Bishop seeks society for vulnerable children to grow with dignity

By Praise Chinecherem

Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe has called for stronger digital protection of children, particularly their privacy and personal information.

He also underscored the need to create society where vulnerable children could live safely, learn meaningfully and grow with dignity.

Delivering his keynote address at the Stakeholders at the 2026 National Child Rights Summit held in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe called for improved security of schools.

He urged authorities to ensure internally displaced persons were enabled to return safely to their communities rather than being permanently resettled away from their homes.

“Displaced children must not be forgotten and must have access to education, safety and dignified future,” he added.

Describing child rights as sacrosanct, the cleric urged government and relevant institutions to enact appropriate laws and ensure their effective implementation.

He warned against privacy violations, automated profiling, impersonation, biased systems and inappropriate AI-generated content.

“Nigeria must develop clear and responsible regulatory frameworks that prioritise children’s interests.

“The conversation should move beyond what AI can do, to what it should be allowed to do, who benefits, what safeguards are required and who is accountable when harm occurs.

“There should also be deliberate efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural communities where poverty, poor internet access and low digital literacy continue to limit children’s opportunities to learn and compete.

“Government and security agencies must take more decisive action to protect lives and restore stability.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, while declaring the summit open, pledged the institution’s commitment to advancing child-rights scholarship, advocacy and protection.

He said the University’s support for the summit showed its broader vision of positioning research, education, digital technology and strategic partnerships as instruments for improving the welfare, protection and empowerment of children and young people.

Presenting the lead paper, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze, examined the legal framework for the protection of children, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital environment.

He stressed the important role of parents in protecting children, including safeguarding the digital content they access, encouraging them to discuss their online experiences and closely monitoring behavioural changes that may indicate exposure to harmful digital content.

Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Oji Ama, who chaired the event through his DCP in charge of Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, described the summit’s theme as timely and expressed optimism that the gathering would produce meaningful outcomes.

Traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Pharm. Dr. Alex Onyido, called for stronger legislation and stiffer measures to protect children, as well as concerted approach to addressing violations of child rights.

His Umueri counterpart, Igwe Ben Emeka, noted that children have numerous rights, including the right to education, just as he commended the organisers for expanding the conversation to emerging dimensions of child protection.

Earlier, Chairman of the UNIZIK Child Rights Committee, Dr. Obiorah Edogor called for collective action to reshape the future of children and young people in Nigeria, stressing that children should be seen as investments capable of determining the future of the nation.

He noted that the increasing maltreatment of children, particularly in the digital age, demanded urgent and meaningful intervention.

Other contributors to the summit themed “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Child Protection and Empowerment in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges,” included Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, represented by Dr. Adaobi Okeke.

Also in attendance were Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, CN Onubogu Orakwue; and Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, represented by Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo, among others.