By 
The Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) and the Child Cyber Protection (CC-Pro) are exploring measures to spread awareness on cyber safety in urban and rural areas of Plateau State.
Jos based CC-Pro initiates a number of programmes to educate on the benefits of the internet and its inherent dangers from hate and fake news, indoctrination on dangerous ideologies and practices that could impact on societal moral fabric, peaceful coexistence, and progress. The CC-Pro campaigns focus on young people vulnerable to cyber influence.
During a recent courtesy visit to PICTDA, CEO/Co-Founder of CC-Pro, Delmwa Gogwim commended the agency for helping to translate the development agenda of Governor Simon Lalong into impactful ICT projects such as the ‘PICTDA on the Wheels’ designed to drive ICT accessibility statewide particularly in rural communities; and the Code Plateau through which the agency is building tech skills in young people to be part of not just Nigeria but the global digital economy.
“These youngsters have a great chance at achieving their dreams through the internet. Your exposure has helped to create awareness and boost careers.. As internet awareness grows, these youngsters need direction, they need to know how to surf the net right, what information to share online, and what sites to avoid amongst others,” said Gogwim.
The Director General of PICTDA, Daser David, said it has become imperative to pay attention to the dangers of the internet even in the face of its countless benefits. He praised the CC-Pro team for their commitment to make the society a better place online. He said security needs a wholistic approach as even adults could fall prey of cybercrimes.
According to David, one of the ways to curb the menace of becoming victims of cybercrimes is to bridge the gap between education and poverty. “If more Nigerians are out of poverty, most of these challenges will be a thing of the past.” He said his agency was willing to partner with CC-Pro to reaching out especially with preventive measures in the rural communities. Partnership is important to address the emerging challenges among our young population increasingly becoming part of the internet community, David added.
