GRTech
IGAD Commissions Ijesha Digital Hub to Help the Youth Upskill
The hub was launched in Osun State, reports SANDRA ANI


January 03, 2024, is a day will go down in history as the dawn of a new era in digitalization of Ijeshaland.
In a grand event attended by Ijesha royal fathers and eminent sons and daughters of the community, the Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), a coalition of Ijeshas based in North America, Europe and in the Nigeria homeland, commissioned the Ijesha Digital Hub and inducted its first cohort of 107 trainees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and UI/UX Design.
The hub, which is situated on the beautiful campus of the prestigious Olashore International School in Iloko-Ijesha, took the first critical step to transform Ijeshaland as the digital hub of excellence in the country.
On January 4, 107 of the best of the best Ijesha youths gathered in the state-of-the-art Ijesha Digital hub to begin their training as skilled workforce and techno-entrepreneurs in the emerging global digital economy.
The inauguration was graced by prominent speakers and community leaders, including two royal fathers, Kabiyesi Owaloko, and the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesha, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Mr. Supo Shadiya, President, Ijesa Development Council (IDC) and Dr. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer and founder of Digital Encode, one of the leading Cybersecurity companies in Nigeria, Barrister Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, IDC Vice President, among others who shared their insights on the indispensability of technology in shaping the future.
Dr Adewale Alonge, Vice President, IGAD, and one of the visionaries behind IGAD, who moderated the highly successful event, in his welcome and introductory address noted that Nigeria with the largest youth population in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years faces either a demographic ticking time-bomb or a demographic economic windfall depending on the choice the country makes as it relates to investment in youth human capital development. He noted that IGAD’s Ijesha Digital Hub was an investment in Ijesha youth human capital as the driver of the Ijesha development agenda.
He noted that “The hub will serve as a gateway to opportunities, offering the means for sustainable livelihoods and the tools for scaling through the complex reality of the world.” The event also highlighted the importance of facilitating entrepreneurial drive and soft skills among the youth.
Dr. Wale Alonge emphasized, “We are not just training for technical proficiency; we are exemplifying entrepreneurship and soft skills. The hub will be a stimulator for innovation, with a focus on real-world applications.”


Prince Abimbola Olashore, Chairman of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development, conveyed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the hub’s establishment: “Today’s ceremony is just the beginning. I want to thank all IGAD members and the Executive Board for their contributions. The hub is set to transform our workforce, fostering economic growth and sustainability.”
The push towards global connectivity and technology was reiterated by the Chairman: “Making it global with technology is where we are today. The hub is breaking barriers and inspiring the youth to make informed choices. Our commitment is solid, and we are set to make a difference in the digital age.”
The Chairman continued, addressing the hub’s potential impact on employment: “We are proud to change the employment situation, especially in the current job market. This project aims to create a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the global economy. The hub is not just a physical space but a motivator for the nation, and beyond.”
The hub was built in pursuit of encouraging entrepreneurship, where individuals are investing their time, talent, and resources, collaborating with sponsors, and ensuring a smooth and impactful journey for the youth. This is about going beyond limits and making technology accessible globally.
Dr. Ayoola, Founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) delivered the keynote speech on Mindset Shift for Digital Success: “The mindset shift is critical. Success is not just about acquiring skills but defining success in your terms. It’s about solving problems and creating opportunities.”
Dr. Ayoola emphasised the need for a positive mindset, stating, “If we do not achieve a mind shift, we will struggle in the midst of plenty. We have the human resources, but without the right mindset, we may not fully utilise the potential within us. The youth must define success on their terms and focus on integrity, not just jobs.”
The keynote speaker also highlighted the challenges and solutions ahead: “We are facing challenges such as security issues, economic struggles, and brain drain. The solutions lie in technology – from artificial intelligence to blockchain. The youth need to leverage these technologies to create solutions for the challenges our nation faces.”
“Today’s a memorable day for all of us. What is happening today is going to make digital innovation in Nigeria,” expressed Dr. Peter Adewale Obadare, the Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, Limited, and one of Africa’s most credentialed cybersecurity experts.
Dr. Obadare shared a personal reflection on the power of technology, highlighting its role in overcoming challenges.
He noted the importance of skills in cybersecurity and technology, dispelling conventional notions of success portrayed by the media. Through real-world examples, he stressed that technology offers diverse paths to success beyond traditional fields.
“The only way to bridge the gap of poverty is through technology. The power of technology, coupled with the right skills, can elevate the youth from zero to unimaginable heights,” affirmed Dr. Obadare.
To succeed in the digital age, Dr. Obadare presented a 3D formula – Determination, Dedication, and Discipline.
He encouraged the youth to be determined in their pursuit, dedicated to acquiring relevant skills, and disciplined in facing challenges. Drawing from his experience, he reiterated that these qualities are key to success in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
“Determination, dedication, and discipline are the keys to success. Apply these, and you will be a success story,” Dr. Obadare motivated the audience.
Dr. Obadare shed light on the opportunities in cybersecurity, stating that the world needs over 5 million cybersecurity professionals.
He urged the youth to embrace the program, noting that cybersecurity skills could lead to international job opportunities.
The induction ceremony also provided a medium for participants to express their aspirations. The Executive Director of IGAD, Dr. Cornelius Adewale, shared insights into the impact of the program, emphasizing the importance of dedication.
Participants from diverse backgrounds, including data science and programming, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and their commitment to making a positive impact.
“This program has opened new possibilities for us. With dedication, we aim to impact our communities positively.”
Mr. Supo Shadiya reiterated the commitment of IDC to empowering Ijesa youths as the cornerstone its overall coordinating responsibility for Ijesha development.
The Vice President of Ijesa Development Council (IDC), Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo addressed the importance of gender equity, acknowledging the significant role women play in technology. She urged the participants to challenge implicit biases and pointed out the need to include more women in the tech industry.
“Women are vital contributors to the tech industry. Let’s challenge biases and strive for inclusivity,” advocated the VP.
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijeshaland, who earlier on had been commended by various speakers for his catalytic and extraordinary leadership in the unprecedented development renaissance in Ijeshaland, commended IGAD for putting Ijeshaland on the map as one of the first communities in the country to launch its own digital workforce development initiative outside of the Federal government 3 million Tech-workforce program.


He reiterated Nigeria youth bulge challenge, nothing that with a youth population of 150 million, the FGN 3 million digital workforce skill acquisition project represents less than 2% of its youth population.
He therefore urged the trainees to take full advantage of the unique opportunity that has been offered them and make Ijesha proud.
He promised the support of the entire Ijesha community for the Ijesa Digital Hub initiatives.
Dr. Adewale Alonge invited two of the trainees (a male and female) to respond to all they had heard from the various speakers.
They both expressed their profound gratitude to IGAD for affording them this once in a lifetime opportunity.
They promised not to let Ijeshaland down. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Adebanjo Adebiyi, a member of IGAD, via zoom from his base in Spokane, Washington, DC.
The induction ceremony at IGAD’s Ijesha Digital Hub was a spectacular success and it will go a long way in empowering Nigerian youth through technology.
This hub will go beyond building skills, to building a future where technology empowers and transforms lives.
GRTech
Identity Management Day: Sophos Warns Against Data Breaches Linked to Identity Theft
REPORTER: Sandra Ani


79% of data breaches are linked to identity theft and cost businesses an average of $4.5 million, according to reports from the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA) and the Ponemon Institute.
Additionally, the 2025 edition of the Sophos Active Adversary Report reveals that the average time between the start of an attack and data exfiltration is only 72.98 hours (3.04 days), while the average time between exfiltration and attack detection is just 2.7 hours.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly fast, and the longer a compromised identity remains active, the greater the potential damage.
In light of this, Sophos, one of the world’s leading providers of innovative security solutions designed to neutralize cyberattacks, is taking advantage of Identity Management Day, which takes place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to remind businesses of the best practices they should follow to manage and secure digital identities.
Cybercriminals can use a compromised identity to access confidential information, steal data, move laterally within the organization, and launch further attacks.
It is therefore crucial to take immediate action to contain breaches and minimize their consequences.
In this context, automation plays a key role by enabling organizations to respond quickly and effectively to identity-related threats.
Five Automated Measures to Protect Against Identity Theft
1. Disable the User
When an identity breach is detected, one of the first steps is to disable the compromised user account. By preventing the attacker from using the stolen identity to access company systems and data, this measure outpaces the hacker and helps contain the breach.
Automation significantly speeds up this process. With automated response tools, businesses can quickly identify compromised accounts and disable them in real-time. This reduces the attack window and minimizes potential damage.
2. Force Password Reset
Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access attempts. In the event of an identity breach, it is essential to immediately force a password reset for the compromised account to prevent hackers from using stolen credentials.
Automated rules can be set up to trigger an instant password reset as soon as a breach is detected. This saves time and ensures that the reset process is initiated without delay, reducing the risk of further unauthorized access attempts.
3. Force Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Reset
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a verification code in addition to their password. If an identity breach occurs, it is crucial to reset MFA for the compromised account. This means that the user will have to re-authenticate using their MFA tool, which automatically invalidates any stolen authentication tokens the attacker may have acquired.
Automated rules can trigger the refresh of MFA tokens, ensuring that compromised accounts are quickly reauthenticated. This prevents cybercriminals from using stolen authentication tokens to access company systems.
4. Lock the Account
Locking a compromised account prevents hackers from attempting to use it until the issue is resolved. This also gives the organization time to investigate the breach and apply the necessary corrective measures.
Automation streamlines the account locking process, allowing businesses to lock compromised accounts as soon as a breach is detected. This immediate response helps contain the breach and blocks further unauthorized access attempts.
5. Revoke Active Sessions
In addition to disabling the user account and forcing a password reset, it is essential to revoke all active sessions associated with the compromised identity. This ensures that the attacker is immediately logged out of all systems they accessed using stolen credentials.
Automated actions can be configured to revoke active sessions in real-time, instantly disrupting any unauthorized access. This is a critical measure to neutralize the breach and prevent further malicious activity.
For more information, please visit: https://www.secureworks.com/blog/5-critical-response-actions-for-an-identity-breach
GRTech
Samsung Expands Accessibility with Local Language Integration on Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 Devices
By SANDRA ANI


Samsung Electronics has taken a bold step in enhancing user experience and inclusivity by introducing Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as official language options on selected Samsung Galaxy devices.
The feature, which is now available on the Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 devices, reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to delivering innovative technology that speaks the language of its users.
With this groundbreaking update, Samsung users across Nigeria can now navigate their smartphones in their preferred local language, making technology more accessible, while also upholding our cultural heritage.
A Celebration of Culture and Technology
To mark the launch, Samsung hosted a cultural-themed press briefing featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and a showcase of the new language feature. Employees and guests attended in traditional Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attires, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
Samsung also announced plans to expand local language support to more devices in the near future, reinforcing its dedication to making technology more inclusive for African users.
Empowering Users Through Language
The integration of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba on Samsung devices reflects the brand’s mission to bridge the digital gap and enhance user engagement. Speaking at the press conference, Oge Maduagwu, Head of Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, said, “At Samsung, we understand that technology is most powerful when it is accessible to all. By incorporating our local Nigerian languages, we are making our devices more intuitive and relatable, ensuring that millions of Nigerians can interact with their smartphones in the language they love and understand best”.
Seamless Language Transition on Galaxy Devices
Stephen Okwara, Head of Product Management, Samsung Electronics West Africa added, “The new local language feature is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to easily switch between languages. Users can activate Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba on the Galaxy S25, A26, A36, and A56 by navigating to:
Settings > Language & Input > Select Language
“This update enhances smartphone usability, particularly for those who prefer their native language over English, ensuring greater digital inclusivity, enhancing digital literacy and encouraging more users to engage with technology in their native tongues”, he concluded.
Availability
Customers can visit all Samsung Experience Stores or authorized retailers in Nigeria to learn more and experience the feature firsthand.
TechNews
NITDA DG Inaugurates National Technical Working Group on Cloud Infrastructure
REPORTER: Sandra Ani


In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) on National Cloud Infrastructure.
This initiative aims to enhance local cloud capabilities, attract hyper-scale investments, and position Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, emphasised the need for accurate data and regulatory frameworks to support these initiatives, necessary for Nigeria to control its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future noting that,
“Without this foundation, we cannot achieve true digital sovereignty. Our goal is to build an ecosystem where both local data centre providers can scale, and global hyper-scalers see Nigeria as a viable investment destination.”
While identifying lack of accurate data on Nigeria’s IT infrastructure as significant challenge, Inuwa noted that while Africa comprises nearly 19% of the world’s population, it hosts less than 1% of global data centres.
“This disparity, coupled with limited insights into Nigeria’s existing IT capacity, hampers investment efforts and without clear data on our infrastructure, attracting investment becomes challenging,” he said.
The NITDA boss maintained that, to address this, NITDA commissioned comprehensive research to assess Nigeria’s digital landscape which findings have highlighted the need for improved regulatory frameworks, clearer investment incentives, and stronger public-private collaboration. He added that subsequently upon this, NITDA has engaged global consultants to redefine strategies for cloud development.
As the TWG embarks on its mission, NITDA urges industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources. “With collective effort, Nigeria can emerge as the premier digital hub for West and Central Africa,” Inuwa concluded.
While corroborating the Director General’s point of views, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, underscored the importance of regulatory intervention in fostering a robust digital economy.
“Our objective is to establish policies and legal frameworks that support cloud development, enabling us to securely host and manage our data. This is crucial for the growth of our digital economy, he said.”
He also highlights the necessity of capacity building, stating that, “Equipping ourselves with top-tier training and expertise is essential to fully leverage digital technologies.” Barrister Edet called on all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“Collaboratively, we must develop a framework that reflects our national interests, and it should be widely accepted. This effort will define Nigeria’s role in the global digital arena, he observed.
The TWG will help in the drive to attract hyperscale investments and enhance local cloud capabilities by proffering measures to encourage the use of accurate data, recommend the enactment and compliance to enabling policies.
Members of the TWG which includes Google, AWS, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, HUAWEI Cloud, Equinix, Kasi, Rack Centre, Africa Data Centres, several other data centre operators and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission expressed support and readiness to volunteer and contribute resources.
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