NiRA Says NIGF 2015 Critical on Consensus for Internet Governance

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has described this year’s forum with the theme: “Harnessing the Potential of Internet Governance for sustainable Development in Nigeria”, critical in invoking dialogue amongst stakeholders on how the Internet Governance Ecosystem potentials should be harnessed for Nigerian economic growth and ability for sustenance.

Sunday Folayan, president of NiRA in an e-newsletter titled, “Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) 2015 – Retrospect”, said, “Permit me to say the Internet has come of age in Nigeria. We must now take the bull by the horn and harness its potentials for our people”.

The 2015 edition of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) held between the 20th and 21st of July 2015 at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Jabi District, Abuja.

The pre-event, which was a Youth workshop held on the 20th of July 2015 with the theme “Internet of Everything and Your Business Opportunity”.

The aim being to stimulate the youth and their interest in the opportunities the Internet provides.

Several business opportunities were discussed, and several success stories outlined to encourage the Youth on available prospects.

They were made to understand the importance of the Internet as a base for entrepreneurship, having successful brands and creating job opportunities.

The youth were informed that with over 3billion Internet users worldwide, they definitely have a large audience to market their successful brands.

NIGF aims to encourage proper usage and conduct on the Internet.

The Youth session was chaired by Dr. Nasiru Shehu Zarummai, commissioner, Federal Character Commission.

Mr. Peter Jack, director general, National Information Technology Department Agency (NITDA), declared the Youth programme open, stating that NITDA had plans in place to create 1.2 million jobs across the country for the youth through ICT opportunities.

He explained further, that NITDA plans to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and other agencies to create these opportunities.

The events of 21st July 2015 were chaired by Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

“The outcome of the forum will further enhance consensus building among stakeholders on the framework for Internet governance in Nigeria, address the nation’s most critical and evolving issues on Internet governance, while advancing the nation’s position at the regional and global IGF Forum.

“The .NG domain name is very important in the future of our Internet governance. We shall continue to support the governance forum and at NiRA, we shall always do our best to safeguard Nigeria and mobilize all the stakeholders to build to a secure and seamless future for Nigeria on the Internet,” the NiRA president said.