A 14-year-old Edo-born Nigerian, Ivan Momoh, has developed a digital platform, ChildFirst Nigeria, aimed at promoting children’s rights, improving access to opportunities and strengthening child protection across the country.

The initiative, unveiled ahead of this year’s World Children’s Day on November 20, is designed as a one-stop digital platform where children, parents, guardians, organisations and government institutions can access information, resources, support and opportunities relating to children’s welfare.

Momoh, a child-rights advocate and technology enthusiast with an emerging interest in cybersecurity, said his passion for children’s welfare predated his interest in technology.

He explained that his concern about the challenges facing children, particularly in the areas of rights, protection, education and development, inspired him to seek practical ways of making a difference.

“As my interests evolved, technology became another avenue through which I could translate my ideas into practical solutions,” he said.

With interests in application and web development, Ivan has worked on various digital projects. He also recently completed a cybersecurity boot camp organised by TechstartersAfrica in August 2026, gaining practical knowledge of digital security and online safety.

He said the combination of his interest in child advocacy and technology inspired the development of ChildFirst Nigeria.

The platform is expected to provide accessible information on children’s rights, protection, education, welfare and relevant Nigerian laws. It will also connect children with scholarships, competitions, mentorship programmes, skills-development initiatives and other educational opportunities.

Other proposed features include helping users identify organisations and appropriate institutions to approach for assistance with child protection concerns, promoting online safety awareness and providing visibility for non-governmental organisations, foundations and agencies working to improve children’s lives.

According to Ivan, the platform will also provide opportunities for responsible corporate organisations to support child-focused initiatives through sponsorships, campaigns, corporate social responsibility programmes and educational interventions.

It will further highlight government policies, programmes and projects concerning children while encouraging public awareness and accountability.

He stressed that ChildFirst Nigeria is not intended to replace existing child protection institutions or reporting agencies but to make relevant information, resources and referral channels easier to access.

Momoh said protecting children should not be left to government alone, noting that parents, schools, communities, civil society groups, the private sector, development partners and the media all have important roles to play.

Although the initial prototype focuses on Nigeria, he said the long-term ambition is to expand the platform’s reach across Africa.

As the world prepares to mark World Children’s Day on November 20, Ivan called on government agencies, corporate organisations, schools, foundations and development partners to support the initiative.

For the young innovator, the message behind ChildFirst Nigeria is simple: children’s rights, welfare and opportunities deserve attention every day, not just during commemorative celebrations. (The Guardian)