As part of efforts to combat the growing dangers associated with internet usage, renowned Cyber Safety Advocate and Publisher of Internet Safety Magazine, Rotimi Onadipe, has officially launched the Stay Safe Online Academy in Ibadan.
The academy, unveiled on Thursday at the headquarters of Internet Safety Magazine, is designed to equip smartphone users with vital knowledge on how to use the internet safely and responsibly.
Speaking during the launch, Onadipe highlighted the importance of the academy in today’s digital age, described it as a “milestone initiative” aimed at addressing global online threats.
“Stay Safe Online Academy is very important to everyone in today’s digital age because it aims to address online dangers, which are some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said.
He warned that while the internet offered immense benefits in communication and connectivity, it also poses significant risks, including hacking, scams, cyberbullying, online addiction, and exposure to harmful content.
Onadipe referenced several cases where the WhatsApp numbers of prominent individuals such as ministers, governors, senators, and high-ranking police officers were hacked by suspected fraudsters, stressed that awareness and education remain the strongest preventive tools.
“Every time the phrase ‘Stay Safe Online’ is mentioned, many people think only of scams. But it encompasses much more addiction, fake news, cyber predators, vision problems, and more,” he added.
The academy will focus on educating various segments of society, especially young children and elderly individuals, on how to identify and avoid digital threats.
“A seven-year-old child is not too young to learn how to stay safe online,It’s better and safer to educate children before giving them access to the internet.”Onadipe stated.
He called on stakeholders in the cyber security sector to increase awareness efforts and stressed the urgent need for online safety education in the face of growing digital threats.
Beyond awareness campaigns, Onadipe is also involved in counselling and rehabilitating internet fraudsters, victims of cybercrime, and individuals battling social media addiction. His work has earned global recognition and has been featured in several reputable media and academic platforms including Emporium Reporters, The Punch, Nigeria Tribune, The Cable, Ghana Web, News Ghana, Fox Posts, and academic institutions such as Glasgow College Scotland and Lincoln University Library.
