CSEAN Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 with Call for National Action

Maryam Aminu

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has urged citizens, organizations, and government institutions to take stronger action in safeguarding the nation’s digital space.

Speaking under the global theme “Secure Our World,” CSEAN President, Olabode Agboola, stressed that cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue but a shared responsibility critical to national stability and trust.

According to him, the 2025 campaign is anchored on the “Core-4 Practices” using strong passwords with a password manager, enabling multifactor authentication, updating software regularly, and recognizing/reporting scams.

He noted that past breaches, from global cases like Yahoo and Twitter to local fintech incidents, highlight the devastating consequences of neglecting these practices.

“Every Nigerian regardless of age, profession, or location must take meaningful steps toward digital safety,” Agboola said, warning that weak security habits continue to expose individuals and institutions to fraud, identity theft, and cyberattacks.

CSEAN outlined key responsibilities across different sectors:

Government must enforce cybersecurity standards, fund awareness campaigns, and strengthen cybercrime laws.

Organizations should integrate the Core-4 Practices, train staff regularly, and invest in secure infrastructure.

Professionals are expected to stay current, mentor young experts, and collaborate ethically with regulators.

Community leaders should promote awareness in schools, religious centers, and local councils, translating messages into local languages to deepen understanding.

With cybercrime already costing Nigerians billions annually, CSEAN’s leadership insists that digital defense is a societal imperative.

“Cybersecurity is a national mandate. Together, by embracing the Core-4 Practices, we can build a resilient Nigeria,” Agboola concluded.

Minister of State for Housing Empowers Over 500 Destitute in Kano

Usman Aliyu.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, participated in a humanitarian service event organized by Dossier Transparency Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, in Kano State on September 27, 2025. The event aimed to empower destitute individuals and provide them with necessary support to improve their livelihoods.

During the event, Ata reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Kano State and contributing to the nation’s development. Although Ata’s primary focus is on housing and urban development, his participation in this event highlights his dedication to humanitarian causes.

Empowerment Initiative

The empowerment initiative, which benefited over 500 destitute individuals, is part of Dossier Transparency Nigeria’s efforts to address poverty and inequality in the state. The program provided participants with skills acquisition training, financial support, and other forms of assistance to help them become self-sufficient.
Ata’s Vision for Kano
Ata has expressed his vision for Kano State, emphasizing his commitment to delivering the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. As Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Ata aims to address the state’s housing deficit and promote sustainable urban development.

Addressing Housing Deficit

Nigeria faces a significant housing deficit, estimated at over 17 million units. Ata has highlighted the need for innovative policies and substantial investment to bridge this gap. His ministry is working to attract foreign direct investment and promote public-private partnerships to develop affordable housing projects

Nigeria@65: CEO of NESC GROUP Felicitates with  Fubara  and Wike

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NESC GROUP, A group with diverse interest in Telecommunications, Marine , Shipping , Agriculture, Construction and Oil & Gas , Mazi Ejikeme Nwankwo, has extended warm felicitations to the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, as our country marks her 65th independence Anniversary.

In his goodwill message, Mazi Nwankwo commended Chief Nyesom Wike for his transformational leadership in the FCT, describing his contributions to urban renewal and national development as a reflection of the resilience and progress that the Independence celebration represents.

He equally praised His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive governance in Rivers State, noting that his leadership is fostering grassroots growth and strengthening unity in the Niger Delta region.

“As we commemorate this historic occasion, I celebrate both leaders for their unwavering service and dedication to the Nigerian people. Their roles exemplify the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and vision required to build a greater nation,” Mazi Nwankwo stated.

The Chief Executive reaffirmed that NESC GROUP, with branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, remains committed to advancing economic growth and supporting government efforts at both federal and state levels.

He prayed that the Independence Anniversary would inspire renewed unity and determination among Nigerians to collectively pursue peace and prosperity.

Founder of NESC GROUP Felicitates with President Tinubu and Akume on the Nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Maryam Aminu

As our country marks another milestone in her nationhood, the Founder and CEO of NESC GROUP, a group with diverse interest in Telecommunications, Marine , Shipping , Agriculture, Construction and Oil & Gas , Mazi Ejikeme Nwankwo, has extended warm felicitations to our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his goodwill message issued on behalf of the board , management and staff of the Group with branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, Mazi Nwankwo described the day as “a reminder of our collective journey as a nation of resilience, unity, and the shared aspiration to build a country where peace, progress, and prosperity thrive.”

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security, while also supporting the Federal Government’s reforms geared towards innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.

“As we celebrate this anniversary, NESC GROUP OF COMPANIES stand in solidarity with the Federal Government in advancing reforms that will secure a better future for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Nwankwo prayed that the Independence Anniversary would rekindle in Nigerians the spirit of patriotism and the determination to work together for a greater Nigeria.

Nigeria to Host Landmark Youth Creative Conference 2025 in Abuja

Maryam Aminu

In a bold step to position young Africans at the forefront of peacebuilding and innovation, Nigeria has announced plans to host the Youth Creative Conference (YCC) 2025, a high-profile gathering of over 1,000 youth leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora.

Scheduled for October 22–23, 2025, at the ECOWAS Headquarters, Abuja, the conference will be held under the theme “Silencing the Guns: Pathway for Peacebuilding in Africa”. It is jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the African Union (AU), and the YCC Organizing Committee.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the conference as a strategic platform aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and Nigeria’s foreign policy pillars of the Four DAs Democracy, Diaspora, Development, and Diplomacy

“With 70% of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, we recognize their potential as peacebuilders, innovators, and architects of Africa’s future. This conference provides a vital platform for youth-led dialogue, creative exchange, and inclusive development,” the Minister stated.

Picture 1: Representatives from the African Union and Youth Creative Conference, during their visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.

The event’s key objectives include:

Empowering African youth to champion peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance.

Strengthening regional and international partnerships for youth-led development and peace.

The Minister further reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in peace and regional solidarity, citing the country’s mediation roles in Libya, Syria, and The Gambia, as well as contributions to security, governance reforms, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive education.

Convener of the YCC Initiative, Blaize-Kizito Ndukwe, praised the growing continental recognition of the platform just months after its launch, noting that it leverages creativity as a tool for non-violent conflict resolution. Similarly, Mr. Ernest Nya Dolo, Coordinator of the AU’s Silencing the Guns Unit, stressed the importance of youth in building a conflict-free Africa

“Youth are not just the future, they are the present. By partnering with young people across the continent, we are laying the foundation for sustainable peace and inclusive development.”

The Silencing the Guns initiative, backed by a Master Roadmap of Practical Steps, continues to engage youth alongside governments, civil society, traditional leaders, and regional blocs to drive peace across the continent.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development and its partners have called for continued collaboration to empower African youth as agents of peace, unity, and prosperity.

FG Reviews Youth-Focused Priorities at Mid-Term Retreat, Unveils New Investment Window for Women and Youth with Disabilities

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has pledged to deepen its investment in young Nigerians by prioritising women and youth with disabilities under the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), as part of renewed efforts to drive inclusive development.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made the announcement in Abuja during the Presidential Priorities and Deliverables – 2025 Mid-Term Review Retreat, where he presented the Ministry’s performance scorecard.

According to the Minister, the Ministry exceeded several of its second-quarter targets, including training 14,509 youth in digital skills (against a 10,000 target), engaging 97,212 in mentorship and career development (target: 80,000), and training 5,023 in crime reduction and peace-building (target: 2,500).

Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, delivering his address at the Presidential Priorities and Deliverables Retreat in Abuja.

He also noted that more than 250,000 youths have enrolled in the Nigerian Youth Academy, while 5,700 HelpDesk cases were processed with 3,407 resolved. Additionally, ₦31.6 million was generated from Youth Centres, almost triple the ₦11 million target.

Olawande said the dedicated NYIF window will involve partnerships with women’s groups, disability organisations, and the private sector, backed by clear performance indicators to ensure impact.

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gutier Migot, commended the Ministry’s leadership, recalling past collaborations such as the 2021 National Youth Conference and the 2024 CSO Stakeholders’ Forum.

He highlighted ongoing EU-backed programmes, including the D SAFE Project with UNFPA, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme, Digital Transformation Centres, and the EU Agricultural Value Chain Facility.

Declaring the retreat open, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the event as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment, noting that the Ministry is prioritising stronger coordination, capacity-building, and sustainable structures.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, delivering the welcome address at the Presidential Priorities and Deliverables Retreat in Abuja.

Goodwill messages also came from the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who highlighted NYSC’s digital training of 56,013 corps members and entrepreneurial support to over 1,100 young Nigerians since 2023. Similarly, the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Ms. Rinsola Abiola, reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that “Nigeria’s future depends on nurturing responsible, patriotic, and ethical youth.”

Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, joined by management staff and partners for a group photograph at the retreat.

CSEAN Appoints Dr. Gabriel Akinremi as Director of Programmes, Swears in New Board Members

By Maryam Aminu

Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem is set for a new leap forward as the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) inaugurated its new Board of Directors, with Dr. Gabriel Akinremi appointed as Director of Programmes.

Dr. Akinremi, a seasoned cybersecurity advocate, will spearhead the design and execution of strategic initiatives that strengthen cybersecurity knowledge, awareness, and resilience nationwide.

The inauguration ceremony, which drew professionals, stakeholders, and partners from across the country, also featured the swearing-in of other newly elected board members who will drive the Association’s vision of innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Akinremi expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to deliver impactful programmes that enhance professional development and promote industry best practices. Congratulating the new team, Mr. Remi Afon, Chairman of the CSEAN Board of Trustees, urged the directors to uphold the Association’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and service to society.

Delivering his inaugural address, the new President of CSEAN, Mr. Olabode Agboola, described the transition as a “collective victory” for all members who believe in building a safer and more resilient digital Nigeria.

He warned that the cyber threat landscape is evolving rapidly, with online fraud, ransomware, and AI-powered disinformation threatening the nation’s economy and social fabric. “Cybersecurity must no longer be seen as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of national resilience,” Agboola declared.

Outlining his 18-point agenda, the President highlighted initiatives such as the Cyber-Ninja Hackathon to nurture youth creativity, the CyberYarn Podcast to amplify Nigeria’s voice in cyber discourse, and the institutionalization of the State Information Security Advisory Forum (SISAF).

He also unveiled plans for the Association’s first-ever Cyber Secure Summit, scheduled for October 8.

Agboola further announced that CSEAN has been approved as a member of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria National Digital Trustmark under NITDA, a milestone he said demonstrates the Association’s credibility and growing influence.

On partnerships, he emphasized closer collaboration with government MDAs, NCC, NITDA, NDPC, ONSA, academia, industry leaders, and international partners. “Cybersecurity is a collective endeavor that requires cooperation across all sectors. Together, we will secure Nigeria’s cyberspace, strengthen our economy, and build a digital future we can all be proud of,” he said.

With this leadership transition, CSEAN has reaffirmed its role as a leading voice in Nigeria’s cybersecurity space committed to forging partnerships, shaping policy, and equipping professionals to navigate the challenges of an evolving digital era.

Ohinoyi Clarifies Turbaning of Fulani Leaders in Ebiraland, Says Move Aims at Security, Not Land Concession

Maryam Aminu

In a bid to douse rising concerns, the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Kingdom has clarified that the recent turbaning of Fulani leaders across the five Local Government Areas of Ebiraland is strictly a peace and security measure, not a concession of land or cultural heritage.

In a statement signed by the Director of Protocol to His Royal Majesty, Musa Usman, the Palace acknowledged the concerns expressed by Ebira indigenes, describing them as genuine and rooted in love for the preservation of identity and safety.

The statement explained that the turbaning, endorsed by His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, in consultation with government and security agencies, is designed to provide the Fulani community with a visible leadership structure directly accountable to the Palace and security operatives.

According to the Palace, the initiative pursues three key objectives: ensuring responsibility and accountability among Fulani leaders, deepening security collaboration with authorities, and binding commitments through a Memorandum of Understanding that clearly defines obligations and consequences for violations.

His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje and  National President of Fulani Leaders in Nigeria, Bello Bodejo,

At the ceremony, the National President of Fulani Leaders in Nigeria,Bello Bodejo, hailed the move as unprecedented and pledged that the community would guarantee peace, assuring farmers and residents of Ebiraland of safety on their farmlands.

The Accountant General of Kogi State, Chief (Dr.) Habibat Oyiza Tijani-Onumoko, who represented the Governor, described the step as bold and visionary, while pledging the support of the State Government for the monarch’s peacebuilding efforts.

Reiterating that the initiative does not compromise Ebira land or heritage, the Palace maintained that it is a strategy to protect livelihoods, restore security, and consolidate peaceful coexistence. It further urged all stakeholders to remain supportive, vigilant, and united in safeguarding the collective interest of Ebiraland.

NDA Holds 35th Convocation, Graduates Over 2,600 Cadets and Postgraduate Students

Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) has graduated a fresh set of officers and scholars as it marked its 35th Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at its permanent site in Afaka, Kaduna State.

Over 2,600 graduands, including cadet officers, postgraduate diploma, master’s and Ph.D. students, were conferred with degrees and academic prizes at the colourful event.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of Defence, H.E. Badaru Abubakar, was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

In his address, NDA Commandant, Major General A.K. Ibrahim, stressed that all academic programmes run by the Academy are fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

He added that the institution’s focus on discipline, capacity building and global exposure has positioned its graduates for excellence, both at home and abroad.

Highlights of the convocation included conferment of degrees, award of honorary doctorates to eminent Nigerians, and the admission of postgraduate graduands into the NDA Alumni. Academic prizes were also presented to outstanding cadets, with the Honourable Minister of Defence Award going to CDT G.A. Olowokere, the best graduating cadet in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Musa Attah, was among the dignitaries who joined the Academy community to celebrate the landmark event.

Nigeria Pushes for Urgent Global Action to Halt Fissile Material Production

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria has called on the international community to take immediate steps toward halting the production of fissile materials used in nuclear weapons, stressing that the survival of humanity depends on swift global action.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, made the call in New York at the first Ministerial Meeting of the “Friends of an FMCT” convened by Japan on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Badaru described the proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) as both a legal necessity and a moral duty, warning that failure to act could fuel an uncontrolled nuclear arms race.

“Closing the fissile material gap is the most realistic way to stop an uncontrolled arms race,” the Minister said. “The FMCT will rebuild trust, strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty and give momentum back to disarmament.”

He urged global leaders to move beyond rhetoric, particularly as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. “The memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki compels us to act with courage. The survival of humanity demands it,” he added.

Nigeria also spotlighted Africa’s leadership in nuclear restraint through the Treaty of Pelindaba, which established the continent as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. “Africa has shown that restraint is possible. Nigeria now calls for that same spirit to guide global action,” Badaru said.

To fast-track negotiations on the FMCT, the Defence Minister proposed three key steps:

A global moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons; The dismantling or conversion of existing facilities to peaceful uses and Using interim measures to build political momentum toward a universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory treaty.

He further tied Nigeria’s disarmament push to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that disarmament is linked directly to development. “Every step we take to reduce nuclear risks frees resources for health, education and economic growth,” he said.

By making this bold call, Nigeria is shifting from a participant to a leader in global disarmament conversations positioning itself as a bridge-builder between regional achievements and international policy for a safer world.