By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally flagged-off a nationwide cyber security awareness campaign aimed at sensitising secondary school students and youths on cyber related crimes such as cyber bullying, internet fraud, identity theft, online soliciting of minors, among others.
The programme kicked off in Abuja and speaking at the opening ceremony for Cyber Security Enlightenment Programme for schools, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Mr Umar Danbatta, said that the campaign will equip the students with the necessary information.
Another approach that the programme would take, according to Mr Danbatta, will involve knowledge on how to safeguard themselves against cyber criminality in line with the commission’s responsibilities as a regular to protect and empower consumers.
Mr Danbatta noted that the pervasiveness of the internet and proliferation of mobile phones have made it difficult for parents and guardians to effectively monitor the online presence of their children or wards.
“It is an undeniable fact that the internet has become an indispensable element of everyday life, for this reason, our children and youths are not excluded; they are highly involved in the use of new technology applications, especially since it provides the opportunity for research, learning, communication, entertainment and business for those with entrepreneurial minds,” he said.
He further cautioned that many children and youths have been exposed to harmful contents on the internet.
“It is important to note that although the internet provides countless opportunities for children, it also exposes them to potential harmful contents.
“Children and youths are the most active participants online via social network sites, making them potential victims of grooming, inappropriate content, and exposure to unscrupulous individuals and the likes,” he added.
It was revealed that following the premier event in Abuja, the commission, together with other critical stakeholders, would launch the campaign across the 36 states of the federation.
He said the agency would collaborate with key cyber security stakeholders to foster and engender a robust cyber security environment for effective protection of the country’s information and communications infrastructure and networks.
Aduragbemi Omiyale