The 4th Annual Public Lecture organized by the Ogun State branch of the Association of Retired Officers of the Department of State Services of Nigeria (ARODSSON) held yesterday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto. The event brought together key stakeholders, scholars, and dignitaries to discuss critical issues surrounding cybersecurity and its impact on society.
Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, the Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the theme: “Cyber Delinquencies and the Imperative of Strategic Intervention.” Presided over by Professor Wole Soyinka, the forum was enriched by the intellectual contributions of the Nobel Laureate, alongside other notable participants.
His Royal Majesty, Professor Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, was represented by Dr. Abiodun Lashile, the Orunto of Owu. The event marked a significant reflection on the challenges posed by cyber delinquency in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Ibietan highlighted the escalating menace of cybercriminality, referencing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) disclosure of a criminal network that illicitly amassed over ₦5 billion. He also shared a poignant anecdote of a woman who lost her retirement savings of $100,000 to a romance scam, illustrating the personal and societal consequences of cyber fraud.
Integrating criminological theories and modern perspectives, Dr. Ibietan argued that traditional explanations of crime fall short of capturing the complexity of cyber delinquency. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Noam Chomsky and Yuval Harari, he emphasized the inadequacies of existing frameworks while warning about the potential dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He cited works by prominent scholars, including Mustafa Suleyman, Daron Acemoglu, Henry Kissinger, and others, to underscore the dual-edged nature of AI advancements.
“While modern communication technologies showcase immense potential, they also harbor significant risks,” Dr. Ibietan said. “The rise in mental health issues linked to online abuse and the underreporting of incidents reveal a troubling lack of faith in the security and legal systems meant to protect citizens.”
Statistics presented during the lecture painted a grim picture:
- A 30% increase in mental health cases in Nigeria attributed to online abuse.
- 40% of social technology users reporting negative experiences online, while 70% of these cases go unreported.
To combat the growing threat of cyber delinquency, Dr. Ibietan proposed a range of strategic interventions, including:
- Strengthening legal frameworks to address digital subversion.
- Establishing a central coordinating office for security sector governance.
- Restoring citizens’ trust in institutions tasked with combating cybercrime.
The lecture concluded with a call for collaborative action to counter the perils of the digital age while leveraging its benefits responsibly. By referencing global and local data from organizations such as the NCC, EFCC, African Union, and WHO, Dr. Ibietan reinforced the urgency of a unified response to cybercrime.
The 4th Annual Public Lecture not only highlighted the pressing challenges of cybersecurity but also underscored the need for strategic, forward-thinking solutions in addressing its far-reaching implications.
