From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Federal Ministries of Women Affairs; and Communications and Digital Economy, and several other stakeholders have intensify push for safe digital space for children and young adolescents to operate and learn.
They made the commitment at the Child Online Safety Protection and Reporting Abuse (COSPRA) Summit in Abuja, organised by Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) a non-profit, non-political organisation and special purpose vehicle established by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA).
The Chairperson of NKF, Mary Uduma, in her welcome remarks explained that the Summit was designed as a platform for stakeholders and like minds to critically dissect the challenges of growing criminality in the digital space, and the need to strengthen security measures for the younger ones who are most vulnerable on the digital platforms.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, who was represented by Titus Mamza, said the Summit reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding Nigerian children in the digital place, ensuring they thrive in a safe and secure digital environment.
She said: “At NAPTIP, we recognise the growing challenges posed by technology- facilitated trafficking and child online exploitation.”
The Chief Executive Officer, NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, who was represented by Ibukunoluwa Owa, head, Regulations Unit, NDPC, said the Commission is deeply committed to protecting and sanitising the online space, thus making it safe and secure for use, especially for young adolescents.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in his remarks, said the Police through its different units have been up and doing, in terms of response to the cybercrime particularly cyber bullying that’s committed among individuals particularly young adolescents in the digital space.