Ahead of the expected state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom (UK), King Charles III hosted members of Nigerians in Diaspora at St James’s Palace, London.
The event, which was held early in the week, was an evening of cultural pride and diplomacy while also drawing attention to one of the most urgent issues currently confronting families and educators – protection of children in the digital age.
The reception brought together a cross-section of Nigerians living in the UK, including business leaders, professionals, creatives and public figures, whose works have continued to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Britain.
Among the guests was the President and Chief Executive Officer, Rupetta Group, Mrs Katmaan Senlong, whose work across education, technology and social impact has earned growing respect in both Nigeria and the UK. An ICT lawyer and education advocate, Senlong, has become widely known for advancing a model of child development rooted in discipline, confidence, creativity and structured learning.
In the course of a brief exchange with Senlong, King Charles III emphasized the need for children to be kept away from social media, especially during the early education years, a statement that reflected Senlong’s longstanding commitment to building environments in which children can flourish beyond the distractions and pressures of the digital world.
Recall that Nigeria had opened a national public consultation on child online safety, including age limits for social media access, stronger age verification and greater accountability for digital platforms.
The development marked a notable and welcome shift in Nigeria’s approach to child protection in the digital era, placing the country within a wider international movement that is increasingly treating online safety as a matter of public importance.
“Around the world, governments are moving with greater urgency. Australia has already introduced social media restrictions for underage users, while France, Norway and Denmark are among the countries taking firmer positions on how children engage with digital platforms. Nigeria’s own emerging response suggests a country beginning to meet the moment with seriousness and care”, said Senlong.
She added that the issue is more than policy. According to her, “it is central to the philosophy behind Rupetta Academy and the wider Rupetta Group.”
Senlong’s works were said to have consistently focused on giving children meaningful alternatives through chess, science, structured education, physical activity and creative engagement.
The evening at St James’s Palace also celebrated Nigeria itself. Guests were treated to Nigerian cuisine and cultural performances that reflected the country’s richness, confidence and global cultural reach.
Beneath the elegance of the setting, there was a clear message – that Nigerians in the diaspora are not only succeeding but are also shaping serious conversations around the future of education, enterprise, culture and public life.
As anticipation builds for President Tinubu’s visit, the reception offered an early note of warmth and mutual regard between both countries.
Through Senlong, Nigeria is presenting to the world, a generation of leaders whose influence is measured not only by titles or visibility but also by the depth and relevance of their works.
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