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DigitalSENSE Africa Media is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, the only bonafide government agency charged with registration of organisations. DigitalSENSE Africa Media is an accredited member of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) as At-Large Structure (ALS), since November 14, 2014.

DigitalSENSE Africa Media is the organisers of the annual Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series including the Internet Governance Forum for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria Internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) Roundtable since 2009, as well as the publishers of DigitalSENSE Business News, NaijaAgroNet and ITRealms.

In 2011, DigitalSENSE Africa Media midwifed the first-ever Nigeria hosted West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa (FOSSFA) even as DigitalSENSE Africa is a corporate member of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and member, Local Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (LMAG-NIGF).

DigitalSENSE Africa Media is an integrated body of advocacy, information technology analysts, communication experts and publishers, with vision to genuinely add value to our stakeholders through facts based on technology evolution and media towards ensuring positive and excellent use of technologies, by impacting people via the power of analytical media, so as to make a DigitalSENSE for our society.

Some of our current subject of interest includes NetMundial, gTLD, ccTLD, IPv6, Multistakeholderism, Future Internet, African Internet Stakeholder, DNS Women, Child Online and Youth Empowerment Using Technologies to name a few.

DigitalSENSE Africa Media is made up of professionals with varying backgrounds including human rights activists, consumer advocates, media activists, internet consumers, with the membership of our advocacy wing open to individuals internet users in Nigeria who are described as ambassadors of DigitalSENSE Africa.

DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media annually collaborate with the stakeholders to organize two public events since 2009 with focus on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a tool for socio-economic empowerment and development, namely DSA Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Nigeria which has served as the preparatory session for the country on many fronts at the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF); and the annual Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, which is an avenue for the creation of awareness for the Future Internet and the potential impact on the country’s economy, encouraging participation of Nigeria stakeholders in the Second Internet Initiatives, and supports greater Research & Development investment in activities around the Future Internet.

Further, DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) collaborates with government agencies and private sector (public-private partnership) on relevant course of engagement with Nigerian stakeholders to ensure government buy-in of outcomes, through enabling the platform for concerned agencies to share government positions on issues especially as regards to internet freedom and private sectors who cherish appropriate use of ICT for Development. While communiqués are sent to all key stakeholders as part of the multi-stakeholderism approach in Nigeria.

Some communiques from DigitalSENSE Forum Series could be located here:

COMMUNIQUE

All members:


Contact us:

DigitalSENSE Africa Media

Block F1, Shop 133 Moyosore Aboderin Plaza, Bolade Junction,
Opp. Akinkpelu Street, Oshodi-Lagos
P.O. Box 2823 Oshodi Post Office, Oshodi-Lagos State, Nigeria

234-8034606066, 8099400183, 7026272656, 8023122558, 8033592762

E: info@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng /remnekkv@gmail.com

Website: www.digitalsenseafrica.com.ng

 

Primary Contact:

Name: NKEMDILIM NWEKE (Executive Director, Operations),

Email: nkem@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng, nkem_nwk@yahoo.com

Telephone: 234-8099400183, 8023725607

Secondary Contact:

Name: REMMY NWEKE (Lead Strategist)

Email: editor_ls@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng, remmyn@gmail.com

Telephone: 234-8023122558, 8033592762

6 Comments

  1. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]

    Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum 2015

    Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable (IPv6)

    June 4 and 5, 2015 at Welcome Center Hotel Lagos

     
    Link: REGISTER HERE

    http://digitalsenseafrica.com.ng/NDSF banner 2015.jpg

  2. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]

    Entries open for Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Africa 2015 Student Essay Contest

    ITRealms:
    The management of DigitalSENSE Africa Media has called for entries for the 2015 Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Africa Essay Competition on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) until June 16, with the theme: Net Neutrality and Nigerian Internet Users, reports ITRealms:
     
    The Executive Director, Operations at DigitalSENSE Africa Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke, disclosed this at the weekend during the two-day Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and IPv6 Roundtable held in Lagos.
    She said that the annual student contest has been rebranded with the partnership of Etisalat Nigeria and would now be known as Etisalat-DigitalSENSE Africa Essay Competition.
    Mrs. Nweke also said that the essay competition is open to students between the ages of 18 to 30 years. Interested candidates are to write an essay not more than 600 words on “Net Neutrality and Nigerian Internet Users.”

    According to her, entries are to be submitted on or before June 16th 2015 to info@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng and copy remnekkv@gmail.com.
    The winning essay to be adjudged the best by a team of expert panel of judges, she said, would be published in award-winning ITRealms with profile of the winner.
    Also, the winner will be sponsored to the forthcoming Nigeria Internet Governance Forum slated for July 2015 in Abuja.
    “The star prize winner will go home with a Laptop plus 1-year free data access; second prize to have iPad/Smart phone with six months free data access and third prize will smile home with Smart phone plus three months free data access,” Mrs. Nweke revealed.
    She further disclosed that interested students must submit their entries alongside a variable letter of introduction from their institutions from head of department or student identification (ID) cards.

  3. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]

    Nicodemus Onah wins star prize @ 2015 DigitalSENSE essay on Internet Governance

    A 100 level undergraduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nicodemus Chidera Onah has emerged the overall winner in the 2015 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Students Essay on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D), reports ITRealms.
    Confirming this, the Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa Media Limited, Mrs Nkemdilim Nweke, said that Nicodemus Chidera Onah was adjudged most outstanding by most of the judge faculty, hence his emergence.
    She noted that the students essay was on this year’s main theme: Net Neutrality and Nigerian Internet Users, which must not exceed 600 words but must depict clear understanding of the subject matter by the essay writers.
    She also disclosed that the first runner up, was another student from UNN also in Enugu State, by name Kizito Chijioke Onah who is a student of English and Literary studies, while the third place went to Ms Ekpobadarho Oghenetejiri Blessing from the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State.
    Mrs. Nweke also said that Nicodemus who scored highest from this year’s panel of judges is a student of Electronic Engineering, 100 level, and would be attending the 2015 edition of Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) courtesy of Etisalat Nigeria, in addition to receiving the star prize of a laptop fully equipped with free data access for 12 months.
    She noted that NIGF 2015 would take place at the nation’s capital, Abuja between July 20 and 21, with special interest in the youth forum as well as the plenary sessions.
    According to her, the first and second runners up will be sponsored to Lagos where they will be presented their prizes of a tablet and a smart phone respectively.
    She therefore, congratulated the winners of this year’s essay contest for their efforts.
    Reacting, Nicodemus Onah, the star prize winner, described his emergence as ‘unbelievable’ when contacted with the news.
    He also promised to focus on making more case for cybersecurity in Nigeria at the 2015 NIGF, though he decried that the awareness on Internet Governance is still below average, he advised Nigerian youths to take advantage of the Internet and get better education.
    On the way forward, he said that there is need to enact user-driven internet policies in the country, that would keep the sanctity of the Internet.
    @ITRealms DSA Remmy Nweke

  4. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]







    COMMUNIQUE 

    of the

    Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series 2018





    COMMUNIQUE

    of the

    Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series 2018


     

    9th Edition



    Themes:

    Internet Governance: Sustaining Development

    &

    IPv6, Broadening the Horizon

     

    A one-day conference and exhibition by DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media in conjunction with Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),

    &

    Proufly supported by Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Internet Society, Nigeria Chapter, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), IPv6 Council, Nigeria, Ntel

     

     

     

    Date: Wednesday 6th June 2018                                                                Time:      9:00am

     

     

     

    VENUE:

    Co-operative Hall, Oshodi-Isolo LGA Secretariat, Oshodi-Lagos

    Rapporteurs:


    Elonna Aguh (Lead)                       Albert Aguh (Support)

     

    Compére:

    Chris Uruakpa

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    The 2018 edition of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum series on Internet Governance for Development (NDSF IG4D) (in its 9th year) is an annual rallying point for internet stakeholders in the country to discuss and proffer solutions to improve challenges around internet governance, security and socio-economic impact, with special focus on students, youth and women.


    Erudite minds gathered and spoke exhaustively on issues and challenges bothering on the internet; IPv6 and GDPR. One of the recurring decimals in recent times has been the migration of the internet protocol version 4 to version 6 (IPv4 to IPV6). This challenge suggests that the IPv4 is almost exhausted and the need to upgrade to higher version is pertinent. It is estimated that in the very near future appliances on IPv4 will be so obsolete they cannot function anywhere in the world


    Developed countries have already migrated to this version while developing countries such as Nigeria is still lagging behind. However DSA through her DSA Media Ltd and DSForum have been at the vanguard, championing the course of advocacy urging Nigerians to migrate to IPV6. Today, there is an IPV6 Council in Nigeria and gladly, the Lead Strategist and Group Executive Editor of DSA media Ltd, Mr. Remmy Nweke is the pioneer chairman of this committee with Mr. Muhammed Rudman as the Council Chairman.


    The benefits of the ICT cannot be quantified and migration to IPv6 has provided for enormous benefits; affecting all aspects of life ranging from Domestic to Economics, Government, Corporate and even Spiritual life etc.  However, the forum identified a myriad of challenges confronting the Internet, IPv6 and GSM service providers and seeks government intervention to curb this trend. These challenges have contributed immensely to the cost of internet services and poor quality services experienced in the country.


    One of the major challenges for internet users is cyber security.  With the recent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in place in EU nations, better cyber security is guaranteed for EU nations and countries doing business with the EU nations. It is hoped that locally here in Nigeria, cyber laws will come in place to ensure cyber security for internet users here in Nigeria.


    Government was therefore enjoined to play its part in the growth and development of ICT in Nigeria by ensuring enabling environment, while on the other hand students, youth and women and indeed all good users of the internet were also advised to make judicious use of the internet bearing in mind the GDPR existing in the EU nations.

     

    COMMUNIQUE

     

    The one-day Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series, 9th edition on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) was held on Wednesday 6th June 2018 with the theme, “Internet Governance: Sustaining Development” and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, in commemoration of the World IPv6 Day with the theme IPv6, Broadening the Horizon, in addition to the Panel session on “IPv6 and GDPR: Issues and challenges in Nigeria,” at the Cooperative Hall, Oshodi-Isolo Secretariat, Oshodi-Lagos had participants cut across Stakeholders in ICT industry in Nigeria, Students, Youth and women in attendance.


    The following are their submissions:

    RECALL

    1. That the forum has been created and nurtured for the past 9 years as a platform to x-ray issues and potentials germane in the ICT sector, with particular emphasis to computing, internet governance-related issues, propagating its use, impacting positively on young minds and new users and also helping to further advance Nigeria in the ever-rapidly advancing phenomenon of global ICT

     

    1. The aim of Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable is to create a forum that will encourage public discourse and create awareness on technological and business benefits of internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) addresses and to motivate organisations across the industry - internet service providers, hardware makers, operating system vendors and web companies to prepare their services for IPv6, and also join the rest of the world to celebrate the World IPv6 Day as well as offer a platform for networking.

     

    OBSERVATION

    1. Internet is one of the primary influences on globalization and it is increasingly playing an important role in the ability of nations to participate meaningfully in global economic activities

     

    1. All businesses today depend on the internet to reach customers, manage suppliers and conduct most internal and external business operations


    1. Nigeria has a huge potential for digital dividends considering her high population density


    1. All regions continue to show double-digit growth rates but Africa stands out with a growth rate of over 40% – twice as high as the global average


    1. Mobile broadband is the most dynamic market segment and stands at around 78 active subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Europe and the Americas; Africa is the only region where mobile broadband penetration remains below 20%


    1. Nigeria has one of the largest and fastest growing telecoms market in Africa


    1. Telecommunication is the 5th most resilient sector in Nigeria.


    1. Telecommunications constitutes a significant portion of the Nigerian economy. It contributes 8.88% to the nation’s economy as such it should be supported.


    1. NCC has removed the barriers to market entry and now rely upon natural market forces and technology to ensure market sustainability


    1. IPv4 (the underlying architecture that has supported the internet thus far) is almost exhausted and is not nearly enough to meet the ever-expanding needs of the commercial interne.


    1. The rapidly growing numbers of internet users, network and connected devices require, more unique identifiers than IPv4 can provide.

     

    1. The establishment of the IPv6 Council is a positive step in the right direction

     

    1. The recent introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by the EU, rights and data protection are better secured for EU nations. Countries, individuals, government and corporate bodies doing business with EU nations are bound by that same regulation.

     

    OBJECTION

    1. We frown at the poor quality of service caused primarily by network capacity constraints; the lack of physical and transmission infrastructure; scarce spectrum resources; unreliable power supply; disparity in telecommunications facilities between urban and rural areas; shortage of long term investment capital; skill shortages; security challenges; theft; transmission cable cuts etc.


    CHALLENGES

    1. The introduction of GDPR poses great risks for countries doing business with EU nations.
    2. Poor infrastructure that supports ICT development should be improved upon


    OPPORTUNITIES

    1. Nigeria has rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge; students, youth and women are encouraged to make positive use of the internet for their self-development.
    2. Nigeria should endeavor to migrate to IPv6 to participate actively in the global ICT trend.
    3. Nigeria should embrace the great potential in her human and natural resources and leverage on it to create services and products with IPv6 compliance to address our local challenges.

     

    THE WAY FORWARD

    1. There is need for everyone to get connected to the internet


    1. The Federal Government should make Telecoms Infrastructure a critical national resource to help in protecting online jobs and businesses


    1. While we desire for a quick migration to IPv6, there is also the need to prepare for the challenges that come with it, as such the Federal Government is advised to be more proactive in providing the enabling environment for a smooth migration of the nation to IPv6.
    2. Government should make haste to sign into law the Digital rights and freedom bill which seeks for freedom of expression online
    1. There should be IPv6 awareness and capacity building by organizing seminars and trainings, possibly incorporating IPv6 into university curriculum.
    2. IPv6 Task Force to Visit 10 top service providers with IPv6 allocation but not yet activated.
    3. Provide some profit incentives to Internet Industry for encouraging them to adopt IPv6 based Infrastructure. These incentives could include reduction in regulatory fee and tax rebates.
    4. Upstream Internet connectivity providers should be encouraged to enable IPv6 in their networks.
    5. All new IT equipment supplied to Government should be IPv6 compliant and Government to set target date for MDAs to have IPv6 compliant networks.


    1. We should have more events like this and educate more masses about what is trending. More Schools and teachers should be involved at events of this nature.


    1. As developers, we should study the law very carefully since the GDPR is applicable to Nigerians doing business with European nations.


    1. Federal Government should focus more on the use of IT to create more jobs, create more wealth and also focus on building IT capacity of our youths.


    1. The advantage of the ICT adoption in governance and ultimately Nigeria will stimulate transparency, productivity, efficiency and timely operations.


    1. To further create opportunities for Nigerians, there is an urgent need to address the challenges of the industry and leverage on the opportunities. One of which is to continue to build communications infrastructures (satellite, terrestrial networks and Telecommunications) to aid transition and lower the barriers to entry, which will further increase participation and eventually drive ICT


    1. There is need to encourage young IT entrepreneurs to learn through regular capacity building workshops and symposia to indirectly build IT soft skills and employment generation.


    1. There is need to look inwards to get youngsters that will develop and maintain Apps for cost efficiency and effectiveness.


    1. There is need to migrate to IPv6 and the need to use smarter devices since the opportunities that abound in IPv6 are so vast such that you can operate your gadgets or devices at home from miles away.


    1. There is need for network and content operators to make their networks and websites available over IPv6 for the foreseeable future to encourage quick migration to IPv6 addresses and appliances.


    1. The internet is a public resource and people should be careful about what they post to avoid assault.


    1. Stronger cyber laws should be enacted and implemented to prevent and curtail cyber crimes.


    1. There is a great need to develop apps as well as capacity that help ensure cyber safety.


    1. Government at all levels should encourage e-governance as this will help in tracking government activities through the social media; it will also give people access to participate in governance thereby encouraging transparency and efficiency.


    1. Young graduates should realize they are the architects of their own future as such they should learn early enough to take their destinies into their own hands.

    Photos from NDSF 2018 can be viewed here:

    Video clips from NDSF 2018 can be viewed here:

     

    For further information:

    Contact us:

    DigitalSENSE Africa Media

    Block F1, Shop 133 Moyosore Aboderin Plaza, Bolade Junction,
    Opp. Akinkpelu Street, Oshodi-Lagos
    P.O. Box 2823 Oshodi Post Office, Oshodi-Lagos State, Nigeria

    234-8034606066, 8099400183, 7026272656, 8023122558, 8033592762

    E: info@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng /remnekkv@gmail.com

    Website: www.digitalsenseafrica.com.ng

     

    Primary Contact:

    Name: NKEMDILIM NWEKE (Executive Director, Operations),

    Email: nkem@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng, nkem_nwk@yahoo.com

    Telephone: 234-8099400183, 8023725607

    Secondary Contact:

    Name: REMMY NWEKE (Lead Strategist)

    Email: editor_ls@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng, remmyn@gmail.com

    Telephone: 234-8023122558, 8033592762, 8041000475

    COMMUNIQUE of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series 2018 

    COMMUNIQUE

    of the

    Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series 2018

  5. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]

    AFRALO 

    [Discretionary Funding Report]

    By

    Nkem Nweke

    Executive Director, Operations

    DigitalSENSE Africa Media

    (ICANN’s AFRALO - ALS)

    www.DigitalSENSEAfrica.com.ng

    L-R: Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Uwaje, Managing Director, Wizzyhub Technology Ltd, Mr. Francis Uzor, Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs. Nkem Nweke, representative, Permanent  Secretary, Ministry  of  Communications, Engr. Olufemi Olufeko, Vice President, Nigeria Internet Group, Dr. Bayero Agabi and Lead Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa, Remmy Nweke, at the 10th edition of Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series 2019, Theme: Connecting Nigerians for Enhanced Internet Governance, held at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, Lagos-Nigeria, Thursday, June 20, 2019.


    RE: RALO Discretionary Funding (A Report by DigitalSENSE Africa Media)

     

    Acknowledgement:

    Permit me to acknowledge you and your team at ‘At-Large’ Secretariat of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and leadership of Africa Regional At-Large Organisaton (AFRALO) as well as the team of ICANN's Africa office lead by Vice President, Mr. Pierre Dandjinou, for all the support.

    I wish to single out the Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager at ICANN for the Africa region, Mr. Yaovi Atouhun, for his consistency in reaching out to ensuring that every aspect of the preparation and forum eventually went well, without forgetting Bob Ochieng’s active role.

    Description:

    This fund is for local production and distribution of AFRALO brochures (1000 copies in English and a major Nigerian language - Yoruba) for the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable in Lagos-Nigeria, for outreach engagement activity, towards bridging the language gap, among others.

    2019 NDSF theme: CONNECTING NIGERIANS FOR ENHANCED INTERNET GOVERNANCE, held on Thursday, June 20, 2019, under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Nigeria IPv6 Council and former President, Institute of Software Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Chief Chris Uwaje who doubles as the executive chairman, Connect Technologies, at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, Lagos-Nigeria. The forum was well attended by stakeholders including community-based organizations, youths, students and women, as well as the media.

    About NDSF 2019:

    The 10th annual Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable was hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa Media (a certified ICANN-ALS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); targeting a number of Community Based Organisations (CBO), students, youths and women from across Africa, and Nigeria precisely – a nation of over 200m population; offering a unique opportunity to reach out to potential new AFRALO ALSes and individuals, especially women.

    A time was also devoted during the event to explain the brochure to participants and encourage them to use the details therein in English and or Yoruba, a major Nigeria language and we wish to extend this to other major languages in nearest future with relevant supports.

    Brief on Yoruba Language:

    Yoruba is a language spoken in West Africa, with estimated 80 million across the subregion. It is a pluricentric language spoken mainly in Nigeria, Benin and Togo, with communities in Sierra Leone, Liberia, other parts of Africa, the Americas, and Europe. As at 2017, the native speakers were estimated at 56 million.

    Goal achieved:

    This paved the way for the setting up of a unique WhatsApp group - AfriCANN Next Leaders - to provide a mobile instant 'mentoring' response and education for participants and Nigerians as well as Africans at large, moreso for the youth, who have interest on Internet Governance for Development and AFRALO particularly.

    Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs. Nkem Nweke, (middle) with some youth participants at the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series in Lagos.

    Challenges:

    I must state here that there was some challenges, top among them was the Eid-el Fitr public holidays announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria by end of May 2019, barely a week to the d-day.

    Noteworthy is that this event was moved from the June 6 to 20th due to the Islamic holidays.


    Some students at the registration desk at the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series in Lagos. On display are some copies of AFRALO brochure, also inserted into event order of programme.

    This, however led to a mismatch in the event programming as the VP Africa via his representative, the Stakeholder Engagement and Operations Manager at ICANN for the Africa region, Mr. Yaovi Atouhun, could not make the event as planned.

    Objective:

    Essentially, the objective for this fund was met as the brochures (both in English and Yoruba) were produced and distributed as required through insertions in the event programme and distributed to members, to make certain every participant has both in addition to specific announcement made in efforts to explain what AFRALO is all about and roles within the ICANN community.

    For supporting NDSF 2019, AfRALO logo were extensively and conspicuously used on the order of programme, backdrop banner, event bag, T-shirt and mentions in all press-related materials.



    (L) Some students at the registration desk at the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series in Lagos. (r) Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa, Mrs. Nkem Nweke, welcoming Mrs Mary Uduma of Nigeria Internet Governance Forum at the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series in Lagos.


    (L) A cross section of participants (R) A delegation of Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Lagos led by Deanery Coordinator, Tony Mbata and Chief Peter Anwah among other participants at the 2019 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa forum series in Lagos.

    *Details of event proceedings are in the attached order of programme.

     PDF

    *Also attached is the soft copy of the both English and Yoruba AFRALO brochure.

     PDF


    DigitalSENSE Africa Media

    Block F1, Shop 133 Moyosore Aboderin Plaza,

    Bolade Junction, Oshodi-Lagos, Nigeria

    M: 234-8099400183, 8033592762, 8023122558,

    remnekkv@gmail.com

    nkem@digitalsenseafrica.com.ng | nkem_nwk@yahoo.com

    www.digitalsenseafrica.com.ng

  6. Remmy Nweke [DigitalSENSE Africa]

    COMMUNIQUE of NDSF 2019

     

    The one-day Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum Series, 10th edition on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) was held on Thursday 20th June 2019 with the theme, “Connecting Nigerians for Enhanced Internet Governance” and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, in Commemoration of the World IPv6 Day with the theme IPv6, An Ingrident For Enhance Internet at Welcome Centre Hotels Muritala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos-Nigeria; attracted participants across Stakeholders in ICT industry in the country, Students, Youth and women.


    The following were their submissions:

    RECALL

    1. That the forum has been created and nurtured for the past 10 years as a think-tank platform where Nigeria internet stakeholders converge annually to raise and address germane issues concerning ICT sector with particular reference to computing, internet governance-related issues like access, security, openness, privacy and diversity; towards helping to further progress Nigeria in the ever-rapidly advancing phenomenon of global ICT.

     

    1. The aim of Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable is to create a forum that will encourage public discourse and create awareness on technological and business benefits of Internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) addresses and to motivate organisations across the industry - internet service providers, hardware makers, operating system vendors and web companies to prepare their services for IPv6, and also join the rest of the world to celebrate the World IPv6 Day as well as offer a platform for networking.


    1. Countries are fast migrating to IPv6 and Nigeria must follow suit to remain relevant and compliant with advancing technologies.

     

    OBSERVATION

    1. Internet is one of the primary influences on globalization and it is increasingly playing an important role in the ability of nations to participate meaningfully in global economic activities.

     

    1. All businesses today depend on the internet to reach customers, manage suppliers and conduct most internal and external business operations; digital evolution.


    1. Nigeria has a huge potential for digital dividends considering her high population density.


    1. Cybercrime occurs everywhere and is by no means only a Nigerian problem; it has caused serious reputational damage to the country.


    1. Currently, Broadband penetration in Nigeria is put at 30.9%.


    1. Government is not resting until all Nigerians can have access to a safe and secured internet space. This can be seen in the establishment of ICT hubs across the six geopolitical zones to bridge the gap between the digital haves and the digital have-nots and three IT Innovation Hubs across in North-West, South-West and North-East.


    1. NITDA is promoting digital inclusion through its subsidiary, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), with very close collaboration and partnership with stakeholders including, but not limited, to the National Social Investment Office (NSIO), other government agencies, ICT Hubs, multinationals, Angel investors, venture capital firms etc.


    1. The Nigerian government has introduced certain measures such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015. The law provides for the prohibition, prevention, detection, response, investigation and prosecution of cyber crimes and for other related matters.


    1. The current management at NITDA is working assiduously to ensure connectivity to the unconnected Nigerians as well as ensure safe cyberspace for all.

    CHALLENGES

    1. The introduction of GDPR poses great risks for countries doing business with EU nations.


    1. Poor infrastructure that supports ICT development should be improved upon


    OPPORTUNITIES

    1. Nigeria has rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge; students, youth and women are encouraged to make positive use of the internet for their self development.

     

    1. Nigeria should endeavor to migrate to IPv6 to participate actively in the global ICT trend.


    1. Nigeria should embrace the great potential in her human and natural resources and leverage on it to create services and products with IPv6 compliance to address our local challenges.


    1. There is no formal certification to operate in the cyberspace for positive gainful sources of income generation.

     

    THE WAY FORWARD

    1. There is need for everyone to get connected to the internet


    1. The Federal Government should make Telecoms Infrastructure a critical national resource to help in protecting online jobs and businesses
    2. While we desire for a quick migration to IPv6, there is also the need to prepare for the challenges that come with it, as such the Federal Government is advised to be more proactive in providing the enabling environment for a smooth migration of the nation to IPv6.
    1. There should be IPv6 awareness and capacity building by organizing seminars and trainings, possibly incorporating IPv6 into university curriculum.
    2. Government is enjoined to play its part in the growth and development of ICT in Nigeria by ensuring enabling environment, while on the other hand students, youth and women and indeed all good users of the internet are encouraged to make judicious use of the internet bearing in mind the GDPR existing in the EU nations.
    3. Revision of the National ICT Policy to establish “A National Digital Strategy”
    4. There should be an Executive Order for all Digital Networks in Nigeria to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6 within 18 months.
    5. Provide some profit incentives to Internet Industry to encourage them to adopt IPv6 based Infrastructure. These incentives could include reduction in regulatory fee and tax rebates.
    6. Upstream Internet connectivity providers should be encouraged to enable IPv6 in their networks.
    7. Government should ensure that all new IT equipment supplied to them are IPv6 compliant and Government should set a target date for MDAs to have IPv6 compliant networks.
    1. Government should make haste to sign into law the Digital rights and freedom bill which seeks for equal freedom of expression online


    1. We should have more events like this and educate more masses about what is trending. More Schools and teachers should be involved at events of this nature.


    1. Federal Government should focus more on the use of IT to create more jobs, create more wealth and also focus on building IT capacity of our youths.


    1. The advantage of the ICT adoption in governance and ultimately Nigeria will stimulate transparency, productivity, efficiency and timely operations.


    1. To further create opportunities for Nigerians, there is an urgent need to address the challenges of the industry and leverage on the opportunities. One of which is to continue to build communications infrastructures (satellite, terrestrial networks and Telecommunications) to aid transition and lower the barriers to entry, which will further increase participation and eventually drive ICT


    1. There is need to encourage young IT entrepreneurs to learn through regular capacity building workshops and symposia to indirectly build IT soft skills and employment generation.


    1. The need arises to look inwards to get youngsters that will develop and maintain Apps for cost efficiency and effectiveness.


    1. There is need for network and content operators to make their networks and websites available over IPv6 for the foreseeable future to encourage quick migration to IPv6 addresses and appliances.


    1. Stronger cyber laws should be enacted and implemented to prevent and curtail cyber crimes.
    2. There is a great need to develop apps as well as capacity that help ensure cyber safety.
    3. Government at all levels should encourage e-governance as this will help in tracking government activities through the social media; it will also give people access to participate in governance thereby encouraging transparency and efficiency.
    4. The private sector needs to support Government’s efforts at ensuring that all Nigerians are connected to a safe cyberspace.
    5. Youth and Students are encouraged to make maximum gainful use of the cyberspace
    6. Women as a means of achieving self sustainability are encouraged to have Domain Names and websites to leverage their businesses for better gains.

    The 10th edition was supported by the NCC, Ministry of Communications, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), SystemSpecs Limited, African Regional Organisation (AFRALO), Medallion Communications Limited, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), among others.

    NDSF 2019 was endorsed by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and Nigeria IT Reporters Association, ATCON, ALTON, NIRA, to name a few.


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