Anagbe expressed concern that some children born in IDP camps have attained the age of 10 without receiving any formal education.
The bishop spoke exclusively with LEADERSHIP on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 2026 National Child Rights Summit held at the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
The summit was themed: “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Child Protection and Empowerment in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Anagbe, who delivered the keynote address, said the government must make deliberate arrangements to provide internet access and digital education for every Nigerian child, regardless of location.
“Education is one area government has neglected. Environment should not be a barrier to the education of any Nigerian child.
“Every Nigerian child should be provided with the minimum basic education to develop his or her God-given talent.
“Now that we are in the age of internet, government should make available digital tools for every Nigerian child, no matter where he or she resides, to acquire internet education.
“In many IDP camps, children born there should be provided basic education. There are some children who are ten years old in the camps, they don’t have any education. Government should prioritise the rights, protection and empowerment of the Nigerian child,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Dr. Dili Ezughah, represented by Mrs. Vivian Okafor, urged media practitioners to promote child rights, protection and empowerment.
Ezughah described children as among the most vulnerable members of society, stressing that the media has a profound responsibility to protect their rights, dignity and best interests.
He said responsible reporting on issues affecting children could shape public attitudes and influence policies aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
He reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment, as the regulatory body for print media in Nigeria, to promoting ethical journalism, professionalism and responsible media practice.
“We must ensure that technological advancement is matched by ethical responsibility and effective safeguards.
“I urge journalists and media organisations to strengthen editorial safeguards, verify information before publication, protect the identities of child victims and survivors, and avoid sensationalism that could expose children to further harm,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the UNIZIK Child Rights Committee and leader of the summit committee, Dr. Obiora Edogor, said the protection of children’s rights must not be neglected.
Edogor said that given increasing societal complexities and the growing role of digital communication in human and societal advancement, the media should deploy digital tools to promote children’s rights, protection and empowerment.
