In an era where children are increasingly growing up online, the digital landscape presents both boundless opportunities and significant perils. Recognising this critical balance, MTN Nigeria and MTV Base have joined forces to launch the ‘Room of Safety’ series, an initiative designed to shield Nigerian youth from the hidden dangers of the internet and empower them to navigate the digital world securely.

The partnership, an extension of MTN Nigeria’s ‘Help Children Be Children’ campaign, harnesses the immense cultural influence of MTV Base to deliver a powerful message of online safety directly to young Nigerians. The ‘Room of Safety’ is a compelling 9-part short-form series that premiered on Sunday, July 20, 2025, on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Each Sunday, a new episode will debut, featuring a diverse cast of young influencers, including Nigerian-South African Foyin Ogunrombi, alongside Paramount’s Culture Squad members Yanda Woods, Mellissa Nayimuli, Craig Nobela, Lordkez, Mawelele, Naledi Aphiwe, and Major Steez.

The Alarming Reality: Nigeria’s Children at Risk Online
The urgency behind the ‘Room of Safety’ series is starkly illuminated by recent research. A study conducted by Ipsos, in collaboration with MTN across Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, paints a concerning picture of online behaviour among children and adolescents. The findings for Nigeria are particularly alarming – one in ten Nigerian children reported experiencing online harassment. This statistic is a chilling reminder of the pervasive nature of cyberbullying and other forms of digital abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars. About 79% of Nigerian adolescents aged 13-17 spend more than an hour online daily. While connectivity is a gateway to learning and connection, this extensive exposure also significantly amplifies their vulnerability to online risks. These statistics underscore an undeniable truth: comprehensive digital literacy and robust protective mechanisms are essential for the well-being of Nigeria’s digital natives.

Voices from the Frontline: Why This Matters
Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Nigeria, articulated the company’s profound commitment: “As technology evolves, we’re seeing serious risks, AI misuse, online stalking and exploitation – harm we once associated only with the physical world. At MTN, we believe access must go hand-in-hand with protection. Through our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety, we’re amplifying the voices of young people to speak to, and stand up for, each other, creating a safer, more conscious digital future.” His words highlight the critical need to evolve protection strategies as quickly as technology itself.

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Editorial at Paramount Africa, echoed this sentiment, emphasising MTV Base’s long-standing dedication to social impact: “For two decades, MTV Base has been at the forefront of shaping youth culture and using our platform to spotlight issues that matter. From HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health, we’ve consistently championed content that drives change. With Room of Safety, we’re continuing that legacy, empowering young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. This partnership with MTN is a powerful step in protecting the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard.”

A Call to Action: Building a Safer Digital Future
The ‘Room of Safety’ series is a rallying cry for collective action. Protecting Nigerian children online demands a unified front from all – parents, educators, policymakers, and technology providers. By empowering Nigerian youth and those who support them with the tools to stay safe, speak up, and stand together, the series aims to foster a generation of digitally resilient citizens.

The future of Nigeria’s youth hinges on their ability to thrive in the digital age, and initiatives like the ‘Room of Safety’ are paving the way for a safer, more secure online experience for every child.