In the fast-paced world where virtually everything is dependent on technology, we need more hands to protect our cyberspace. Cybersecurity Challenge Nigeria (CYSEC NG), an initiative of Upgraded Era Solutions was setup to identify, engage and groom the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
CYSEC in collaboration with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) organized a 5–day inter-platoon hackathon competition and training which saw 10 platoons competing at the pre-hackathon phase and 5 platoons progressing to the grand finale. It was a groundbreaking event because it was the first hackathon challenge to be carried out since the inception of the NYSC.
The grand finale of the inter-platoon hackathon competition saw lots of dignitaries in attendance including the Head, Public Affairs Directorates, EFCC Lagos Zonal office, Mrs. Olapo Adeniran; NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Cyril Akhanemhe; NYSC Camp Director, NYSC SAED Coordinator, Mrs. Rachel Idaewor and lots of NYSC officials. Fantastic prizes worth over N300, 000 in cash and benefits were made available for the winners.
Obaseki Etinosa, a computer science graduate from Benson Idahosa University and corp member from Platoon 7 emerged winner of the inter-platoon competition put together by Cybersecurity Challenge Nigeria . He went with the star cash prize and lots of benefits including free training and certification on one of the cybersecurity courses, Offer Letter and Free E-books. According to him, he came into the competition with uncertainty on his abilities but discovered his full potentials during the hackathon session.
Olabampe Olamigoke from platoon 2 and Nwosu Chisom Clara from Platoon 1 were the 1st and 2nd runner-up respectively.
The NYSC Camp Director who was around to present the prizes to the winners lauded the efforts put in by Upgraded Era Solutions to organize such event which was the first of its kind. The NYSC-SAED Coordinator who was part of the planning committee expressed her satisfaction stating that the hackathon session will be an open door to engage the youths in battling cybercrime.
The CEO of Upgraded Era and DG of CYSEC, Victor Idonor during an interview session stated that the event was organized to identify and train corp members interested in starting a career in cybersecurity. He emphasized the relevance of cybersecurity to the national security and called out to the Federal Government and other relevant bodies to support and partner in subsequent hackathon events.