By Owen Akenzua , Asaba
Continental Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, Africa, Professor Jude Osakwe, said the organisation supported two young Nigerian cybersecurity talents selected to represent Africa at the 2026 International Cyber Security Challenge, IC3, in Gold Coast, Australia.
The Nigerian born Professor of Informatics, Professor Jude Osakwe, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, yesterday, reiterated NIDO Africa`s commitment to invest in African youths digital future.
Professor Osakwe said Paul Ige, a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Mark Uchechukwu from the Federal University of Technology Minna, were among the 17 top-performing students chosen across 12 African countries to form Team Africa for IC3 2026, scheduled from May 18 to 20, followed by the prestigious AUSCERT 2026 cybersecurity conference.
He stated that NIDO Africa also responded to a sponsorship request from the African Regional Initiative for the International Cyber Security Challenge, AFRICC, donated funds covering visa processing fees and a contribution towards accommodation for the two athletes during their stay in Australia.
He said: “I am very glad to have supported the initiative. These young Nigerians represent not just our country, but the entire African continent.
“We need to support them. NIDO Africa is proud to play a part in ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of talent and excellence. Investing in our cybersecurity youth today is investing in Africa’s digital future tomorrow.”
AFRICC Chairperson and IC3 Steering Committee Member, Professor Fungai Bhunu also confirmed the donation, praising NIDO Africa’s gesture as a meaningful investment in Africa’s cybersecurity capacity and youth empowerment, in line with the Malabo Convention’s Agenda 2063 goals.
The IC3 is a global cybersecurity competition organised by a consortium spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa, open to participants up to the age of 25.
“Competitors face challenges in web exploitation, cryptography, reverse engineering, forensics, and binary exploitation, among others.”
“AFRICC has expressed gratitude for NIDO Africa’s support as a significant step toward building Africa’s digital future and empowering its youths.”
Related