Titled “A Comprehensive Strategy for Ending Terrorism, Banditry, and Criminal Violence in Nigeria: A Pragmatic, Multi-Layered, and Implementable Framework,” the paper presents a holistic roadmap designed to reverse more than a decade of escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives, displaced communities, weakened local economies, and eroded public trust in governance.

According to him, insecurity has become deeply entrenched in everyday life across the country.

“Terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence have become so commonplace that they now dominate daily conversations among Nigerians,” Dr. Woherem noted, adding that while the crisis is most acute in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, “its effects are now being felt even in the southern parts of the country.”

Citing the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which ranks Nigeria sixth globally in terms of terrorism impact, Dr. Woherem described the ranking as “a sobering statistical confirmation that terrorism still weighs heavily on the Nigerian state.”

The paper traces the roots of the crisis to the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 and the subsequent rise of splinter groups such as ISWAP.

It recalls high-profile incidents including the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, the Dapchi and Kankara kidnappings, and a series of mass abductions and attacks on schools and places of worship recorded in 2025.

Dr. Woherem observed that banditry, largely driven by ransom payments, “has spread across the entire nation, creating fear, weakening productivity, and pushing millions of households deeper into poverty.”

While acknowledging the role of military action, the author cautioned against relying on force alone.

“Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency and violent crime through arms and ammunition alone,” he said. “Any sustainable solution must confront the internal conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.”

Among the key drivers identified in the paper by Dr. Woherem, are porous borders, arms proliferation, youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and persistent conflicts over land and resources, challenges Dr. Woherem stressed can be addressed through “a deliberate, intelligence-led, and whole-of-society approach.”

At the heart of the proposed framework, Woherem noted, is a call for intelligence-driven security operations, including the establishment of a National Counter-Insurgency and Intelligence Fusion Centre.

“Security operations must be guided by accurate, actionable intelligence rather than fear-led mass actions that often harm civilians and undermine public trust,” he stated.

The paper also advocates comprehensive policing reforms, including the creation of constitutionally backed state police systems supported by a more specialized federal police structure.

“Nigeria’s over-centralised policing model is structurally incapable of effectively addressing widespread criminality across such a vast and diverse country.”

Recognising the realities at the grassroots, Woherem calls for the formal regulation of community-based security groups, and noted that

“ignoring vigilante groups is dangerous, and banning them outright is unrealistic,” but stressed that their roles must be clearly defined, regulated, and subject to strict oversight.

On border security, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, the author warned that instability in neighbouring countries continues to fuel Nigeria’s insecurity.

“No permanent solution is possible without deep regional cooperation,” he said, advocating an Integrated Border Management system supported by joint operations with neighbouring states.

The paper places strong emphasis on prevention through economic inclusion, youth employment, and skills development.

“Jobs and income remain the most powerful tools for preventing recruitment into violent groups,” Dr. Woherem asserted, adding that immediate livelihood opportunities significantly weaken the appeal of extremist narratives.

He also called for structured deradicalisation and reintegration programmes, noting that “a humane, community-accepted process is essential for breaking cycles of violence and preventing relapse into extremism.”

Dr. Woherem further emphasised the need for governance reforms and accountability in the security sector.

“Without transparency, oversight, and institutional integrity, even the best security strategies will fail,” he warned.

The white paper outlines a phased implementation plan from 2025 to 2030, beginning with intelligence fusion, pilot state police initiatives, community security registration, drone surveillance, and financial crackdowns on terror networks, before expanding into nationwide reforms and long-term consolidation.

Concluding, Dr. Woherem expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future.

“Nigeria can overcome this prolonged phase of insecurity,” he said, “but only through political will, coordinated institutions, and the active participation of society.”

He added that the proposed framework offers “a realistic pathway to restoring security, rebuilding public trust, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and economic potential.”

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Already, an impressive lineup of keynote speakers has confirmed attendance, including Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI); Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder and President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum; and Dr. Vincent Olagunju, National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), among others.

This year’s conference, themed “Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global AI Order,” will examine how the continent can assert technological sovereignty and define its own path in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Ahead of the event, the Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult and convener of DACE, Dr. Evans Woherem, said the theme underscores Africa’s urgent need to be an active participant in shaping the global AI order rather than a passive onlooker.

“We are entering an era powered by artificial intelligence,” Dr. Woherem stated. “Just as electricity became the invisible force behind modern civilization, intelligence will soon be embedded in almost everything. AI will not only exist as a standalone technology but will also be integrated into our daily lives, from cars to communications, healthcare, governance, and even social interaction.”

He likened the current global competition in AI development to an arms race, with major powers such as the United States, China, Europe, and South Korea vying for dominance, warning that Africa must not stand aside in this race or risk being digitally recolonized.

“Whoever controls intelligence will control the world,” he warned. “Global tech giants such as Google, Meta, X, Netflix, are gathering enormous amounts of data from Africa. Data is the new gold, and the more we allow it to be mined and exported without ownership or regulation, the poorer we become.”

Dr. Woherem stressed the importance of data sovereignty and decolonization, insisting that African nations must take control of the data produced within their borders and ensure it serves their own development agenda.

“When we use foreign technologies, we unconsciously adopt foreign cultures and standards,” he noted. “Africa must develop its own frameworks, policies, and ethical codes that reflect our Ubuntu philosophy of ‘I am because you are.’ We need to promote communalism over individualism.”

He further argued that Africa must contribute to setting global standards in technology and AI ethics, incorporating its human-centred values into system design and governance.

“We must teach the world how to be human again,” he said. “Africa is the cradle of humanity, and we must lead in humanizing technology, ensuring that AI serves people, not the other way around.”

The Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition is one of the continent’s longest-running technology gatherings, bringing together policymakers, innovators, researchers, and investors to explore strategies for leveraging digital technologies to accelerate Africa’s development.

This year’s edition will focus on AI ethics, data sovereignty, indigenous innovation, and the continent’s role in shaping the future of global intelligence systems.

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How can Africa remain safe and powerful in a world being rapidly redefined by Artificial Intelligence? That pressing question will take centre stage at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), scheduled for October 28–29, 2025, in Abuja.

The two-day gathering will be anchored by two powerhouse keynote speakers: Dr. Armstrong Takang on Day 1 and Prof. Latif Ladid on Day 2, each bringing unique expertise to Africa’s digital sovereignty conversation.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, managing director/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), will open the conference with a keynote that situates Africa’s digital sovereignty within the broader context of economic reform, institutional innovation, and strategic governance.

A consummate professional and visionary thinker, Dr. Takang has spent decades bridging the gap between public reform and private investment across Africa and the United States. Before his current role at MOFI, he served as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, where he led the MOFI Transformation Team.

His career includes leading Growth Alliance Partners (GAP), a pan-African firm that helped turn around several businesses to create shareholder value, and working at KPMG in New York.

He has been instrumental in designing and implementing key national initiatives such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), and the ICT components of EFCC/NFIU systems.

Dr. Takang has also chaired national ICT committees and contributed to landmark policies, including Nigeria’s Content Development in ICT and the country’s 50-year Development Plan. His keynote will highlight how digital and financial sovereignty intersect to secure Africa’s long-term competitiveness.

On the other hand, Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder & President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum, brings decades of global leadership in internet architecture, digital policy, and emerging technologies.

His expertise spans across pivotal roles from IEEE Future Networks to the Internet Society, 3GPP, and EU research on next-generation networks.

Organizers say his keynote will set the tone for the conference, unpacking how Africa can assert digital sovereignty, safeguard its data, and lead in shaping the ethics and standards of AI on the global stage.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order,’ isn’t just a concept, it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, chairman of Digital Africa Consult. “Prof. Ladid’s keynote will highlight what it takes for Africa to remain safe, independent, and powerful in the new AI era.”

At a time when global powers are racing to define AI norms and secure digital dominance, Africa risks being left behind if it fails to act. Much of its technology remains imported, its data stored abroad, and its languages invisible in mainstream AI systems.

DACE 2025 is designed to change this narrative, by equipping Africa with the tools, strategies, and partnerships to become a proactive co-author of the digital future.

The conference will feature high-level dialogues on digital sovereignty, policy innovation, and cross-border cooperation, alongside exhibitions of homegrown startups, developer workshops, and showcases of African-built AI tools for health, agriculture, finance, and education.

Beyond the panels and showcases, DACE 2025 is expected to produce a concrete roadmap for Africa’s digital sovereignty.

“This isn’t just about technology,” noted Woherem. “It’s about agency, safety, and independence. With Prof. Ladid setting the stage, we hope to leave Abuja with a united vision of Africa’s place in the global AI order.”

With delegates expected from across Africa and the world, the two-day gathering promises to be a defining moment in the continent’s digital journey.

The post Takang, Ladid Lead Africa’s Digital Sovereignty Debate at DACE 2025 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI), smart systems, and data technologies are reshaping societies, economies, and governance structures worldwide, DACE 2025 is sounding a clarion call: ‘Africa must lead, not lag in this transformation.’

Organizers say the aim is to move beyond consumption and dependency, and instead position the continent as a proactive contributor to global digital norms and governance.

“This year’s conference is about shifting from passive adoption to active leadership,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, chairman, Digital Africa Consult, organisers of the event. “Sovereign Intelligence is more than a concept, it’s a movement to ensure that Africa controls its digital resources, designs its own ethical frameworks, and asserts its voice in shaping global technology norms.”

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Digital Future

Woherem said the conference will serve as a high-level, cross-sectoral platform aimed at positioning Africa as a co-author of global AI governance standards, rather than a mere recipient, assuring that the conversations are expected to align closely with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy, advocating for a united, self-determined digital ecosystem across the continent.

“The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. As the world builds its digital infrastructure, much of the technology consumed in Africa is still imported, foreign-owned, and culturally disconnected. African data is often stored offshore, local languages and cultural contexts remain invisible in AI systems, and African experts are frequently excluded from global decision-making tables.

“This must change. Digital Africa 2025 is about taking control of our data, our narratives, and our technological development. Africa must move from being users of foreign systems to creators of our own,” Woherem added.

Key Objectives of DACE 2025

One of the primary objectives of this year’s event is to advocate for African ownership of digital infrastructure, data policies, and technology standards.

Organizers hope to inspire African leaders and institutions to say yes to innovation and regulation built by Africans, for Africans.

Another major focus will be amplifying African voices on the global stage. This involves not only advocating for inclusion in international policy dialogues but also ensuring that African values, cultures, and wisdom shape the design and deployment of AI systems worldwide.

“The conference will also spotlight homegrown innovation. Startups and developers from across the continent will showcase digital solutions addressing local challenges in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. These practical examples will reinforce the message that Africa is already generating intelligent, scalable answers to complex problems,” said Nneoma Ofodile, general manager, Digital Africa.

Empowering young Africans through digital skills, research opportunities, and leadership training is another key goal of the gathering.

Organizers are committed to fostering a new generation of African tech leaders who can confidently shape global digital trends from a place of knowledge and ownership.

Regional cooperation will be front and centre, as DACE encourages cross-border collaboration on harmonizing laws, sharing infrastructure, and building integrated digital ecosystems.

Sessions will explore how African nations can jointly develop policies and platforms that reflect the continent’s unique needs and aspirations.

While global partnerships will also be on the agenda, the conference aims to deepen Africa’s engagement with international institutions such as UNESCO, the UN, and the OECD, not as passive participants but as co-authors of global standards for ethical and inclusive AI.

Nneoma said that throughout the two-day event, attendees can expect high-level discussions on digital law, tech sovereignty, and innovation policy, alongside practical workshops for developers, educators, and youth.

Innovation showcases will highlight the work of African tech hubs, while strategy sessions will promote cross-country digital alignment.

At the close of the event, a concrete roadmap is expected to emerge—outlining actionable steps toward achieving digital sovereignty across the continent.

The conference will also aim to strengthen networks among African innovators, regulators, and thinkers, while increasing the visibility of African insights in international technology policy.

Above all, Digital Africa 2025 is about reclaiming agency. “This isn’t just a technology conversation,” Nneoma emphasized. “It’s about power, voice, and independence. Africa must not only catch up; Africa must lead.”

As preparations intensify, DACE 2025 is inviting visionary organizations, sponsors, and partners to join the mission of building a digitally sovereign and inclusive Africa.

The post DACE 2025: Africa Gears Up For Digital Sovereignty at 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at launching the Nigeria Data Challenge, a pioneering, education-focused initiative designed to inculcate data protection awareness among secondary school students across the country.

The Nigeria Data Challenge is more than a knowledge dissemination campaign. It is a structured, competitive learning program that introduces students to the fundamentals of data protection and digital privacy.

By engaging learners through curriculum-based activities, practical challenges, and assessments, the program seeks to nurture a generation of data-responsible citizens well-prepared for the demands of Nigeria’s digital future.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner and chief executive officer of the NDPC, applauded Digital Africa Consult for initiating the challenge, which he described as timely and transformative.

He noted that the project complements the Commission’s existing Privacy Club Initiative in tertiary institutions and aligns with its broader mandate to cultivate a privacy-aware culture throughout Nigerian society.

“This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to build a data protection-conscious ecosystem in Nigeria. We are excited about the opportunity to reach young minds early, and this program promises to be a cornerstone in our awareness strategy,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Evans Woherem, chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult and a seasoned advocate of digital transformation in Africa, expressed appreciation to the NDPC for embracing the vision of early-stage data literacy.

He underscored the strategic importance of data as the “new oil” of the digital economy and emphasised the need to build data consciousness from a young age to prepare Nigeria for a competitive global digital environment.

“The future belongs to nations that understand and manage data responsibly. By starting from our secondary schools, we are planting the seeds of a resilient data economy,” Dr. Woherem said.

Adding further insight, Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager of Digital Africa Global Consult, highlighted the novelty and global relevance of the Nigeria Data Challenge.

“This is the first data-focused challenge of its kind anywhere in the world, making it not only a national milestone but also a global precedent. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9, and 16, promoting quality education, industry innovation, and strong institutions,” she stated.

She also noted the urgency of addressing the indiscriminate ways data is shared and mishandled by young people, often without their full understanding of the consequences.

“This initiative comes at a time when even students are becoming both victims and agents of data breaches, consciously or unconsciously. Awareness is not optional; it is essential,” she added.

Nigeria, like many nations in Africa, is rapidly digitizing across public and private sectors. With this digital evolution comes the imperative to protect personal data and promote ethical digital practices.

The establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in 2023 signalled a new era of regulatory oversight in line with global data protection trends, including the EU’s GDPR and similar frameworks adopted in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda.

Yet, awareness of data rights and responsibilities remains low, particularly among the youth. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Data Challenge help bridge this critical knowledge gap by bringing data education into mainstream educational curricula.

The project is expected to scale through state-level rollouts and regional contests, eventually culminating in a national championship that will showcase top-performing schools and students.

This initiative arrives at a time when the digital economy is estimated to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and data-driven innovation, spanning fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and AI—continues to surge. However, this growth is threatened by weak data protection compliance and poor digital hygiene among users.

The NDPC and Digital Africa Global Consult are optimistic that this partnership will ignite similar collaborations and inspire a new frontier in civic education, one that recognises data as both a right and a responsibility.

As Nigeria positions itself to be a digital leader in Africa, the Nigeria Data Challenge may well become a benchmark model for other countries aiming to develop grassroots data governance awareness.

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