On January 23rd 2019, the Nigeria Youth Internet Governance Forum (NYIGF) Coordinators hosted the 2019 NYIGF with the theme “Internet Governance and Policy Fundamentals”. The event was sponsored by many organisations including the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), Eko-konnect, and many others. The event focused on empowering young people to participate actively on the Internet policies discussions, which affect the lives of every individual using the Internet. The event was held at CITS Building, University of Lagos with over 60 participants in attendance.
Uffa Modey (NYIGF Coordinator) and Mrs. Mary Uduma (NIGF Representative) delivered the welcome address, expounding on what Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is and how the Nigeria Youth Internet Governance Forum (NYIGF) is a platform developed to empower young people to be part of public policy discussions within the Internet ecosystem.
The first panel session was moderated by Bolutife Adisa (Cofounder NYIGF) and the panelists Femi Daniel (NITDA), Gabriel Odunsi (Paradigm Initiative), Jacob Dagunduro (IXPN), Charmaine Eweka (MainOne), and Mr. Sean (Tech Culture Nigeria) deliberated on the topic Internet Governance Fundamentals, where Internet Policies Challenges and opportunities for human rights online, Cybersecurity, and Internet for Economic Development were discussed.
NYIGF launched its website, www.youthigf.ng and encouraged all to visit the website and contribute to the Nigeria Youth Internet Governance Forum discussion.
The Opportunities for youths In the Global Internet Ecosystem session commenced with a presentation by Kemi Adepoju (NIRA) and Bukola Oronti (ISOC NG). Thereafter, there was an interactive panel session anchored by Adaora Okoli (Tech Culture Nigeria) with panelist like Adenike Ajuwon (African Academics Network on Internet Policy), Sophina Kio-Lawson (SheSecure), Temi Afeye (Bleep.me), Kemi Adepoju (NIRA), and Ridwan Oloyede (Internet Society Nigeria Chapter).
Each session ended with an interactive discussion with the participants.