- The Ministry of Women Affairs has called for ethical AI guidelines and cybersecurity to protect children.
- AU advisor Lavina Ramkissoon urged swift action on AI policies and future rights.
- Over 200 schools joined the Lagos event to prepare kids for the AI era.
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has called on policymakers, developers, parents, and educators to work together in creating ethical guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital content tailored specifically for children.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the ministry also emphasised the need for strong cyber security measures focused on children and inclusive innovation spaces that ensure no child is left behind.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Revealed: Why Tinubu Did Not Reinstate Fubara on June 12
- Release Nnamdi Kanu On Bail, Give Us Anim State – Senator Tells FG
- Gombe Permanent Secretary, 4 Others Electrocuted in Power Surge
Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim made this appeal during the Kids Tech Fest, Africa’s first AI Summit for Children, held on Saturday in Lagos.
She was represented by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Johnathan Eze.
Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment, Ibrahim said, “As our children wholeheartedly embrace AI, robotics, and other digital solutions, we, as their guardians, must also keep pace, ensuring their safety and mental well-being.”
“Let us collectively reaffirm our pledge to invest deeply in our children’s safety, education, and dreams. Together, we can build a society where technology serves as a powerful tool for inclusion, and childhood remains a place of safety, wonder, and boundless opportunity.”
Also speaking at the event, Ambassador and Master of Technology Advisor at the African Union, Lavina Ramkissoon, said that embracing AI in Africa would require a unified effort from political, parental, and educational stakeholders.
Ramkissoon said, “Children do not lack the imagination; it is us, from the adult’s perspective, that need more alignment within ourselves and we have got to act faster.
“Policies need to be put in place – from internet usage, child protection, human rights – these need to play a larger voice and role.”
She further stressed the need for Africa to plan for AI rights in the future. Ramkissoon said, “AI has to have its own set of rights to function within the society, because it is going to be embedded in the society.
“Can we see between 10 years and 15 years, having humanoids in our workforce? Are we equipping our managers and leaders to be able to have the ability to manage humanoids within the workforce? There is a lot more of thinking that we need to curtail toward.”
Convener of the event, Justina Nnamoha, said Kids Tech Fest aims to raise awareness among parents and educators about the importance of preparing Nigerian children for the AI age.
Nnamoha said, “I think that it is really critical to answer the question of relevance, and if we will be able to dominate the global landscape, talent-wise, in the next couple of years.
“Also, the relevance of our children and how much we bring them up to speed with the advancement of AI. Also, doing this in a safe way in our own context as Africans is really important.”
FURTHER READING
- Wike Defends Naming Abuja Conference Centre After Tinubu
- Traffic Congestion Crisis Costs Lagos N4 Trillion Annually – Giwa
- Dangote Refinery Tinubu’s Masterpiece – Aliko Dangote
According to the NAN, over 200 schools across Lagos State participated in the event, with attendees ranging from six to 16 years old.
