By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has awarded the Digital Security Advocate Award to Comrade Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jigawa State Council. This recognition took place during the closing ceremony of the Digital Security Ambassadors Workshop, which empowered 120 youth across the state.
The workshop was part of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiatives and included online sessions, public lectures, and a two-day Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Participants received training in essential topics such as digital hygiene, data protection, and secure social media usage.
Presenting the award, the Director General of Jigawa ICT and Digital Economy, Dr. Muhammad Hassan, commended Comrade Dutse for his commitment to equipping citizens with critical digital safety knowledge and promoting responsible information culture statewide.
He emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, stating, “Cybersecurity is foundational to every aspect of governance, business, and daily life,” and urged participants to implement their learnings within their communities.
The newly inaugurated Digital Security Ambassadors will champion grassroots digital safety efforts, aligning with the Greater Jigawa Agenda’s vision of a secure and empowered society.
Honourable Murtala Lawan Kazaure, Special Assistant to the Jigawa State Governor on ICT & Digital Economy, noted the significant role of the NUJ Chairman in the success of Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities.
He stated, “Today is a proud moment for Jigawa State as we celebrate a milestone in our journey towards a digitally secure, responsible, and empowered society.”
He highlighted the achievements of the program, which included online awareness sessions, radio and TV programs, a Hausa cybersecurity documentary, public lectures for journalists, and civil service workshops.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Dutse expressed gratitude, stating, “This award is not just for me, but for all dedicated journalists tirelessly working across Jigawa State. Together, we have empowered our citizens with critical knowledge that fosters responsible information sharing.”
The event also honored Dr. Muhammad Hassan, the Chairman of Gagarawa Local Government Council, Barrister Abubakar Idris Gagarawa, Malam Bashir Abba, and Malam Sadiq Muhammad, Jigawa Digital Security Ambassador, underscoring the pressing need to combat cybercrime and equip communities to stay safe online.