metro
FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children
FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children
LAGOS — The Federal Government has indicated support for stricter regulation of children’s access to social media platforms, following new survey findings showing strong public backing for tighter controls over minors’ online activity.
The position was made known at a national roundtable on child online protection held in Lagos, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The event brought together policymakers, digital rights experts, regulators and stakeholders to discuss online safety for children amid rising concerns over cyber risks and exposure to harmful content.
According to data presented at the event, a nationwide survey conducted by the ministry showed that 83.4 per cent of 585 respondents supported some form of regulation or restriction on children’s access to social media.
The survey, presented by Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Kasim Sodangi, also revealed that 64.8 per cent of respondents supported direct regulation, while 18.6 per cent backed restrictions but preferred alternative age thresholds.
Findings further showed strong public support for raising the minimum age for social media use, with 64.5 per cent of respondents favouring an age limit of 16 or 17 years, higher than the widely used global benchmark of 13 years.
The ministry said nearly all respondents were Nigerians, suggesting the results reflect strong local concern over online child safety and digital exposure risks.
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The poll also highlighted widespread anxiety about children’s digital experiences, with more than 93 per cent of respondents expressing concern about risks faced by minors online. Of this figure, 69.2 per cent described their concern as extreme, while 24.3 per cent said they were highly concerned.
Exposure to harmful and inappropriate content was identified as the most pressing issue, with over 90 per cent of respondents flagging it as a major risk. Other concerns included cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online grooming, digital addiction and exploitation of minors.
The survey also pointed to a knowledge gap in digital safety awareness, with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying many parents and children are not sufficiently informed about cybercrime laws and consequences of online misconduct.
In addition, an overwhelming 97.6 per cent of respondents supported stronger responsibility for technology companies, urging social media platforms to adopt proactive measures to protect younger users from harm.
Speaking at the roundtable, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the rapid expansion of digital platforms has made it necessary for governments to strengthen safeguards for children in the digital space.
Tijani said while social media offers opportunities for learning, creativity and innovation, it also exposes minors to significant risks that must be addressed through structured regulation.
“The debate should focus on implementing age restrictions effectively rather than questioning the need for such safeguards,” he said, adding that Nigeria can leverage digital identity systems and platform verification tools to enforce age-based rules.
He stressed that challenges around enforcement should not prevent the introduction of protective measures, noting that parents, schools, technology firms and civil society must all play roles in ensuring safer online environments for children.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, warned that children are increasingly vulnerable to online threats.
He listed risks such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, exposure to harmful content and mental health challenges as major concerns in the digital space.
Olatunji emphasised that while internet access remains important for education and development, stronger safeguards are required to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation online.
The Federal Government is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders, including telecom operators, technology companies, educators and civil society organisations, before arriving at a final policy direction on social media regulation for minors.
FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children
metro
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State and Nigeria at large was thrown into mourning on Monday following the demise of former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who passed away at the age of 71.
According to a statement released by his family, the former two-term governor died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, following a brief illness. His passing comes just three days shy of his 72nd birthday, as he was born on October 22, 1954.
The family’s statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan, described the death as an “immeasurable loss.” They remembered the late politician as a “source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder” whose life and service touched countless people across Delta State and the nation.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. Uduaghan leaves behind a robust political legacy that spanned over a decade and a half in the public service of Delta State.
He began his political career as the Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Governor James Ibori. His administrative acumen saw him elevated to the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from 2003 to 2007, a role in which he played a pivotal part in the state’s governance structure.
In 2007, he successfully contested and won the governorship seat, succeeding his mentor, Ibori. He was re-elected for a second term, governing the oil-rich state until 2015. During his tenure, Uduaghan was widely known for his “Delta Beyond Oil” economic diversification agenda, an initiative aimed at shifting the state’s economic dependence from crude oil to agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development. He was also fondly referred to as the “Talk and Do” governor due to his penchant for completing projects.
Outpouring of Grief
Following the announcement, tributes have begun to pour in from across the country. Political associates, friends, and constituents have taken to social media and traditional media to express their shock and sorrow at the passing of the former governor.
Many recall his time in office as a period of relative peace and infrastructural growth in Delta State. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their patriarch.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71, Three Days to 72nd Birthday
metro
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
At least three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed farmers-herders clash in Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with several others injured and properties destroyed.
The violence, which reportedly began on Saturday afternoon and continued until Sunday morning, October 18, left houses, shops and a motorcycle burnt, while goods in the affected shops were destroyed.
However, another report put the death toll at five, with eyewitnesses saying both farmers and herders were among those killed. The exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of reporting.
A resident, Danlami Ibrahim, said the latest confrontation began after cattle allegedly entered a groundnut farm containing crops that were yet to be harvested.
According to him, the farm owner confronted the herders, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. One of the herders allegedly attacked a farmer with a cutlass, severing one of his hands.
The incident reportedly triggered anger among residents and led to retaliatory attacks in which three herders were said to have been killed. Several other people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Gwagwalada for treatment.
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The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gwagwalada Area Council chapter, Mohammed Usman, confirmed that three herders had died, although he said he was still gathering information about the number of injured people.
Usman said he had informed the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman, Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, about the incident.
Ikwa visited the affected community on Sunday alongside the Divisional Police Officer, SP Aaron H. Kaura, and other security personnel. He condemned the violence and called on residents to remain calm.
The council chairman said a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to address the crisis and identify ways to prevent further clashes. He urged farmers, herders, youths and community leaders to embrace dialogue and avoid retaliatory attacks.
Ikwa also advised farmers whose crops were damaged by cattle to report such incidents to security agencies rather than resort to self-help. He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel deployed to restore peace.
The FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, had yet to publicly respond to enquiries about the incident as of the time of the report.
The latest violence follows previous confrontations in Paikon-Kore and neighbouring communities, including a clash in August that reportedly left a farmer with a severed hand and three other people with machete injuries.
Recurring disputes over cattle grazing, destruction of crops, access to farmland and grazing routes have fuelled tensions between farming and herding communities across parts of the FCT.
Herders have also complained about the encroachment of designated grazing areas by farms, housing estates and other developments, while farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about livestock entering their fields and destroying crops.
The Federal Government has identified the FCT as one of the priority areas for efforts to address farmers-herders conflicts. The Ministry of Livestock Development has also announced plans to work with the FCT Administration and pastoralist groups to rehabilitate grazing reserves and improve livestock management.
Security analysts have called for stronger early-warning systems, impartial law enforcement, compensation for damaged crops and effective mediation to prevent local disputes from escalating into deadly violence.
The latest clash has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities around Abuja and the need for a lasting solution to recurring disputes between farmers and herders.
Farmers-Herders Clash in Abuja Leaves Three Dead as Houses, Shops Burn
metro
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
Police in Ogun State have arrested a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, following the death of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in a house fire in Igbo-Edu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The incident, suspected to be a case of arson, reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm following a domestic dispute, according to an eyewitness quoted by PUNCH Metro.
The Ogun State Police Command said the incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after information was received that a residential building had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.
The suspect was subsequently arrested as investigators began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The eyewitness account suggests that the fire occurred after a disagreement between the couple. However, the precise sequence of events leading to the fire, the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately set have yet to be conclusively established by the police.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for a post-mortem examination to help determine the cause of death and provide further evidence for the investigation.
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The police said the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a more detailed investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, assured residents that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and professionally in accordance with the law.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that allegations involving serious crimes receive appropriate investigative attention.
The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and provide credible information that could assist investigators in establishing what happened.
Although the incident is being investigated as suspected arson, the available information has not conclusively established how the fire started or the motive behind it. The eyewitness account of a domestic dispute is an allegation that investigators will need to examine alongside other evidence.
The outcome of the post-mortem examination and further police inquiries is expected to provide additional information about the woman’s death.
The suspect’s arrest does not establish guilt. He remains entitled to due process as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire.
Ogun House Fire Horror: Husband Arrested After Wife Dies Following Domestic Dispute
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