IDAC 2023: C'River First Lady Calls for Self-examination In Tackling Challenges Facing African Children

By Ogbu Kosy

Wife of Cross River state governor, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu has called for introspection and commitment towards addressing the many challenges facing children in Africa.

Mrs. Otu who made the call at the event of this year's International Day of the African Child, themed "The Right of the Child in a Digital Environment," held today, in Calabar, averred that in a rapidly advancing era of technology where digital devices and online platforms have become an integral part of our lives, it is imperative that we address the unique challenges and opportunities they present particularly for our youngest and vulnerable citizens. 

Mrs Otu, who was represented by the immediate past Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong further noted that the commemoration of the day was significant, saying "children, today, live in a world totally different from the older generation"

"As we commemorate this day, we must recognise that children have the fundamental rights in the digital world as they do offline. The right to privacy, freedom of expression, access to education and protection from harm, among many other things," she averred, maintaining that it is the responsibility of adults, parents, caregivers, educators, policymakers and technologists to ensure that these rights are upheld in the digital realm.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Alice Egbe expressed delight at the massive turnout of parents and caregivers to celebrate the African child's bravery and courage, even in the face of the numerous challenges they face in Africa.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations, NAPTIP, Calabar, Mr. Jacob Oba, posited that one of the paramount concerns in the digital environment is child online safety as the internet exposes children to various risks like cyber bullying, online grooming, harmful content and potential exploitation. He urged parents and caregivers to take comprehensive measures to safeguard their well-being through digital literacy and awareness, implementing robust age verification systems, promoting responsible digital citizenship and collaborating with technology companies to develop safer platforms.

Annually, June 16, is celebrated globally as the Day of the African Child. This day tells the story of the African Child and is aimed at honouring the children who participated in the Soweto uprising in 1976 to protest the substandard quality of education given them.