By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Alice Alobi Foundation (AAF) In celebration of International Girls in ICT Day in April 2025 hosted an ICT Training Workshop focused on Cybersecurity Awareness for Girls.

According to the documents made available to Vanguard by Aliu Bello, Media Liaison Officer of the Foundation,the impactful initiative, designed to provide essential digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge to young girls, which took place in the Federal Capital Territory brought together bright and enthusiastic female students from various Junior Secondary Schools across the region.

The participating schools included:JSS Kurudu,JSS Kpeyegyi,JSS Karshi,JSS Jikwoyi 1,JSS Jikwoyi 2,JSS Nyanya 1,JSS Nyanya 2,JSS Nyanya 3,JSS Guduwa and .JSS Gbagalape.Other schools areJSS Narai,JSS Karu,JSS Orozo and JSS Kpaduma.

The workshop according to Aliu Bello,” was made possible through a strategic partnership with the National CyberCrime Centre (NPF-NCC).

Recognizing the growing importance of digital literacy and online safety in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, this collaboration aimed to equip young girls with the critical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the online world securely and responsibly.

The efforts of Miriam Alobi, Executive Director of the Alice Alobi Foundation, described as a results-oriented leader with an unwavering commitment to social causes and community development,” continue to uplift underserved communities, with a special focus on empowering girls through access to education and technology.”

Habibat Olaosebikan, who served as Team Leader for the Cybersecurity team and facilitator of the Cyber Guardian group, is a Cybersecurity Analyst with a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.

She’s said to be deeply passionate about digital safety and committed to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Habibat is a strong advocate for cybersecurity awareness,” and enjoys empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to stay safe online in digital world.”

Other facilitators,who equally contributed to the success of the workshop and played key roles in shaping the students’ cybersecurity knowledge are Victoria Simon, Cybersecurity Specialist, who led the Firewall Defenders group, Stella Anaele, Cybersecurity Engineer, who facilitated the Encryption Keepers group Vivian Nesiama, Cybersecurity Analyst, who guided the Phish Busters group and Beauty Anucha, Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Analyst.

These groups engaged the students in interactive activities designed to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills, reinforcing critical cybersecurity concepts.

After the program, each group continued to offer remote classes and mentoring sessions to help students further develop their skills and continue their learning journey.

Workshop Highlights: Building Digital Resilience.

Designed as a dynamic, hands-on learning experience, the workshop included interactive sessions and insightful presentations led by cybersecurity professionals from the NPF-NCC.

Students had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, gaining practical knowledge about protecting themselves in the digital realm.

Key areas of focus included:
Understanding Online Threats: Participants were educated about prevalent cyber threats such as phishing scams, malware, cyberbullying, and online fraud. Real-world examples allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of these threats and how to recognize them in their online activities.

Creating Strong and Secure Passwords: The importance of strong passwords and safe password management practices was emphasized.

Students were introduced to national best practices for digital security, ensuring they could protect their accounts from unauthorized access.

Spotting Suspicious Activity: Participants were taught how to identify and avoid suspicious emails, links, and websites, as well as tactics cybercriminals use to deceive individuals.

Protecting Personal Information: The workshop highlighted the significance of safeguarding personal information and understanding one’s digital footprint, along with the legal implications of online activities.

Navigating Social Media Safely: Students learned how to adjust privacy settings and practiced responsible use of social media platforms to mitigate risks.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: One of the workshop’s key discussions revolved around recognizing and reporting cyberbullying and online harassment.

Students received guidance on involving law enforcement and taking appropriate action when needed.

Data Privacy and Cyber Laws: Students gained awareness of basic data privacy principles, the importance of protecting personal data, and the legal consequences of engaging in illegal online activities.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

The workshop not only served as an educational platform but also as an empowering experience for the young girls who participated. The direct involvement of the NPF-NCC allowed students to learn from experts working at the forefront of cybersecurity efforts, reinforcing the importance of proactive safety measures.

A Commitment to Digital Empowerment

By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness at an early age, the Alice Alobi Foundation is making significant strides in empowering the next generation of female digital leaders.

This initiative not only equips these young girls with the tools to stay safe online but also nurtures their interest in technology, encouraging them to explore career opportunities in the growing field of cybersecurity.