By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy and Osasome, C.O
Stakeholders are urging greater focus on digital awareness and data protection activities targeted at young people. This is to help them harness the benefits of technology while avoiding its potential dangers. The call was made during the Nigeria Teen Cyber Festival (ngTeenCyberFest) 2024. The event held at Olumawu School, Wuse II, Abuja. In attendance were hundreds of students from secondary schools and higher education institutions.
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With the theme “From Ideas to Impact: Fostering Innovation in the Age of AI”, the festival attracted leading tech and development experts, who explored the opportunities and risks posed by the digital world, particularly for young internet users.
Highlights of ngTeenCyberFest 2024
The event featured the unveiling of the 2024 Nigerian Teen Cyber Awareness Report, which sheds light on the importance of internet safety for teenagers. The report identifies key areas of concern, including cyberbullying, data privacy issues, and the growing exposure of teens to harmful content. Stakeholders agreed that more needs to be done to educate young people about the safe and responsible use of technology.
Awards and Recognition
The awards segment celebrated young innovators, hackathon winners, and corporate leaders who are making significant contributions to Nigeria’s digital landscape. These individuals and organizations were recognized for their efforts in promoting safe online practices and fostering digital innovation among Nigerian youths.
List of Awardees
Young Innovators/Corporate Institutions and Leaders:
- Iliyasu Aminu Alkasim;high school student, inventor, eyeglasses equipped with sensors to help visually impaired.
- Nwachukwu Angelica Ifunanyachukwu, 20-year-old leads cybersecurity awareness campaigns.
- Sitlong Alex Joseph: 15-year-old developer, creats a platform to connect miners with legitimate companies.
- Engr. Morenikeji Aniye, Founder/CEO of Hotspot Network Limited
- Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty
- Haruna Sani Sani, Director General, NASITDEA
- Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly
- Olawale Owoeye, MD/CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited
- Dr. Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of UNICCON Group
- Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, digital systems engineering expert
- Mr. David Daser, President/CEO, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI)
- Olumawu School
Stakeholder Support for Cyber Awareness Initiatives
The ngTeenCyberFest 2024 was hosted by Child Cyber Protection (C-CPro) with support from key stakeholders, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Knowhow Media and Market Intelligence International (KMMIIL), and the UNICCON Group of Companies. Additional partners included Olumawu School, NIGCOMSAT, Hotspot Network, Cedarview Communications, Digital Realty, nHub, and IXPN.
These stakeholders reinforced the importance of equipping young people with cybersecurity skills and promoting innovative thinking to prepare them for the digital future. As part of the initiative, discussions were held on addressing challenges such as unauthorized data access, cyberbullying, and online safety measures.
A Stepping Stone for Future Digital Leaders
“The festival serves as a stepping stone for the next generation of digital leaders, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the cyber world while ensuring their safety and responsible participation,” said Delmwa Gogwim, CEO of C-CPro, the event organizer.
The ngTeenCyberFest continues to play a pivotal role in fostering digital literacy among Nigerian youth, ensuring they can benefit from the opportunities of the internet while staying safe from its dangers.
