Hon. Adedeji Dhikrulahi Stanley Olajide (Odidi-Omo), Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, has participated in a high-level international conference on cybercrime prevention hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Doha, Qatar.
The programme, held at the Diplomatic Institute in Lusail, convened lawmakers, cybersecurity experts, and global stakeholders under the theme “Cybercrime Prevention: From Theory to Practice.”
Hon. Olajide attended alongside other Nigerian lawmakers and members of the National Assembly’s ICT and cybersecurity leadership, as part of a powerful delegation focused on strengthening Nigeria’s response to the growing threat of cybercrime.
The Doha conference emphasized the urgent need for countries to move beyond discussions and adopt real-world strategies that improve cyber resilience.
One of the key sessions at the conference focused on the growing challenge of online recruitment and youth vulnerability in the digital age.
Presentations highlighted how criminal and extremist networks increasingly exploit social media platforms to target young people, using digital propaganda, manipulation, and recruitment strategies.
The programme also examined the United Nations Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda, stressing the urgent need for countries to strengthen protections for children against cyber-enabled exploitation and violence.
For Nigeria, these conversations remain especially relevant as digital access expands and online safety becomes a national priority.
Key sessions explored:
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Cybercrime investigation and enforcement frameworks
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Cross-border cooperation and digital evidence handling
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Emerging online threats affecting women and children
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International best practices in prevention and prosecution
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Capacity-building for law enforcement and justice systems
With cybercrime increasingly affecting economies, institutions, and everyday citizens, the gathering served as a timely platform for Nigeria to deepen its engagement with global cybersecurity standards.
As Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Olajide’s participation aligns with his ongoing legislative and national responsibilities in shaping safer digital spaces.
The conference provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with international partners, review evolving cybercrime trends, and explore strategies that can strengthen Nigeria’s institutional preparedness.
For Nigeria, the stakes remain high — cyber threats are no longer isolated incidents, but national challenges requiring coordinated legal, technical, and human capacity responses.
Beyond policy engagements abroad, Hon. Olajide has continued to champion digital development and youth empowerment across Oyo State.
Over the years, he has supported and facilitated the establishment of multiple ICT hubs and digital learning initiatives across Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West, and other parts of Oyo State — expanding access to technology, training opportunities, and modern digital skills for young people.
One of the latest initiatives is an ICT and cybersecurity training hub at Oba Abass Grammar School, designed to equip students with practical tools for the digital economy.
The hub is expected to feature:
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Computer systems for learning and training
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Solar-powered infrastructure support
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Broadband connectivity for digital access
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A pathway for youth development in cybersecurity and technology
This reflects a growing belief that cybersecurity is not only about defense, but also about opportunity — preparing the next generation to thrive in a fast-evolving digital world.
Delegates at the Doha programme engaged with UNODC officials and international experts, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in tackling cybercrime, which increasingly operates across borders.
Hon. Olajide’s participation further strengthens Nigeria’s connection to international cybercrime prevention networks and supports ongoing efforts to improve legislation, enforcement capacity, and national digital protection frameworks.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, engagements like the UNODC Doha conference remain critical in ensuring that progress is matched with security, preparedness, and strong institutional safeguards.
For Hon. Olajide, the experience represents another step in aligning global knowledge with local action — ensuring that communities benefit first, while Nigeria advances as a safer and stronger digital nation.
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