Halogen Group Partners FG on Cyber-security Training for Nigerian Youth
Not less than 40,000 teaming Nigerian youth are set to be trained on cyber-security and related matters with a possible job placement in the sector for the successful participants.
The Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare made the announcement during signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Halogen Group, a renowned global private security outfit.
The event which took place in Abuja, also witnessed the flag off ceremony for the competition, certification and internship on cyber-security for the Nigerian youth.
Chief Dare, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, noted that the training programme is very significant and timely because Nigeria is having a growing population of youth ready to offer a wide pool of talents in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that can be trained to utilize, develop and drive technological advancements for the betterment of our great nation.
“The programme is coming at a time in our national life where government must provide the impetus towards empowering the Nigerian youth for self-reliance.
Dare noted that; According to the World Economic Forum, Cybersecurity along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics now offers great career opportunities to professionals. More stringent regulation will see an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria.
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“Thus, there is a need to leverage this skills demand to curb the unemployment rate in Nigeria while promoting national cybersecurity, this need has birthed why we are gathered here today.
Recall that, Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy has identified Cybersecurity as a crucial pillar in diversifying the country’s economy.
Dare lamented on how cyber breaches and attacks were experienced in the economy’s public, private sectors.
“A significant trend was that no organisation appeared immune to cyber-attacks. Even institutions that had made significant investments in cybersecurity experienced high-profile attacks.” Dare added.
The programme will entail a free general Cyber Security Training as a requisite for participants to be eligible for the Competition. There will be Certification and Internship/job placement for successful participants.
Therefore, Nigerian youth are expected to apply, get trained and compete for the first, second and third prize of N1 million, N650,000 and N350,000 respectively.
While presenting his speech, Chief Operating Officer, Halogen Group, Wale Adeagbo, stated that the cyber crimes have become a global concern of which the perpetrators are majorly identified among the youth principally because of lack of unemployment opportunities which necessitate the partnership between the government and private sector with a view to promoting job opportunities for them.
Wale, promised that Halogen Group will display a high level of professionalism in undertaking this enormous task of training youth aimed at protecting Nigeria’s cyber space.
He thanked the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in particular, for creating an enabling environment for the youth in the country to explore their potentials.
