The Hon. Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, has said that there is a need for in-depth understanding of latest trends and best practices of cyber security with a view to serve and control mechanism for the protection of Africa’s Cyber Space.
He said this at a 3-day workshop on Cyber Security and Digitalisation organised by the National Open University of Nigeria’s (NOUN) African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) in collaboration with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), The Africa Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Application (ACE-SMIA)
The Minister represented by Prof. Sahalu Janaidu added that security is a topical issue, and the conference will afford Nigeria and the entire West African Continent a unique opportunity to analyse cyber threats in the continent thus creating solutions to achieve a secure cyber space.
‘‘Cyber- attacks are growing at a rapid rate with more malwares being launched than ever before’’ He said.
Speaking in the same vein, the EFCC Chairman Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa represented by Mr. Bello Mohammed emphasised that digitalisation is a powerful driver for economic growth and aids the fight against corruption using forensic investigative techniques to gather digital evidence.
He added that the EFCC remains one of the few government establishments that conduct intelligence-driven and science-based investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
‘‘I am therefore delighted to be part of this workshop with diverse representatives from West Africa’’ He said.
In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor of noun Prof. Olufemi Peters while declaring the event open said it is expected that the workshop will build partnership that will give rise to solutions to make our cyber space safe for all.
He lauded the strength of ACETEL and their ability to collaborate with National and Regional giants like EFCC, NITDA, ACE-SMIA.
Peters added that the workshop is timely as it provides an opportunity to raise awareness among individuals, organisations, government and businesses in the West African sub-region.
‘‘Beyond the duration of the workshop, let us continue to interrogate our systems and peculiar circumstances and come up with ways we can securely transform the digital landscape of our society’’ He said.
The centre director of ACETEL, Prof Grace Jokthan in her speech reiterated that the workshop is aimed at identifying gaps and proffer novel solutions to address the prevalent cyber threats limiting digitalization in the West African region.
‘‘I encourage all participants to utilize this opportunity to learn the work and business skill of the future for better work efficiency, safety and economic growth’’ Jokthan Said.
Writer: Emem Oshionebo
