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Stakeholders Call for Stronger Cybersecurity and Data Protection Measures at NIICF Forum

Amid growing concerns about data breaches and cyberattacks, stakeholders at the 12th Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF) have emphasized the urgent need to strengthen data protection, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The event, held over the weekend with the theme “Strengthening Data Protection, Cloud Infrastructure & Cybersecurity,” brought together industry leaders to address critical challenges in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring digital resilience.
Ike Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Reality, underscored the importance of cybersecurity in data localisation efforts. He warned that without robust security measures, mandating local data hosting could expose sensitive information to risks.
“While exploring ways to strengthen local hosting, cybersecurity is paramount. Without the necessary infrastructure and policies, we risk compromising critical sovereign data,” Nnamani said.
Nnamani called for a government-led approach to creating a secure digital ecosystem, urging the development of cybersecurity frameworks, incentives for businesses to invest in security, and increased funding for research and development.
“Before promoting local hosting, we must prioritise safeguarding sensitive data. A secure digital ecosystem is essential for managing critical sovereign information effectively,” he added.
Lekan Balogun, CEO of Net Access System Limited, highlighted the rising reliance on digital services and the internet, stressing the need for robust data protection and cloud infrastructure. He noted the critical role of skilled professionals in tackling cybersecurity challenges, advocating for initiatives such as internship programs and management training to retain and empower these experts.
“To secure our digital future, we must invest in policies, infrastructure, and the expertise needed to address evolving cyber threats,” Balogun remarked.
Abiodun Omoniyi, CEO of VDT Communications, reiterated his company’s commitment to quality and innovation in telecommunications.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, deploying advanced data privacy measures, and fortifying cybersecurity to build a resilient digital ecosystem for Africa.
“Our longstanding partnership with NIICF reflects our dedication to driving secure and efficient digital solutions that align with Africa’s growth goals,” Omoniyi said.
In his opening remarks at the event, Tayo Adewusi, Publisher and Coordinator of NIICF, stressed the need for robust data governance policies to ensure responsible handling of sensitive information.
He advocated for compliance with global regulations such as GDPR and CCPA to safeguard privacy and promote best practices.
Adewusi also highlighted the importance of securing cloud infrastructure through collaborations with reputable cloud service providers, advanced threat detection systems, and comprehensive employee training programs.
“A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is essential for identifying threats, responding to incidents, and fostering a culture of digital safety,” he stated.
The forum emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders to create a secure digital ecosystem. By strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, enhancing infrastructure, and empowering skilled professionals, Nigeria and Africa can better safeguard sensitive information and ensure sustainable digital growth.
This collaborative approach will play a critical role in advancing digital resilience across the continent and addressing the rising challenges of cyber threats in an increasingly digital world.
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Abbas Jega, Ex-AMCON ED, Testifies, Says Arik Never Cooperated With AMCON

A former Executive Director at Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Abbas Muhammed Jega, has shed light on the financial dealings between Arik Air and Union Bank, revealing that the airline’s debt to AMCON was over N100 billion as of 2015 and remained unpaid.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Ahmed Kuru, former AMCON MD/CEO, and four others, Jega disclosed that AMCON acquired Arik’s loans from Union Bank and Keystone Bank, but not Zenith Bank, which was purchased after his exit.
According to Jega, AMCON discovered in a London meeting that Union Bank had sold them a guarantee rather than a loan, which was meant to cover foreign lenders in case Arik defaulted.
“We invited Arik to resolve the issue with Union Bank, but the arrangement disclosed by me never existed,” Jega said.
Jega attributed Arik’s inability to repay to over-trading, which led to their inability to service existing debts. He revealed that AMCON attempted to restructure Arik’s debt and even offered additional loan facilities to help the airline with working capital problems.
However, Arik failed to meet repayment obligations, prompting AMCON to propose two solutions: a debt equity swap and management control. Both options were rejected or delayed by Arik.
Under cross-examination, Jega confirmed that Kamilu Omokide and Captain Roy Ilegbodu played no role in the loan purchase or London meeting.
The matter has been adjourned to June 30, July 1, and July 2, 2025, for further cross-examination.
The case involves alleged financial misappropriation amounting to N76 billion and $31.5 million, with Ahmed Kuru, Kamilu Omokide, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank Ltd, and Super Bravo Ltd as defendants, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada.
News
Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book Launch in Abuja

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.
President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations.
Alhaji Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.
His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja.
He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred “Kaakaki Nupe” on him.
A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.
Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism.
Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP’s membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism.
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ARCON to Crackdown on AI-Generated Fake Ads

Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a stern warning to marketers, content creators, and social media influencers amid an alarming rise in fraudulent, AI-generated advertisements circulating across digital platforms.
Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, director-general, ARCON, during a press briefing at its Lagos headquarters, decried the “porous” state of Nigeria’s online ad ecosystem and pledged to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
Dr. Fadolapo opened the media parley by highlighting how easily unscrupulous operators deploy artificial intelligence tools to produce convincing—but entirely fabricated—advertisements.
“Our social media space has become so porous that people now freely post fake adverts, some of which claim outrageous and bogus benefits,” he remarked.
According to the Director-General, these deceptive campaigns often promise “miraculous cures” or “guaranteed returns” without any credible data or verifiable sources to back them.
Among the most alarming examples cited was an herbal remedy advertisement alleging to cure over 200 ailments—ranging from HIV to cancer—through a single “miracle” concoction.
“Imagine an advert claiming that a single herbal drug could cure HIV, cancer, and more than 200 other diseases,” Dr. Fadolapo said.
ARCON’s DG emphasized that such misleading advertisements not only jeopardize public health—by luring vulnerable individuals into purchasing untested or harmful products—but also undermine consumer confidence in legitimate businesses operating within advertising guidelines.
Dr. Fadolapo pointed to the regulatory vacuum that allows bad actors to exploit the anonymity of social media.
Unlike traditional broadcast or print media—where advertisements must pass through editorial or legal vetting—online platforms can be manipulated with minimal oversight.
Creating an ad using AI-powered design and voice generators, he warned, takes only minutes, making it difficult for regulators to identify the original perpetrators.
“The CBEX case is a painful reminder of what can happen when digital platforms are left unchecked,” Dr. Fadolapo said, explaining that the scheme purportedly defrauded unsuspecting Nigerians of nearly $2 trillion through slick, unregulated social media promotions.
He described how the CBEX promoters used AI-generated video testimonials, falsified financial statements, and cloned websites to entice victims with promises of triple-digit returns on cryptocurrency trades.
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