The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has initiated Media Literacy Clubs in secondary schools throughout Osun State, aiming to enhance critical thinking skills and promote the use of age-appropriate media content.

This initiative, titled “Making Safer Choices and Safeguarding Young Minds,” is supported by the Osun State Ministry of Education and has been launched in four selected secondary schools. With 30 student ambassadors and three coordinating teachers actively involved, the program focuses on advocating for safe media consumption in both online and offline environments.

During the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Director and Chief Executive of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, emphasised the initiative’s commitment to providing mentorship opportunities with prominent figures in the film industry. He highlighted that the program will foster interaction and competition among club members from different schools.

The NFVCB aims to empower students to advocate for media safety and youth development. A dedicated WhatsApp support line will further engage students and enhance their learning experiences through the Media Literacy Club.

“The Media Literacy Club has been launched at three institutions: Ataoja School of Science, Treasure Trove School, and Day Star School. We extend our gratitude to the Osun State Ministry of Education for their invaluable support in implementing these clubs across the state. Our goal at the NFVCB is to equip the next generation with essential knowledge and skills to navigate today’s intricate media landscape,” he concluded.

The Deputy Director of the NFVCB, Paul Aliwon, reaffirmed at the formal flag-off ceremony in Osogbo that these clubs will operate similarly to other school-based extracurricular groups but will specifically focus on guiding students towards responsible media habits and consumption.

The objectives of the club, as outlined by Aliwon, include educating students on film classifications, informing them about consumer advisories from the NFVCB, and empowering them to serve as youth ambassadors for the Board.