As the digital age continues to evolve and shape the world around us, cybercrime has become an increasingly prevalent issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. In Nigeria, this problem is particularly acute among the youth population, where many are lured into engaging in criminal activities online due to a lack of opportunities and awareness of the risks involved.

At Diary of Hackers, we believe that young people have the potential to be a force for positive change in their communities. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with TAG International (Torchlight and Axiom Group), a UK-based organization that shares our vision of creating a safer and more secure online environment for all.

Together, we implemented a youth-driven intervention program aimed at reducing the involvement of young people in cybercrime activities in Nigeria. The project was conducted over a period of 2 weekends in two (2) local governments (Ikorodu and Ajeromi-Ifelodun) in Lagos state, Nigeria, featuring a sensitization campaign on the first day and a Capture the Flag competition on the second day.

The sensitization campaign was aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of cybercrime while promoting alternative pathways for young people. We had experts from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) engage with our target audience between the ages of 15-30 numbering 110, sharing information and insights about the risks of engaging in cybercrime and the potential consequences of these actions. We also had Yusuf Augustine emphasize the importance of digital literacy and encouraged the participants to explore legitimate opportunities in the technology industry.

On the second day of the program, we organized a CaptureTheFlag competition that provided an opportunity for young people to showcase their skills and knowledge in a fun and engaging way. By presenting cyber challenges that required critical thinking and problem-solving, we were able to foster an interest in cybersecurity among the participants and promote positive behaviour.

The success of this program would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our team at Diary of Hackers, as well as the support from TAG International. We are proud to have contributed to the fight against cybercrime and empower the youth to become agents of change in their communities.

Moving forward, we hope to build on the momentum generated by this program and continue to raise awareness of cybercrime among young people in Nigeria. By investing in further training, and opportunities, we can create a safer and more secure digital environment for all.