The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched Media Literacy Clubs in secondary schools across Osun state.
A statement by Ogbonna Onwumere, Director, Corporate Affairs, NFVCB, said that this initiative is aimed at promoting responsible media consumption among young people.
The initiative, titled: ‘Making Safer Choices and Safeguarding Young Minds,’ NFVCB, said was designed to educate students on media literacy, foster critical thinking, and encourage the consumption of age-appropriate media content.
The statement quoted Paul Aliwon, Deputy Director of the NFVCB at the Osun Centre office, as saying that the formal flagging off ceremony of the pilot scheme in Osogbo, Osun State that the clubs would not function like other school-based extra-curricular groups.
Rather, Aliwon said this would focus specifically on guiding students in responsible media habits and consumption.
The board said that with the endorsement of the Osun State Ministry of Education, the pilot phase had commenced in four selected secondary schools across the state.
He said: “We have secured approval to flag off the programme in both public and private schools and we are beginning with ten students per school and one coordinating teacher.”
Aliwon mentioned the objectives of the Media Literacy Clubs to include educating students on film classifications and consumer advisories by the NFVCB, serving as youth ambassadors for the board in promoting safe content consumption, both online and offline, as well as introduction of students to the film value chain and classification elements.
Also, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NFVCB in his message at the flag off ceremony, said that apart from providing mentorship opportunities with top actors in the industry, the programme would facilitate interaction and competitions among club members from different schools.
He said: “Preparing students for advocacy in media safety and youth development and engaging them through a dedicated WhatsApp support line is also at the core of the NFVCB Media Literacy club.”.
He also explained that so far, the Media Literacy Club had been launched in three schools: Ataoja School of Science, Treasure Trove School and Day Star School with 30 student ambassadors and three coordinating teachers already active.
While commending the Osun State Ministry of Education for their support towards the implementation of the club’s initiative across the state, Husseini, remarked that the initiative represented a proactive effort by the NFVCB to empower the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape.