The AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to prioritize access to age-appropriate Sexuality Education and health interventions for youths through digital empowerment.

AHF made this request during a visit to the NCC Digital Economy Department in Abuja to mark the 2023 International Day of the African Child, which focuses on the theme "Switched Up CSE Access through digital empowerment."

Dr. Echey Ijezie, the Country Programme Director of AHF Nigeria, explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess how the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy can address the challenges faced by young people in the digital world.

He said, “Youths are empowered with the appropriate knowledge, skills of assertiveness, and understanding for them to feel the perils and all issues that might arise as they grow older in society. Comprehensive sexuality education is important as long as it is age appropriate and comprehensive to empower the youths and make them understand what the facts are and live a fulfilled life that is risk-free.

“This is the main advocacy and we are looking at different platforms to disseminate this information that will form parts of the conversation, education for the youths to be enlightened...

The Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, also emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive and health rights.

Aborisade highlighted AHF's commitment to empowering youth by providing them with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate online platforms, understand their rights, and make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

He then called upon African communities to support age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a means to empower young individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to national development. Affirming that, comprehensive sexuality education encompasses vital areas such as abstinence, gender equality, human rights, gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health, and equipping young people with the knowledge to protect themselves and promote their well-being.