The inauguration took place at the NDPC office in Abuja.

Through the NDPC, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is set to host the 10th edition of this prestigious conference and AGM.

This event will gather esteemed delegates and participants from across Africa and beyond, including Heads of Data Protection Authorities, data protection experts, multinational corporations, development partners, and foreign investors.

This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8th-point agenda in the area of  economic growth and job creation.

In his inaugural address, Dr Olatunji expressed his appreciation to the LOC members for their enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate with the Commission to ensure the success of the event.

He underscored the significance of the conference, describing it as the largest event in Africa’s data protection and privacy ecosystem.

“This event is not about the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) or the NDPC alone, but about Nigeria. That is why we have selected committee members from diverse sectors,” he said.

The LOC comprises representatives from various sectors, including FMCIDE, NCC, NIPOST, NIGCOMSAT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank represented by ID4D Project office, Digital Transformation Center, European Union, Meta, Google, AWS, Microsoft, Management Edge, ISACA, MasterCard, Office of Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya, and the media amongst others.

Dr Olatunji urged the committee members to work collaboratively and exchange ideas to bring the world to Nigeria and ensure the success of the event.

He emphasized that the conference will be a crucial platform to showcase Nigeria as a peaceful, safe, and attractive investment destination.

“We must highlight Nigeria’s positive image and prove that Nigeria is a good and hospitable country,” he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s hosting of the NADPA-RADPA conference underscores the NDPC’s traction within a short period of establishment and the nation’s commitment to data protection and digital innovation on the global stage.

Dr. Olatunji said “though we started later than some in the data protection and privacy ecosystem, we have already made significant strides, even at the global level.”

According to Itunu Dosekun, head, Media Unit, NDPC, the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RADPA), established in Ouagadougou in September 2016, consists of 23 Data Protection Authorities and others with observer status from across Africa. Its primary objective is to provide a platform for exchanges and cooperation among its members while amplifying Africa’s voice in global partnerships.

This demand is not merely a temporary trend but a reflection of the growing need to protect sensitive data and infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats.

This presents a unique opportunity for young people with a passion for technology to build a rewarding and impactful career.

However, to truly excel in this dynamic field, mentorship plays a critical role, accelerating learning and providing the guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity.

In this article, we’ll explore the global demand for cybersecurity experts, the inherent opportunities for youth in this field, and the crucial role of mentorship in building a successful cybersecurity career.

Global Demand for Cybersecurity Experts

The modern world is more interconnected than ever, with nearly every aspect of life touched by digital technology. However, this connectivity comes at a cost.

Cyberattacks have become a daily occurrence, targeting everything from personal information to critical national infrastructure.

According to a recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for cybersecurity experts who can defend against these persistent threats.

For young professionals, this presents a dual reality: a world increasingly reliant on digital security, and a field in dire need of skilled professionals.

With a shortage of cybersecurity experts globally, there are abundant opportunities for young people to enter and quickly advance in this field.

However, while the demand is high, the path to becoming proficient in cybersecurity is not straightforward. This is where the role of mentorship becomes invaluable.

Inherent Opportunities for Youths

For aspiring cybersecurity professionals, the opportunities are vast and varied. The career paths within cybersecurity are numerous and offer substantial growth potential, including: Ethical hacking, incident response, risk management, threat intelligence, security architecture, compliance and policy and many more.

Many organizations are now offering entry-level positions and internships specifically designed to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

For example, the Cyber New Grad Program at Palo Alto Networks offers recent graduates hands-on experience across various cybersecurity domains.

Young people today are digital natives, which gives them a natural advantage in understanding and navigating the technological landscape.

They are often quick to learn and adapt to new technologies, making them well-suited for a career in cybersecurity. Additionally, various scholarship programs, boot camps, and online courses are making cybersecurity education more accessible than ever.

These resources, combined with the growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity, mean that young professionals have an unprecedented opportunity to enter and excel in this field.

The Role of Mentorship

While education and training provide the technical skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity, mentorship offers something equally crucial: experience-based guidance, networking opportunities, and personalized support.

Mentorship is the bridge that connects academic learning with real-world application, helping young professionals to not only understand cybersecurity concepts but also to apply them effectively.

Personal Experience with Mentorship

Reflecting on my own journey, I can attest to the transformative power of mentorship. As someone who transitioned from a background in English and Literary Studies to a thriving career in cybersecurity, mentorship was pivotal.

It provided me with the insights and encouragement needed to navigate this complex field, from understanding the intricacies of IT auditing to leading significant cybersecurity projects.

My mentors not only shared their knowledge but also opened doors to opportunities that I might not have found on my own.

Mentorship as a Two-Way Street

Moreover, as a mentor myself through programs like CyberSafe Foundation’s CyberGirls, Silicon Slopes Women Leadership, and Cyversity, I have witnessed firsthand how mentorship can accelerate learning and confidence in young professionals.

By guiding young women and underrepresented minorities through the challenges of entering cybersecurity, I’ve seen them progress from novices to skilled professionals ready to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.

Building a Support System

Mentorship also offers a sense of community, which is particularly important in cybersecurity, where the stakes are high, and the learning curve can be steep.

Having a mentor who understands the pressures and can provide both technical and emotional support is invaluable.

This support system not only aids in technical growth but also in building the resilience needed to succeed in such a demanding field.

Finding a Mentor

For those looking to find a mentor in cybersecurity, consider the following steps:

• Join professional organizations like ISACA or (ISC)², Cybertech assurance and advisory group
• Attend industry conferences and networking events
• Participate in online forums and communities dedicated to cybersecurity
• Reach out to professionals in your desired area of specialization on LinkedIn
• Explore formal mentorship programs offered by companies or educational institutions

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to rise. For young people looking to build a career in this field, the opportunities are immense. However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, mentorship is essential.

Through mentorship, aspiring cybersecurity professionals can gain the insights, support, and network needed to navigate the complexities of the field and excel in their careers.

My own experience underscores the critical role that mentors play in shaping successful careers in cybersecurity, and I encourage all young professionals to seek out mentorship as they embark on their own journeys in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Call to Action

If you’re a young professional interested in cybersecurity:

• Research and enroll in cybersecurity courses or bootcamps
• Seek out internship opportunities in the field
• Join cybersecurity-focused online communities and forums
• Attend industry events and conferences
• Actively seek a mentor using the steps outlined above

Remember, the journey to a successful cybersecurity career starts with a single step. Take that step today, and let mentorship guide your path forward.

*TemiAdeniyan is a rising talent in Information Security and IT Auditing. She wrote from West Haven, Connecticut, United State of America.

Inuwa is the only one from across the world that was given the highest “Inspirational Leadership Award” as other lesser categories of the awards were however given to some other people from different continents.

The international recognition which is among four categories of Awards administered  recognizes Inuwa for his visionary leadership and efforts in bridging the digital divide by providing rural areas and Schools with Computers, Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure and Digital Libraries.

The award was presented to the DG during a virtual Gala; an event which   celebrated the distinctive and incredible achievements of notable individuals and organizations across the world.

According to the organizers, by acknowledging the individuals and achievements that have a positive impact on the global society, ISACA seeks to inspire future generations of business and technology professionals.

ISACA Abuja also was given “Outstanding Chapter Award”.

While lauding the doggedness of the Honourees’ achievements toward connecting with underserved communities or underrepresented individuals, the organizers particularly described Inuwa’s commitment to bridge the digital divide and inspire organizations and professionals to advance and adapt within a digital world as exemplifying ISACA’s purpose and leadership.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who was appreciative of the Award, pledged his continuous determination towards accomplishing NITDA’s mandate and supporting the Federal Government’s drive of achieving a digital Nigeria.

In addition to honouring the 2022 ISACA Award recipients, the  inaugural live Awards Gala also celebrated the convergence of music and technology where virtual attendees gathered online from around the world to experience similar entertainment, networking and celebration of the Honorees’ achievements.

Although, formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA, an international professional association focused on Information Technology (IT) Governance now goes by its acronym only.

ISACA originated in United States in 1967, when a group of individuals working on auditing controls in computer systems started becoming increasingly critical of the operations of their organizations.

They identified the need for a centralized source of information and guidance in the field.

Research shows that ISACA currently serves more than 140,000 constituents (members and professionals holding ISACA certifications) in more than 180 countries.

They work in nearly all industry categories as there is a network of ISACA chapters with more than 200 chapters established in over 80 countries.

Chapters provide education, resource sharing, advocacy, networking alongside other benefits.