Fighting Digital Threats: Yobe Extends Cybersecurity Symposia To Potiskum, Gashua

In a continued push to raise awareness on digital safety and curb cybercrime, the Yobe State government has successfully conducted the second and third batches of its state-wide Cybersecurity Symposium series, held in Potiskum and Gashua, respectively.

The symposiums, tagged “Contemporary Challenges and Solutions,” were organised by the Office of the Honorary Special Advisor on Policy Delivery in collaboration with the Office of the Yobe State Focal Person on Cyber and Information Technology.

The events, which attracted diverse participants, including students, civil servants, and traditional institutions, were also attended by the security agencies.

During the Potiskum session at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani, the Yobe State Focal Person on Cyber and Information Technology, explained that the symposiums were aimed at equipping the participants with critical knowledge on modern cybersecurity risks.

He said, “The essence of the symposium is aimed at informing participants about the current cybersecurity challenges in the region, such as the irresponsible publicising of terrorism-related incidents.

“The participants will gain insights into contemporary online crises and cybersecurity threats.”
Gulani urged attendees to take the lessons learned seriously and to adopt safe online practices in their daily engagements.

He acknowledged Dr Kole Shettima, the Honorary Special Advisor on Policy Delivery and sponsor of the programme, for his vision in driving public enlightenment on digital risks and responsible technology use.

“Technology can be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes.

“Always verify and fact-check information before taking action to avoid cybercrime and cyberbullying.”

Gulani also disclosed that the Yobe State Government, under Governor Mai Mala Buni, is preparing to scale up cybersecurity training across the state through the Yobe State Information Technology Development Agency (YITDA), led by Dr Adam Kachallah Mohammed.

At the Potiskum event, the rector of CAMTECH, Alhaji Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, represented by his deputy, praised the relevance of the symposium and encouraged students to make the most of it.