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National Security: Ibadin Calls For Enhanced Cyber-security Measures
As Nigeria records an increasing trend in cyber-related crimes in various facets of the economy, a security analyst and consultant; Mr. Matthew Ibadin has called for urgent upscale of cyber-security measures put in place by the government to checkmate incidence of cyber-attacks that could compromise national security, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
In a paper presented on Wednesday at the 2024 Annual Security Conference of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) which held at the high brow Oriental Hotels, Lagos, Ibadin who spoke on the theme “Connecting the Dot Between Identity Tracking and National Security,” observed among other things that Nigeria has a culture of inconsistent identity tracking or outdated system.
This, according to him “creates gaps in our security framework and enables criminals, terrorists, and fraudsters to exploit the system. These bad actors use false identities to engage in illicit activities, undermining our national security and threatening the safety of our citizens.” He revealed that cybercriminals have stolen millions of identities globally, using them to fund activities like terrorism and other organized crimes.
Explaining his position and drawing some inference from Alex Hormozi’s principles on scalable success in business, Ibadin who is currently undergoing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Policy and Strategic Studies at the University of Abuja, declared that for Nigeria to meet up with the global standard, “we must apply the same clarity, urgency, and scalability to our national security systems. Just as businesses need structured processes to grow, our nation needs robust identity- tracking systems to protect its citizens from evolving threats.”
With his disclosure that cybercriminals have stolen millions of identities globally and used them to fund some heinous activities, he contended that “we cannot afford to ignore these risks. However, when we connect the dots between identity tracking and national security, we create a system where every individual is accounted for, every transaction is verified, and potential threats are neutralized before they escalate. This is the foundation of a secure nation,” he emphasized.
While harping on the urgency to address this issue, he noted that “every day we delay integrating advanced identity-tracking systems, we expose ourselves to threats we cannot afford. Identity theft, cyber-attacks and transnational crimes are growing rapidly, and their impacts are no longer just financial—they are existential.”
Like Alex Hormozi, highlights in his business principles, the security consultant would want to remind our leaders that urgency drives action. “We must adopt the same mindset for our national security. The threats are not coming tomorrow; they are already here today. If we fail to act now, the consequences could be irreversible.”
In urging for urgency in the upscale of our established cyber-security measures, Matthew Ibadin has reminded our policy makers of the need for scalability by creating systems that grow and adapt to new challenges. He argued that National security is no different as we need identity-tracking systems that can handle millions of data points and adapt as threats evolve.
He insisted that by implementing scalable technologies like biometrics, block-chain, and artificial intelligence, we can create a national security system capable of tracking and verifying identities in real time. These technologies can be applied across sectors like airports, financial institutions, and government agencies—ensuring that bad actors cannot exploit vulnerabilities. “Our identity-tracking systems must be built for scale, just like any successful business,” he added.
Mr. Ibadin who holds three Master of Science degrees in different areas of security from the University of Lagos and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) with several certifications in security, stated that “by connecting identity tracking with national security, we offer a clear and compelling value proposition, a safer, more secure Nigeria” adding that “robust identity-tracking systems can prevent fraud, deter terrorism, and reduce crime, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and citizens feel protected. The economic benefits of national security cannot be overstated,’ he declared.
The one day conference was well attended by dignitaries from various walks of life and they included the Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Assistant Inspector General of Police, in charge of Zone 2, AIG Fayoade Adegoke; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Ishola Olanrewaju; Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC ably represented by Assistant Corps Marshal, ACM Adeoye Irelewuyi; Chairman of EFCC ably represented by Deputy Director, Mr. Wole Ayo; Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu; Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Hon. Dele Oshinowo; and many others in attendance. One of the highlights of the annual conference was an award presentation by NAOSNP to Mr. Matthew Ibadin for his contributions in the security space.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.
Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.
“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”
He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.
“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.
Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.
He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.
Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.
“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.
He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.
“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.
“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
The school of life is an institution no one can graduate from. It is equated to marriage where new things as well as surprises are the order of the day, occurring on a daily basis. However, there are ways to live through life, and one of them is to accept each day as they come.
Life is truly great and enjoyable if we understand it and accept this truth. There’s no doubt that life is such a great challenge, and we must work hard and smart to overcome the challenge. Once we acknowledge it, nothing really matters any longer because life becomes an infinitely easier project to pursue.
As human beings, we will be tested and tempted. One’s ability to overcome each test and temptation will set one on a higher pedestal. The book of life made us understand there’s time for everything. A time to cry, and a time to laugh, a time to sow and a time to reap, According to the Book of life “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”
One thing is certain if one looks at the timing- they all come in stages and phases. When there’s misplaced priority, success appears like mirage. One’s ability to manage each phase will strengthen one.
Life comes in several stages. When a child is born, the child will learn to crawl before learning how to walk and run. The same is applicable for a student who is interested in education, he will attend high school, college and post graduate studies. These are all stages of life.
The same phase is applicable in relationships and marriage. During the dating and courting stage, the relationship is different, immediately the parties marry, the tone changes. Marriage has three stages namely: Romance (or Honeymoon) stage, Power Struggle (or Disillusionment) stage, and Real Love (or Mature/Conscious Love) stage.
Let’s analyze each stage:
Romance/Honeymoon: (The “Falling in Love” Phase)
This stage is characterized by high intensity, passion, and bonding. At this stage, partners focus on similarities and overlook flaws. At this stage a partner might step on the other partner and instead of getting hurt, the partner will smile and say something like: I love the way you stepped on me, or step on me harder, it makes me endure the love. At this stage partners do everything together. This stage usually lasts from a few weeks to a couple of years.
The first three to five years of marriage can generally be regarded as the most challenging part of marriage, especially the kids start coming in; if it’s not properly managed, the marriage might hit the rock.
Power Struggle/Disillusionment (The “Reckoning” Phase)
During this stage, the “rose-colored glasses” usually come off, and partners notice flaws and differences, leading to “disillusionment, disappointment, and early conflicts”. It is at this stage kids start coming up and the challenge of life starts hitting up. The stage is often characterized by struggles with control, communication, and frustration over unmet expectations. Many couples usually get stuck here, if proper is not applied, it might end the relationship.
Stage 3: Real Love/Mature Love (The “Conscious” Phase)
At this stage, the couples have seen it all. They have been through all stages of life and have seen it all. There’s literally little or nothing that can affect marriage at this stage. It’s only unimaginable and unbecoming acts that lead to the fundamental tenets of marriage that can make the marriage hit the rock.
At this stage couples have trained their children through colleges, and some may have married. Couples will be able to laugh over their acts and start to bond again.
At this stage, couples have been able to navigate their conflict and have learnt to accept their partner’s flaws and choose to build a stable, loving, and mature relationship. Their focus is usually to build a deeper commitment to their marital vows, finally accepting each partner for whom they are, and working together to create a conscious and intentional partnership.
The outcome is usually a sense of safety, connection and lasting love: A sense of safety, deep connection, and lasting love.
In business, the principle is not exempted. An entrepreneur will begin a business, grow it, attract customers, hire employees and then institutionalize it. All these stages come with several phases if one is intentional.
An employee who is hired as an entry level position will have to prove his worth by producing measurable results to walk through the corporate ladder to become Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or one of the higher ups. This position doesn’t come ordinarily; one must have earned it.
In conclusion, regardless of what stage one is experiencing or facing, one thing is certain, this too shall pass, and we shall overcome. So, just hang in there.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.
Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.
Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.
Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.
“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.
“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.
“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”
