The President of the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), Dr. Bayero Agabi has passionately called for a heightened focus on “cyber sanity” and responsible cyberspace utilization across all sectors of Nigerian society.
He made this call while speaking at a recent conference in Abuja, underscoring the critical imperative for enhanced cyber awareness and the cultivation of responsibility at every echelon of governance and within the broader populace.
“We need to encourage Internet users to take cyber responsibility at the local, regional, national, and international levels. This can be done through advocacy and public education,” he said.
Bayero’s address comes at a crucial juncture as Nigeria’s digital footprint expands rapidly, bringing with it an escalating urgency for robust cyber awareness. As of today, Nigeria faces a growing tide of cyber threats, ranging from sophisticated hacking attempts and deceptive phishing schemes to pervasive online harassment, all posing substantial dangers to individuals, businesses, and the overall stability of Nigeria’s economy.
He believes that achieving cyber sanity necessitates a unified and concerted effort involving all stakeholders, encompassing government bodies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, in his speech, he made key recommendations to foster a more secure and responsible digital environment in Nigeria. Such recommendations include increasing cyber awareness, encouraging responsible behavior, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and developing effective policies.
In a strong call to action, Dr. Agabi also urged the Nigerian government and the National Assembly to prioritize the integration of cyber awareness and responsibilities at all levels of their operations and within the wider society. He highlighted the vital role of effective communication and sustained advocacy in shaping public attitudes and behaviors within the digital realm.