By Kelvin Obambon
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, collaborated with the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter to host a vital training session for journalists on data encryption and digital security, marking the 2025 Global Encryption Day.
The event, themed “A Shield in Uncertain Times: The Role of Encryption,” took place on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Ernest-Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, drawing participation from print, electronic and online media platforms in the state.
President of the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, Engr. Kunle Olorundare, in his address, highlighted the increasing necessity of encryption in the digital age, noting that the collaboration was a continuation of a successful series.
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“You will agree with me that this is the 21st century which comes with a lot of digitalization,” Engr. Olorundare stated. “The mere fact that we visit the internet every day shows that we are exposed to a lot of security issues on the internet, and encryption as it were is one of the ways that we can ensure that we are protected.”
Olorundare who participated virtually, stressed the critical nature of the training for the media, recognizing the sensitivity of journalistic work. “This is one of the reasons why I believe that encryption is very important, especially for the gentlemen from the fourth estate of the realm which you are because of the sensitivity of your work. Your work needs to be closely guarded. Your work needs to be safe and of course that brings about your own safety.”
Commending the partnership, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, thanked the Internet Society for its commitment to digital literacy.
“Let me first of all commend the Nigeria chapter for working to close the digital divide and advocating for a secure and open internet where people can trust,” the Chairman said.
She encouraged participants to internalize the knowledge, urging them to “Open our minds to learn new things so that we can take something home and impact on others who are not here.”
During the technical sessions, Dr. Paul Adie, a facilitator, stressed that encryption enhances the growth of e-commerce and is required by emerging technologies such as blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and robotics. He added that encryption helps media practitioners to protect free speech and human rights from surveillance.
Adie identified policy proposals, poor implementation, and human error as key threats to encryption. He recommended practical steps for journalists and individuals to ensure adequate digital security, including the use of encrypted devices and apps, and regular updating of security passwords.
In another presentation focused on data protection, Pascal Omama provided essential safety tips for internet users. He advised the audience to use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, be careful of what they click on the internet, use secure connections, and install reliable security software.
Some of the participants who spoke at the end of the training, thanked the leadership of NUJ, Cross River State Council and the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter for the opportunity which has exposed them to new knowledge that would help them to navigate the digital landscape which they described as highly volatile.
