---As Lagos joins global community to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month
By Kayode Olopade
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to remain vigilant against cybercrime, stressing the need for individuals and organisations to adopt safe digital practices to protect themselves from online threats.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Monday as Lagos joined the global community to commemorate the October Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at promoting digital safety, strengthening cyber resilience and educating internet users on emerging cyber risks.
The governor described cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, urging residents to understand common online threats and take proactive measures to safeguard their personal information, digital devices and financial assets.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Citizens must remain vigilant, understand common cyber risks, and take proactive steps to protect themselves from cybercriminals,” he said.
He added that inadequate knowledge of basic digital safety practices often leaves internet users vulnerable to cyberattacks, underscoring the importance of sustained public education and awareness.
The campaign aligns with global efforts led by the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which promotes stronger cyber hygiene, secure digital systems and practical measures for preventing online attacks.
The Lagos State Government said the initiative also builds on cybersecurity programmes introduced over the past three years through the Cybersecurity Advisory Board and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST).
As part of these efforts, the state earlier launched the Lagos State Cybersecurity Guidelines, a framework designed to help small, medium-sized and large businesses adopt appropriate security measures to protect their digital assets.
The government has also expanded cybersecurity training, public awareness and professional development programmes across public institutions, while pursuing milestones including ISO 27001 certification to strengthen information security management and protect critical digital infrastructure.
Throughout October, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Advisory Board led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, will conduct multilingual awareness campaigns across social and traditional media.
The campaigns will be delivered in English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin to reach diverse communities across the state.
Residents will receive practical guidance on identifying phishing scams, creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly updating their digital devices.
In a statement issued on Monday 12, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the initiative reflected the state government's commitment to building a digitally secure, innovative and resilient economy.
The government urged Lagosians to remain informed, alert and security-conscious throughout the awareness month and beyond.
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