The Director General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, has expressed concern that many young people remain unaware of the dangers they face in cyberspace.
Mojola made this statement during a one-day seminar for schools across Lagos State, themed “Building a Strong Cyber Safety Awareness,” held in Ikeja. The initiative aims to improve students’ understanding of online risks and equip them to navigate the digital world safely.
Mojola emphasised the dual nature of the internet, pointing out that while it provides vast opportunities for learning and growth, it also presents significant risks, particularly for young people.
“Young people are especially vulnerable to the dangers lurking online. Cyberbullying, phishing scams, identity theft, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators are just a few of the threats students encounter in cyberspace. Sadly, many are unaware of these risks, making them easy targets,” Mojola stated.
He underscored the importance of the seminar, which was organised in collaboration with the Safe Schools Alliance, noting, “Today’s event symbolises the proactive measures we must take to ensure our students’ safety, both physically and digitally. By establishing a strong foundation of cyber security awareness, we are better positioned to protect our children.”
Mojola also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to tackling cyber threats, stressing that starting with schools is vital in safeguarding children from an early age.
“By teaching them to differentiate between accurate and misleading information and steering them away from harmful or unproductive websites, we can prevent cyber threats before they escalate,” he added.
Contributing to the discussion, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, highlighted the importance of children understanding both the advantages and risks of internet usage. He emphasised that initiatives like this seminar are crucial in shaping students’ awareness of what content is beneficial or harmful.
Dr. Bisi Esuruoso, Lead Resources at Safe Schools Lagos, described the seminar as a timely and much-needed intervention.
“This initiative is essential for preparing schools across Lagos to tackle cyber threats directly, fostering a safer digital environment for everyone involved,” Esuruoso remarked.
Students who attended the seminar expressed their gratitude for the lessons learnt, noting that the rise of false narratives and cyberbullying on social media makes such knowledge crucial. They expressed hope that the skills and information gained from the event would help them protect themselves from cyberbullies and other online threats.
