From Moshood Karim
As the menace of cybercrime continues to wreak havoc globally, Professor Kingsley Obahiagbon of Benson Idahosa University has called on the Nigerian government to urgently prioritise digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Edo Cybersecurity Summit held on Tuesday in Benin City, the Professor of Computer Science and Informatics emphasised the need for a nationwide effort to sensitise citizens, particularly the youth, on the dangers of unsafe online practices.
The event, themed “Online Safety: Our Collective Responsibility,” was organised by the Edo State Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with Summit Systems and the International Security Training Organisation.
“One of my key recommendations is for government to intensify public education on cybersecurity,” Obahiagbon said. “From our youth to our adults, everyone needs to understand the risks of online activities. Government has a critical role to play — placing awareness messages in schools, offices, and other public spaces.”
The academic also expressed concern over the rise of indecent content online, especially among young women, warning that social media behaviour could have long-term consequences on personal and professional lives. “When you post yourself half-naked online, you’re damaging your future,” he cautioned. “Parents must also educate their children about these dangers.”
He encouraged small businesses to embrace the internet but warned them to put adequate cybersecurity infrastructure in place. “The world is now a global village. If your business isn’t online, you’re missing the bus,” he said. “But it’s not just about being online; it’s about being safe online.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. Ukpebor Jonathan Ehiabhi, highlighted the State’s ongoing commitment to building a digital-savvy generation. He revealed that the State government has already integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) into schools, with a focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, robotics, and cybersecurity.
“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to tools that prepare them for the digital economy,” Engr. Ehiabhi noted. “Through tech hubs and digital education programmes, we are investing in the future of Edo.”
Other speakers at the event included Rev. Mrs Olayinka Aken’ova, representing Rev. Victor Ayodele of Summit Systems ISSP, Houston, who said Nigeria’s digital economy is projected to exceed $50 billion by the end of 2025. However, she warned that cyber threats are rising just as rapidly.
“In Edo State alone, over 60% of the population is under 25. They are the most digitally engaged, but also the most vulnerable,” Aken’ova stated. “Cyber incidents have jumped 35% nationwide, with over ₦443 billion lost to fraud and data breaches. We must act now.”
She proposed a multi-stakeholder framework, involving government, private sector, and civil society, to address the threat. “We need to deploy AI-driven security systems, encourage responsible digital habits, and create certification pathways for young people — especially women — to join the cybersecurity workforce.”
Representatives of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Bisi Idaomi, and Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who coordinates the Office of the First Lady, praised Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for leveraging digital tools to uplift vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Earlier, Simeon Nofa, in his welcome remarks, observed that digital interactions now account for about 80% of human activity. He decried the growing financial losses to cybercrime, noting that most Nigerians are unaware of the staggering figures involved due to limited transparency in the financial sector.
“There is an urgent need for more openness about the scale of cyber threats,” Nofa said. “This Summit is a step in the right direction, equipping participants with tools to better protect themselves.”
Panel discussions at the event, which included the Chief Innovation Officer of Genius Hub, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, Teen Management Coach, Mr. Tejiri Chunu, and the Executive Director at African Center for Enterprise and Capacity Development, Mr. Osayi Tres Omokaro, tackled topics such as digital literacy, skills for business growth, cyberbullying, online hygiene, and ways to stay secure on the internet.
Participants hailed the Summit as timely and impactful, expressing optimism about applying the knowledge gained to safeguard themselves and their enterprises in the digital age.
