NKF also believes that every child deserves not just a safe environment, but one that empowers them to thrive, to dream, and to reach their full potential.

In a statement signed by Mrs. Mary Uduma, chairperson, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation, the, the NGO said, “Today is more than a celebration; it is a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and invest in the future — our children.

“In a rapidly digitizing world, our commitment to children’s safety has grown even more urgent and deliberate”, Mrs. Uduma said.

Through its Child Online Safety Protection and Reporting of Abuse (COSPRA) program, NKF continues to champion the digital rights and safety of Nigerian children.

According to the Chairperson, “COSPRA provides a safe space for reporting online abuse and equips children, parents, and educators with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the Internet safely.

“From school-based sensitization programs to community outreaches and digital literacy seminars, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure no child is left vulnerable in the online space.

“Interestingly, this year, NKF is building on its previous milestones. COSPRA has deepened its impact in 2025 through strategic collaborations, enhanced reporting mechanisms, and expanded community engagement.

“Our recently concluded West Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum (WAYIGF) also served as a bold statement of our ongoing investment in youth and children’s empowerment. With over 103 youth participants from across various secondary schools and the universities, the forum amplified young voices in shaping a safer, inclusive digital future — emphasizing children’s rights, online protection, and access to education in the digital age.

‘In addition, COSPRA aims to contribute to the IGF 2025 through the Dynamic coalition on Child Safety Dialogue on Universal Access and Digital Rights, advocating for cross-border collaboration in combating child online exploitation. Planned partnerships with UNICEF, ITU, Interpol, and other multilateral bodies will support joint campaigns and the exchange of global best practices”.

As Chairperson of the Foundation, she reaffirmed NKF’s unyielding dedication to creating safe spaces for children — online, offline, in classrooms, and in communities.

“We call on policymakers, educators, guardians, tech developers, and civil society actors to join hands in protecting our most valuable treasure: the children.

“However, we (Ndukwe Kalu Foundation) do not, in any way, take lightly the invaluable support and collaboration of our numerous sponsors, partners, and stakeholders over the years. These include the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, .NG Academy, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

“We also appreciate the contributions of various private technology companies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and community-based groups that have consistently supported our mission.

“May today inspire renewed action and commitment. Together, let us continue building a world where every child is safe, educated, and empowered to lead”.

The Foundation, speaking on the occasion of Children’s Day 2022, observes 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 expressing themselves freely without inhibition or borders.

According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) statistics, as at March 2022, Nigeria has 145.9 million Internet users out of a population of 211.4 million.

With more subscribers having access to the Internet every day, Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) emphasized that 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.

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 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 and “has identified among others collaborative ideas, signs and symptoms of online abuse through the use of 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, 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.