NGO Launches Campaign to Tackle Online Child Exploitation in Kwara

In an effort to address the growing issue of online child exploitation, a nonprofit group, Pristine SACC Education and Technology Initiative, has launched a campaign to raise awareness among students and educators about the dangers of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

The organisation’s Executive Director, Umar Aisha, stated that the internet had become an essential part of young people’s daily lives, and the associated risks in digital spaces had significantly increased, which prompted the launch of the CSAM campaign.

“Recognising the urgent need for intervention, Pristine SACC rolled out a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely.”

The campaign tackled important issues such as emotional catfishing, online blackmail, and exposure to harmful content, while also empowering educators to become leading advocates for digital safety, he added.

Aisha shared that since its launch in November of the previous year, the campaign had reached 10 senior secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara State, where staff and volunteers engaged over 500 students through interactive workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions.

“These workshops, which are ongoing address real-life scenarios, providing students with practical skills to identify and respond to online threats. The team also distributed over 500 CSAM Visual Guides, which we specially designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and informative.”

The 20+ page materials simplify complex topics, breaking them into digestible sections that cover everything from identifying suspicious online behaviours to understanding consent and reporting abuse. The campaign also uses social media advocacy to broaden its reach.

Hassan Shuaib, the organisation’s Programme Manager, emphasized that the CSAM initiative aimed at fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility. He added that Pristine SACC is committed to training both educators and students and ensuring schools put sustainable structures in place to address digital safety issues.

“The campaign will incorporate the expertise of an Educational Psychologist, who will mentor students for one year, offering emotional and psychological support as they navigate digital spaces.”

This ongoing mentorship is designed to extend the program’s impact well beyond the initial workshops and material distribution.

“As the CSAM campaign continues to gain momentum, we call on stakeholders, government agencies, parents, and the public to join hands in supporting this noble cause.”

“By working together, we can ensure that every child has the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to thrive in the digital world without fear of exploitation.”

Amina Adeyemi, a senior secondary school student from one of the participating schools, expressed her thoughts on the initiative, saying: “Before this training, I didn’t know how to recognize online predators or what to do if someone tried to blackmail me online. Now, I feel more confident and aware of how to protect myself.”

In the same vein, Aisha Tolowoye, a school administrator from one of the participating schools who attended one of the workshops, shared her gratitude, stating: “This program has opened my eyes to the digital risks our students face every day. With the training and materials provided, I now feel better equipped to guide and protect our learners.”