Digital Encode, a leading cybersecurity and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) firm, along with NeuRaL AI, an artificial intelligence company, have announced their collaboration with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) for its forthcoming annual multi-stakeholder conference. The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), which manages Nigeria’s .ng domain registry, will also be partnering for the event.
The conference, titled NITRA ICT Growth Conference, now in its fourth edition, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Citiheight Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. The theme for this year’s event is “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria.”
Speaking on the collaboration, NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, highlighted the significance of support from Digital Encode and NeuRaL AI, emphasizing their expertise in cybersecurity and AI. According to him, their contributions will be crucial in addressing the security concerns that arise as Nigeria integrates AI into both public and private sector processes.
The conference aims to bring together key stakeholders in the ICT industry to discuss strategies for advancing AI as a catalyst for national development. Discussions will align with government policies and objectives as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The conference will feature interactive panel sessions covering topics such as “Driving Sub-Sectoral Digital Growth with Artificial Intelligence” and “Navigating the Dangers of AI in a Developing Economy: Role of Public and Private Stakeholders.” Industry associations like the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and NiRA are expected to make valuable contributions.
NITRA’s General Secretary, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, expressed optimism that with the involvement of Digital Encode and NeuRaL AI, participants will gain deep insights into the security challenges and opportunities AI presents, especially concerning web-based security.
Digital Encode, founded in 2003, specializes in designing, managing, and securing critical IT infrastructures and networks. NeuRaL AI, led by Oluseyi Akindeinde, provides essential support to organizations looking to build and deploy Large Language Models (LLMs) and has been at the forefront of helping Nigerian businesses adapt to the evolving AI landscape.
