AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In its continued effort toward the implementation of the present administration’s agenda of strengthening national security by committing to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure as well as contribute to the overall peace and prosperity of the nation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SecDojo, SAS, a Cybersecurity training and upskilling company with headquarters in France, to strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, and Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo, Mr. Younes Benzagmout at the signing ceremony, which took place during GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.

August24news.com Editor gathered that the signing ceremony took place during GITEX Africa 2025 event in Marrakech, Morocco, with the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, and Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo, Mr. Younes Benzagmout, representing both organisations.

This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes, development of customised curricula and educational resources, and facilitation of research, knowledge sharing, and professional exchange programmes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Inuwa expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a secure digital future.“We just signed an MOU with SecDojo, which is a cybersecurity capacity-building provider, and this is one of our efforts to strengthen our national cybersecurity to enhance our cyber resilience,” he noted.

He asserted that as Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital is paramount, describing people as the technology component of any innovation ecosystem.

inuwa also noted the growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and emphasised Nigeria’s potential to fill the talent gap, given its large and youthful population.“Globally, we have the gap, and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness, well, we can train them and connect them with the global value chain to provide cybersecurity services and also to fill some roles and gaps in the global cybersecurity market,” he averred.

While pushing for digital skills integration into Nigeria’s formal education system, the DG called for deeper collaboration between technology stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Education to embed digital literacy and cybersecurity training into Nigeria’s formal education system.

He stated that, there is an urgent need to shift from short-term skills acceleration programmes to long-term, systemic integration of digital skills into academic curricula at all levels, from primary to tertiary education.

“For me, this goes beyond NITDA. I see a national opportunity, one that involves the Ministry of Education, to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education,” he said. “Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

But to prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he added.

Highlighting successful models such as Cisco’s academic integration, which allows students in over 100 Nigerian universities to earn both degrees and professional certifications simultaneously, he stressed the benefits of a dual-track learning system that equips graduates for immediate relevance in the digital economy.

He noted that while Cisco has led the way, the ecosystem must be open to multiple partners, especially those aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework, and encouraged tech firms and content providers to collaborate, offering open-source or customized content that can be adopted nationally.

“We don’t want to limit this to a single vendor. The opportunity is open to all.

Google has shown interest, and we welcome more partners. There are committees already working with the Ministry, and we’d love to see more stakeholders at the table,” he concluded.

In his remark, Mr Benzagmout, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He noted that the collaboration aims to bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals while contributing to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

“We sincerely thank NITDA for their trust and partnership and we are excited to begin this journey and look forward to building a successful and impactful collaboration,” he assured.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Announces Great Family Offerings This EasterAs families across Nigeria prepare for the Easter holidays, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is positioning itself as the premier destination for a memorable and stress-free getaway.

With spacious accommodations, a delectable Easter Sunday Brunch, engaging activities for all ages, and a commitment to safety and convenience, the iconic hotel is ready to welcome families seeking quality time together in the Federal Capital Territory.

For families traveling with children or extended relatives, Transcorp Hilton Abuja offers a diverse range of thoughtfully designed rooms and suites.

These expansive accommodations provide ample space for relaxation and connection, ensuring a comfortable stay where families can truly unwind and enjoy each other’s company without feeling confined.

Each room is equipped with modern amenities to cater to every need.

A highlight of the Easter celebration at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is the highly anticipated Easter Sunday Brunch at the hotel’s Bukka Restaurant.

Renowned for its authentic local flavours and international cuisine, Bukka will present a special Easter spread featuring traditional delicacies alongside a tempting array of classic and creatively themed Easter desserts.

This promises to be a delightful culinary experience for the whole family to share.Beyond comfortable lodging and exceptional dining, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is dedicated to creating fun and engaging moments for guests of all ages.

The hotel will feature a lively DJ-led poolside experience, allowing adults to relax and soak in the festive atmosphere. Younger guests will be thrilled with the hotel’s well-equipped playground, providing a safe and exciting space to expend energy while parents can relax nearby.

This balanced approach ensures a fulfilling experience for every family member.

Recognizing the paramount importance of safety for traveling families, Transcorp Hilton Abuja maintains a secure environment with professional and attentive staff. From the hotel premises to guest interactions, every aspect is designed to provide parents with peace of mind, allowing them to fully relax and enjoy their time together.

To further ease the complexities of family travel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja collaborates with reputable third-party ticketing and logistics operators.

Guests can conveniently arrange transportation, book local excursions, and plan their Abuja adventures directly through the hotel’s trusted partners, eliminating the stress of independent planning.

The ambiance at Transcorp Hilton Abuja is described as a harmonious blend of luxurious comfort and warm, welcoming hospitality. Guests can unwind by the inviting pool, explore the hotel’s serene gardens, and enjoy the attentive service of the dedicated staff.

The overall atmosphere encourages relaxation and the creation of cherished family moments.More than just a place to stay, Transcorp Hilton Abuja aims to be the backdrop for unforgettable family experiences this Easter.

With its comprehensive offerings and commitment to guest satisfaction, the hotel invites families to create lasting memories in a comfortable, fun, and secure environment.

Technology, Neutral Tool for Socio-Economic Development-DG NITDA

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasised the significance of perceiving technology as a neutral instrument that can accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

Speaking during a virtual panel session titled “Culture and Innovation: The Changing Landscape and Technoculture,” Inuwa outlined the importance of leveraging technology to balance cultural preservation with economic growth.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and UNESCO, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore the dynamic role of technology in shaping cultural and economic transformations.

Inuwa who was represented by the Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, stressed that technology is inherently neutral—it is neither beneficial nor harmful in isolation but depends on the intent and strategy behind its usage.

He advocated for implementing robust policies and fostering collaborations to ensure technological innovations align with Nigeria’s cultural heritage and developmental goals.

As global cultures and economies are increasingly influenced by digital innovation, Inuwa pointed to creative tools such as Figma, Canva, and CorelDRAW, which incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences.

He underlined the need to equip Nigerians with digital skills to utilise these tools effectively for economic progress.

He said, “To this end, NITDA has established digital learning centers nationwide, providing education in Emerging Technologies.

The National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) is also playing a pivotal role by offering training programs and creating tech hubs aimed at improving productivity and skill acquisition.”

Additionally, Inuwa unveiled Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a framework designed to position the nation as a frontrunner in AI adoption.

This strategy focuses on intellectual property rights and prioritises efficiency and transformation across critical sectors, especially through its emphasis on social inclusion and development.

According to him, NITDA’s commitment to digital security and intellectual property protection has also resulted in the launch of a National Blockchain Policy.

This initiative supports creative industries by enabling artists, musicians, and filmmakers to tokenise their works, ensuring proof of ownership and curbing copyright violations.

“Technology is a tool—it all depends on how we use it,” Inuwa remarked. “Our objective is to create an environment that allows technology to contribute to Nigeria’s economic and creative development.”

In his remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman described the event as a timely opportunity for stakeholders to chart a course for Nigeria’s future progress.

With participation from government officials, industry experts, and thought leaders, the discussions centered on tackling challenges and identifying opportunities within the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors.

Among the key sub-themes that formed basis for the discussion included leveraging technological advancements, fostering innovation, and formulating policies to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

As technology continues to redefine the creative landscape, the summit underscored the role of digital tools, Artificial intelligence, and Blockchain in preserving cultural heritage, driving economic empowerment, and creating jobs.

It is anticipated that actionable outcomes from this event will help shape the future of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, solidifying their role as essential contributors to national development.