The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has expressed readiness to collaborate with journalists in Oyo State to strengthen advocacy on cybersecurity.
Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, made this known on Sunday evening while hosting a delegation of journalists led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas.
The federal lawmaker, who represents Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, said strategic partnerships with the media were critical to raising public awareness about the growing threats in the digital space.
He explained that his committee was currently working on several initiatives, including data protection and cybersecurity frameworks, noting that sustained advocacy would help safeguard Nigerians, especially children, from cyber threats.
Olajide stressed that the increasing rate of cyberattacks required proactive measures, adding that public enlightenment remained a key tool in combating digital crimes.
He further disclosed plans to extend a “train-the-trainer” programme to journalists, aimed at equipping them with the necessary knowledge to educate the public on cybersecurity issues.
As part of his support, the lawmaker donated laptops to the NUJ Oyo State Council executives to enhance the smooth running of the union’s activities.
Olajide also commended the NUJ leadership in the state for prioritising capacity building, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence, describing it as a step in the right direction.
He expressed optimism that ongoing legislative efforts, including the Digital Economy Bill and a national Artificial Intelligence framework, would address risks associated with cybercrime and strengthen child protection.
Earlier, in his speech, the NUJ Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Akeem Abas, appreciated Hon. Olajide for his commitment to national development and his consistent support for the union.
Abas assured that journalists in the state would continue to uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to ethical standards in their reportage.
He noted that about 250 journalists had been trained on emerging trends in the profession within the first 100 days of his administration, emphasising a shift towards solution-driven journalism.
The NUJ chairman added that the era of using journalists for blackmail and propaganda was over, as members were now better equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development through responsible journalism.
