SmartClicks hosts tech4Growth summit to tackle cyber fraud, promote digital wellness

A youth-led non-governmental organization, SmartClicks Tech Wellness Advocates Network, has organised the 2025 edition of its annual Tech4Growth Summit in Kano, with a strong focus on online safety, cybercrime prevention, and digital wellness across communities.

SolaceBase reports that the summit held on Saturday brought together stakeholders, including students, business owners, educators, and digital experts, to discuss the growing risks of cyber fraud and the role of technology in modern society.

Convener of the summit, Suliyat Adeleye Idris, explained that the initiative, launched in 2022, was created to go beyond child-focused interventions by engaging the wider ecosystem—parents, teachers, caregivers, and entrepreneurs.

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“We prioritise children, but we know our impact would be limited if the adults around them are not informed. That’s why this summit targets various sectors of society,” she said. “This year, our focus is on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to the increasing rate of cyber fraud. We aim to equip business owners with the right knowledge and tools to protect themselves.”

She also cautioned the public on the use of technology, emphasising that while it is an essential tool, it must be handled with care. “Technology is here to stay, but we must use it wisely so it does not do more harm than good to individuals and the society,” she added.

Commending the initiative, Vice-Chancellor of Baba Hamad University, Professor Adam Idris Tanko, praised SmartClicks for championing youth-led awareness.

“This is an NGO owned and managed by the youth, addressing issues that directly affect them,” he said. “They are tackling cybercrime and internet misuse at the right time. This is beyond just students—it benefits everyone. Anyone who uses the internet should be aware of the dangers and how to prevent falling victim to fraud.”

Hauwa Adamu Garba from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kano, also described the summit as highly timely and relevant.

“This summit touches on digital growth and cybersecurity, which should be everyone’s business. We need to be conscious of how we use technology—whether positively or negatively,” she said. “We must report anything suspicious and take steps to ensure technology benefits us, not harms us.”

Muhammad Ibrahim, a participant at the event, expressed gratitude to SmartClicks for organizing the summit, stating that the insights gained would help him stay safer online and apply digital best practices in his business and daily life.

The event was hosted in partnership with Baba Hamad University, the National Communications Commission (NCC), Carrojet, Ramo, SolaceBase, and other supporting organizations.