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The Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government is partnering with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to train the latter’s personel in cybersecurity in line with the sixth pillar of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026, focusing on partnership and collaboration. To solidify the collaborative partnership talks, the Imo State Hon. Commissioner, Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, who paid a working visit to the NSCDC State Headquarters, has disclosed the readiness the State, through the Ministry, to train, at least, 10 officers in the area of cybersecurity. Amadi said cybersecurity is an advanced level course in the SkillUpImo training project of the Ministry which it does in partnership with Cisco Academy, stressing that in addition to cybersecurity, training will also be offered to NSCDC officials in Forensic Auditing, knowledge of which will aid in limiting crime in the state and environs. While stating that criminality has left the terrestrial plane and has moved to the cyberspace, the Commissioner said equipping the officials with 4.0 industry revolution skill set in Cybersecurity will make for a saner and more sanitized cyberspace. Amadi during the visit to the NSCDC Headquarters observed the excellence and diligence displayed by the NSCDC officials in carrying out their duties in the State, adding that since digitalization thrives on excellence, the Ministry would not hesitate to strengthen ties with and build a better platform for partnership and collaboration that guarantees exchange of ideas for mutually-beneficial engagement between the State and NSCDC. “Having an objective to make impact on the security of lives and property of the good citizens of Imo by infusing digital technology, in addition to leveraging security in expanding the economic frontiers of lmo State, the technological transformation via partnership will invariably lead to a revolution unlike any other in the Imo tech space” he said. Throwing more light, Amadi expressed the need for every sector of the society to adopt digital economy, saying it is now the current force driving the economy of nations. “Technology has diffused itself into all aspects of life and relying on smart and intelligent digital tools which when deployed can help in intelligent gathering and enhance faster decision making in terms of securing our environment,” the Commissioner said. Responding, the Imo State Commandant of NSCDC, Matthew Ovye, appreciated the important role the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma and his team have been playing in engaging the youth in meaningful activities, thereby preventing idle ones from venturing into criminal activities. He also described the appointment of Amadi as Commissioner to drive digital transformation in the state as a case of a round peg in a round hole, just as he applauded the digital agenda of the government and was optimistic that in no time other States of the nation will follow suit. Ovye particularly expressed delight at the approval of granting his personnel the opportunity to benefit from the ongoing Cohort 2 of the SkillUp Imo Project and promised to take word back to the Commandant General of the prime collaborative partnership. The development is coming a few months after the creation of the Ministry driving digital transformation of the Imo State for greater economic prosperity. Signed: Sandra Opara Public Relations Officer Imo State’s Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government