Cyber security was major issue that dominated discussions at the just concluded Cyber Nigeria Forum 2012 and Africa Information Society Merit Award organised by Tribe Media Company, an ICT programme on TV- AIT Infotech Network and Cyber Africa in Lagos.

With the theme “Economics of Cyberspace and Cyber Responsibility”, the event attracted stakeholders from the Nigerian ICT industry, manufacturing, Science and technology, the academia and entertainment.

Discussants spoke on cyber crime, maximizing the potentials of the internet and the Nigerian state in a fast changing world. They also stressed the need to strengthen and secure information infrastructures both in the public and private sectors.

In her lead discussion, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson said that government is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that the issue of cybercrime is adequately tackled through empowerment.

“Government is not resting on his oars in ensuring that cybercrime is reduced to the barest minimum by encouraging young people to channel their energy positively into ICT innovation,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address on “Social Media, Citizen Journalism and the State,” Professor Emevwo Biakolo of the School of Media and Communication at Pan African University, Lagos said that the role of the media in the new age can not be over-emphasized.

He noted that social media tools have become enablers both for the professional journalist and citizen journalists and called on the media to focus on the positive roles this medium can play in the national life.

In his speech at the event, president of the Nigeria Internet Group, Engr. Bayo Banjo noted that hackers are becoming more sophisticated and as such requires that the security operatives should constantly train to be able to cope with the challenges posed by increasing cyber threats.

He warned that the economic impact and consequences of cyber attacks against critical infrastructure such as the banking system, essential government and industry data and services could be extremely high, especially as more Nigerian businesses are automated.

High point of the event was the Africa Information Society Merit Award platform for individuals, organizations and initiatives that continue to promote the knowledge economy in Africa’s largest nation.

The awardees who were drawn from key sectors of the economy were rewarded in recognition of their contributions to science and technology and ICT applications, usage, deployment and development across Africa.

Meanwhile, the United States Commercial Service was recognized for its role in promoting ICT in business through the CTO, while the best e government initiative award went to the Edo State Government First Bank won the best technology application in service award.

Phase3 telecom got the best Internet Infrastructure Company while Samsung Electronics West Africa was honored as the Most innovative electronic Brand in Africa in recognition of its eco-friendly Solar powered laptops.

The climax of the award was the presentation of the special award to the minister of the communication Technology Ministry- Mrs. Omobola Johnson for laying a solid foundation for an innovative nation.

In the individual category CKN Nigeria, a bourgeoning online news platform got the New media award, while Emma Okonji of Thisday Newspaper was best ICT reporter. Larry Izamoje of Brilla FM got special recognition for promoting broadcasting in Africa.

Addressing newsmen, the President of Tribe Media Company and Group Co-ordinator of Cyber Nigeria Forum, Mr Bayero Agabi said Cyber Nigeria Forum represents a gathering of top professionals who gather to discuss critical issues of human cum national development.

For him, the presence of who is who in some of Nigeria’s critical sectors showcased the revolution of the innovation taking place in the government and private sectors and unwraps the who, what and how of various initiatives that are enabling digital life.

The event was instituted in 2009 by AIT Infotech Network and Cyber Africa to mark a decade of reporting and producing ICT programme on television by renowned technology broadcaster, Bayero Agabi.

Source: vanguardngr.com