately, it has also become a breeding ground for various forms of sexual abuse.
“It is within this dichotomy that we find ourselves and it is our responsibility to harness the positive aspect while actively working to mitigate the negative consequences it comes along with.”
The Wife of the Governor then called for collaborations between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of abuse faced by females, especially in rural areas and by close relations.
She also highlighted the prevalence of rape and child sexual abuse in local communities citing it as a threat to young girls’ futures, while calling for collective action to protect and empower young girls.
The Wife of the Governor expressed appreciation to The Peak Story for inviting her to be a part of the event and commended their commitment to addressing critical issues that greatly affect society, particularly the female gender.
The conference aimed to navigate the complexities of the digital age and delve into the intersection of technology, social media, and the prevention of sexual abuse, especially within the unique cultural context of northern Nigeria.
The conference also provided a platform for government officials, experts, gender-based advocates, and community leaders to collaborate and develop effective strategies against societal evils like rape and child sexual abuse.
The Convener of the Conference, Chenemi Bamaiyi highlighted the pervasive presence of sexual abuse in various settings and emphasized the conference’s aim of helping participants make sense of these issues.
He urged the participants to be part of the solution to societal ills such as rape and cyberbullying stressing the need for young people to become the vanguards in fighting against sexual abuse.
The conference aimed to empower young people with knowledge and strategies to protect themselves in the digital world and included panel discussions and paper presentations on consent, defining boundaries in relationships, recognizing signs of potential assailants, and staying safe online to combat cyberbullying and sexual abuse.
