IHRGA, CIFWCDI promote safe internet use, mental health, among Benue students, launch Digital Safety Club

By James Ike

Students of Holy Rosary College, Tse-Abu, Makurdi, were equipped with critical knowledge on safe internet usage, mental health, and online protection during a Digital Safety Training and launch of a Digital Safety Club held to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

The programme, held on May 27, 2026, was organized by the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness, IHRGA, in partnership with the Center for Inclusive Future Women and Children Development Initiative, CIFWCDI.

The training brought together students, teachers, and guidance counselors for interactive sessions aimed at promoting responsible digital behavior and protecting young people from cyber-related dangers.

Speaking during the opening session, Founder of Aza-Gbagyo Foundation, Mr. Joseph Mtemdoo Gbagyo, urged students to use the internet mainly for educational and productive purposes.

He warned against excessive social media use and cautioned students against operating social media accounts through their parents’ phones without proper supervision.

“The internet should be a tool for learning and growth, not a platform for harmful activities,” he said.

Gbagyo also educated the students on Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, warning them against internet fraud and other unlawful online activities.

Executive Lead of IHRGA, Mrs. Nyiyam Ikyereve, who facilitated a session on online grooming and technology-facilitated violence, encouraged students to remain alert while interacting online and report suspicious behavior.

“Not everyone you meet online has good intentions. Young people must learn to recognize warning signs and protect themselves in digital spaces,” she said.

The session featured discussions on body shaming, online harassment, stalking, and unhealthy online confrontations, with students actively sharing their online experiences and favorite digital content.

Mrs. Ikyereve also unveiled the school’s Digital Safety Club, describing it as a peer-support platform designed to help students promote safer online practices among themselves.

Students reportedly welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm.

In another presentation, Executive Director of CIFWCDI, Mrs. Yaji, stressed the importance of mental health awareness, noting that online content consumption could negatively affect emotional wellbeing.

“The type of content we consume online can influence our mental health and sometimes lead to anxiety, stress, or depression,” she said, while encouraging students to seek professional support when necessary.

Principal of Holy Rosary College, Rev. Sis. Onyinye Anike, commended the organizers for bringing what she described as a timely intervention to the school.

She urged students to take the lessons seriously and apply them both online and offline.

Jointly delivering the vote of thanks, the Communications Lead of IHRGA, Wueseter Iortyom, alongside the Head Girl of Holy Rosary College, expressed appreciation to the speakers, school management, students, and partner organizations for their support and contributions toward the success of the programme.

They commended the active participation of students during the training sessions and praised the commitment of the facilitators in educating young people on responsible digital behaviour and online safety practices.

The organizers also acknowledged the collaboration between participating organizations, noting that the partnership played a vital role in ensuring the smooth coordination and impactful delivery of the event.

According to the organizers, the programme further highlighted the need for sustained digital safety education and increased mental health awareness among young people as they continue to navigate the opportunities and risks associated with the online space.