Among the thousands of voices raised in unison for better governance and improved living conditions, Ogwu Benjamin Chidioke, a determined protestor cycled from Festac to Ikeja to join the protests.

The father of a 13-year-old programming prodigy took to the streets on a bicycle to voice his frustrations, driven by a desperate appeal for the future of his son, Goodluck Benjamin. 

A growing programmer at just 13, young Goodluck’s prospects are being suppressed by the difficult economic situation facing the nation.

“I can’t even buy data for him to learn more,” Chidioke lamented. “I can’t even pay for his tuition fee, millions of naira. At 13, he can programme a game.”

The father’s sacrifice shows the depth of the crisis facing many Nigerians, unable to feed or even afford basic necessities. This is coupled with the recent tuition fees raised by over 100% across Universities. 

Many are unable to fend for their education and fearing for their future, like Chidioke, they have made the difficult decision to join the protests, risking their own safety.

“I rather die on the street than die at home,” Chidioke stated. “I can’t sit down and watch the future of my son go to waste. I know I may not have a future again in Nigeria, but my son’s future will not waste.”

Nigerians are willing to go to any length to secure a better future. Despite the talents of many, access to the necessary resources for further growth and skill is a far cry. 

The EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which have gained momentum nationwide, are a reaction to the perceived failures in governance and the resulting economic hardships that have left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. 

The protesters are demanding systemic changes that will create opportunities for a better standard of living and ensure that the next generation has a chance at a brighter future.

The#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has seen a diverse group of participants, from young students and professionals to older citizens and entire families, all unified and crying out for change. 

The government’s response to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has been varied, with some regions experiencing clashes between protestors and security forces, while others have seen peaceful demonstrations.

The urgency felt by many Nigerians is high and determination of individuals like Chidioke, who are willing to fight for their children’s future, adds a deeply personal dimension to the national movement for change.

The government is faced with the challenge of addressing these widespread grievances and implementing reforms that can restore public assurance. 

In the meantime, we hope for a better tomorrow for our children and generations to come. 

Nigeria recorded about 12.9 million cyber threats, originating from both within and outside the country, during the presidential and national assembly elections, and 3.8 million threats during the governorship/state assembly elections.

The government stated that there is an urgent need for action to protect its infrastructure and citizens, with a focus on investing in cybersecurity and increasing awareness of cyber threats and their potential impact on businesses.

Isa Ali Pantami, Communications Minister, said Wednesday at the start of a two-day cybersecurity capacity-building workshop in Abuja that cyber threats have become a constant threat to businesses and organizations in the ever-changing world of technology.

He observed that in Nigeria, the digital economy is growing rapidly, which calls for heightened cybersecurity measures and robust partnerships. He added that the World Bank would support Nigeria to develop digital cutting-edge skills.

He said: “Attempts that were recorded included Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), email and Internet Protocol Spoofing (IPS) attacks, SSH Login Attempts, brute force injection attempts, path traversal, detection evasion, and forceful browsing. These statistics are alarming and they highlight the need for urgent action to protect our infrastructure and digital economy.”

The Minister said the importance of having a robust cybersecurity strategy could not be overemphasized, adding that the workshop aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which identifies cybersecurity as a priority area.

Pantami said the Ministry is partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other institutions to ensure that cyberspace is secure.

Digital Development Specialist, World Bank HQ, Washington DC, Hyea Won Lee, said that the capacity building was to ensure that Nigeria secures its cyberspace.