A not-for-profit organization, the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), which aims at promoting knowledge in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and proper use of the internet among the youth, has called for improved and equal physical and online protection of children.
Speaking on the occasion marking Children’s Day 2022, The Foundation observed that the exponential growth of technology has created tremendous opportunities for children and young people globally; as it enables them to learn, share and communicate, and express themselves freely without inhibition or borders.
According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) statistics, as of March 2022, Nigeria has 145.9 million Internet users out of a population of 211.4 million.
The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) emphasized that with more subscribers having access to the Internet every day, it has become pertinent and necessary to address the technology in the lives of young Internet users, especially as groups actively involved in the SDGs 16.2 which calls for an end to abuse, exploitation, violence and torture against children by 2030.
While highlighting these points, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, the Chairperson, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, called for stakeholders to combine efforts to facilitate continuous awareness and protection campaigns to protect children online.
She said that policies and other regulatory instruments should be accorded the same level of priority to both the physical and online safety of children.
Mrs Odusote hinted that the Board of the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation has approved the Child Online Safety, Protection and Report Abuse (COSPRA) Mandate.
“The Board of the Foundation has identified among others, collaborative ideas, signs and symptoms of online abuse through the use of the Internet and how best to deal with such situations; providing needed promotional awareness, guidance and support to children and affected young victims.
“As part of achieving the COSPRA mandate, the Foundation is planning three key events; first, the Annual Online Child Safety and Protection Summit in collaboration with multi-stakeholder groups facilitating the exchange & circulation of information and preventive tools for best practices;
“Secondly, we are going to conduct ‘Train the Trainers’ Training Programme at the six (6) Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria to increase safe practice awareness in schools; and thirdly Promote open discussion, debates, events, programs, etc., during conversations with key multi-stakeholders and partners globally”.
The Chairperson listed COSPRA’s mandate as “To ensure a safer and more secure online environment for children and youth; to participate in active campaigns between all stakeholders in knowledge and experience sharing; to encourage procedures for the improvement of legal regulations as well as self-regulation instruments towards Child Safety online; amongst others.”
She added that the Foundation is positioned to promote safe activities on the Internet and how issues affecting the lives of its young users and the digital environment are protected.
The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) is a non-profit, non-political organization and special purpose vehicle established in April 2013 by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm with the sole purpose of driving developments in the technology space in memory of late Engr. Ndukwe Kalu – NiRA’s pioneer president who dedicated his life to driving Nigeria’s Information Technology.
Headquartered in NiRA Office at 8 Funsho Williams Avenue, Iponri, Surulere, Lagos with seven (7) appointed Board of Trustees (BoT) consisting of the Chairperson, President of NiRA, Secretary, a Member of the Ndukwe Kalu Family and 3 other Members of the Public inaugurated to oversee out the activities of the Foundation, NKF has provided relief support to children homes and other donations from inception to date across the country.
