Co-Creative Hub Equips 48 Journalists and Activists in Nigeria with Crucial Digital Security Skills
By Adeyemi Adekunle
In the heart of Abuja, the beating pulse of Nigeria’s capital city, a transformative event unfolded this week at the Co-Creative Hub. A gathering of 48 impassioned individuals, comprising journalists and human rights activists hailing from various corners of the country, converged to fortify their digital defenses against the rising tide of security violations.
Over the course of two days, the Co-Creative Hub became a crucible of knowledge, where participants were not merely educated but empowered with a diverse array of digital security skills. The importance of this training reverberated across the spheres of life these individuals inhabit, as the sensitivity of their work demands nothing less.
The growing prevalence of digital security violations has cast a shadow over the journalistic and human rights landscape. This prompted the Co-Creative Hub to take proactive measures, recognizing the urgent need for equipping these advocates with the tools necessary to navigate the perilous digital space.
Adaji Daniel, the associate editor of Nature News and a participant, encapsulated the sentiments of many when he raised a crucial question during the training. “What are the modalities of safety required to be fully secured in the digital space?” Daniel’s inquiry touched upon the very essence of the challenges faced by those who toil in the realm of information dissemination.
Musa Sanni, a seasoned tech expert and one of the facilitators, responded with a wisdom borne of experience. “To be fireproof against digital insecurity, there are laid-down policies, and those policies must be duly adhered to,” he emphasized. Sanni’s words carried weight, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of digital security challenges while emphasizing the importance of a steadfast adherence to established protocols.
In a world where digital threats know no borders, the Co-Creative Hub emerged as a beacon of innovation for journalists, human rights groups, and content creators. The training sessions provided not just theoretical knowledge but practical ideas to navigate the turbulent waters of the digital age.
Martha Apeh, a facilitator whose expertise delved into the intricacies of Content Management Process, brought a new dimension to the training. She focused, particularly on electronic media, encompassing radio and television. The journalists present seized the opportunity to delve into the methods employed to manage their content. Apeh, in turn, elucidated the nitty-gritty of securing these contents without succumbing to the pervasive fear of digital security breaches.
“I understand that media houses are capital-intensive in funding,” Apeh acknowledged, recognizing a common challenge faced by many. “But no matter your size, this training has been able to pinpoint and create a better understanding of what digital safety means in providing information to your viewers and listeners without fear of digital security breach.”
Peace Musa, an intern with Nature Fact and a participant in the training, articulated her journey before being selected by the Co-Creative Hub. “Before I got selected for the training, I needed advanced knowledge on how digital security works,” she admitted. Musa’s sentiments resonated with the thirst for knowledge that many participants brought to the Co-Creative Hub.
“The training has empowered the participants on how to employ various skills and techniques in managing digital security,” Musa continued. “Therefore, the knowledge gained is very relevant to me because it will enable me to work effectively in the digital space.”
Her words echoed the sentiment shared by her peers, encapsulating the essence of the two-day training. Engaging and impactful, the sessions did not merely scratch the surface but delved deep into the core issues, leaving the participants with a profound understanding of content management and encryption as their major takeaways.
As the Co-Creative Hub continues to serve as a catalyst for change, the echoes of this transformative training are likely to reverberate far beyond the confines of Abuja. The journalists and human rights activists who walked away from this experience are armed not just with knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose—a determination to navigate the digital landscape with resilience, ensuring that their voices, and the stories they tell, remain secure in the face of evolving threats.
A Nigerian trained investigative journalist, who cover various news beats in Nigeria.
