From Nigeria to Louisiana State University: Aisha Ali-Gombe Spearheads Cybersecurity Revolution

By Steve Samuel

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, one name stands out as a beacon of knowledge and innovation – Aisha Ali-Gombe. Born and raised in Gombe State, Nigeria, Ali-Gombe has emerged as an exceptional individual with a passion for protecting digital systems from malicious threats. Currently serving as a distinguished Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU), she is set to make a remarkable impact in the realm of cybersecurity.

Ali-Gombe’s extensive expertise and unwavering dedication have recently earned her the prestigious role of Director at LSU’s groundbreaking Cybersecurity Clinic. In a highly competitive process that attracted 400 applicants, her outstanding qualifications and accomplishments stood out, securing a noteworthy $1.5 million grant from the National Security Agency (NSA).

With the generous funding in hand, LSU is poised to establish the Cybersecurity Clinic, a pioneering initiative aimed at fortifying small businesses in Louisiana against the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks. Led by Ali-Gombe’s visionary leadership, the clinic is set to play a vital role in safeguarding the state’s enterprises and empowering them to navigate the complex digital landscape securely.

The Cybersecurity Clinic will serve as a hub of knowledge and expertise, providing invaluable resources and support to businesses vulnerable to cyber threats. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and incident response planning, the clinic will help organizations build robust defense mechanisms against potential breaches. By strengthening the cybersecurity posture of small businesses, the clinic aims to bolster the overall resilience of the state’s economy.

Aisha Ali-Gombe’s illustrious career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. Her groundbreaking research in the field of cybersecurity has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of digital threats and their mitigation. As a respected educator, she has been instrumental in shaping the minds of future cybersecurity professionals, instilling in them a strong sense of ethical responsibility and critical thinking.

Beyond her academic endeavors, Ali-Gombe is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the cybersecurity industry. Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in combating cyber threats, she actively promotes the involvement of underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities, in cybersecurity education and careers. Through mentorship and outreach programs, she seeks to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and bridge the gender gap in the field.

Aisha Ali-Gombe’s appointment as Director of the Cybersecurity Clinic at LSU is not only a testament to her exceptional skills but also a recognition of her commitment to driving positive change in the cybersecurity landscape. With her visionary leadership and the substantial support from the NSA, the Cybersecurity Clinic is poised to become a hub of excellence, transforming small businesses into resilient entities capable of withstanding the relentless wave of cyber threats.

As the digital world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the need for cybersecurity professionals like Aisha Ali-Gombe becomes increasingly crucial. Through her expertise, passion, and dedication, Ali-Gombe is poised to make a lasting impact in fortifying the digital defenses of Louisiana and beyond. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cybersecurity professionals and a reminder of the transformative power of knowledge and innovation in safeguarding our digital future.

GreyHobb is One

GreyHobb is one year old today! One year as an innovation hub from Greysoft Technologies!

GreyHobb is intentionally so named to mean that “finding grey areas is our hobby”, see that? “Grey”, “Hobby” – and our joy is to bring solutions to that area. One quick look at our logo shows three grey dots and a wine color. So yes, we are built to solve problems, but yet again, we are fun people. We have in one year, redefined the Tech and Creative industries. In fact, we have merged both into a single entity – “The CreateTech” industry. We believe that digital innovations cannot thrive without a horizontal spiraling of limitless creativity. This way of thinking is why we have made so much progress in several areas. Yet, we have yet to scratch the surface of our creative prowess.

Our overall vision is an increased access to digital opportunities across Africa as we look to help Africans leverage technology for improved livelihood. We are developing innovative solutions that cater for our unique African needs. Our partnerships and collaborations are strategically aligned to entities who share this vision and enthusiasm. Again on the creative side, we are focusing on creating exceptional African contents, telling the original undiluted African story and while at it, putting creation in the hands of the creatives. We are doing this by developing solutions and leading advocacy that position our people for equity and inclusion.

We have deliberately focused a truckload of our attention on emerging technologies such as web3 in the area of extended reality (XR) and blockchain technologies, because the world is changing really fast and Africans are usually the last to get the memo. The advent of the metaverse, which is the next version of the internet – “the embodied internet” is currently sweeping across Europe and Africa needs to jump on that boat really quickly if we must have a seat at the table. For instance, 90% of the avatars on most virtual spaces are white. The idea of a fully immersive virtual existence/experience to most Africans is still alien, talk more of the opportunities that exist therein. Extended Reality in education is a key focus for us, VR tours for real estates and gaming are a huge opportunity. Augmented Reality (AR) in e-commerce is a whole new conversation. We are leading an advocacy in this apace and building solutions and Afrocentric virtual experiences to help Africans align appropriately.

Kaduna, Northern Nigeria which is where we have pitched our fortress is gaining a plethora of mentions and attention because of our activities and contributions to the digital space. This year, we plan to start our campus tours with all higher institutions in Kaduna as part of our planned advocacy program to enlighten students in the field of computer science on the need to brace up for a new Africa, whose foundation we will build together inclusively.

In a few weeks, the Extended Reality bootcamp will be announced at GreyHobb, followed by a hackathon. This is also part of our strategy for XR advocacy. We are currently in talks with partners and donors to acquire scholarships/sponsorships for interested XR enthusiasts.

YES, we are building solutions for web2 still… and offering trainings to improve digital literacy. We know that most Africans are yet to fully explore the many opportunities of web2, and may not even be ready for web3 yet. What we are doing is putting all the options out there and helping those who are ready for whatever level get the most out of it. We are putting our folks out there, not just on the map, but on the table, from the beginning, so that we can be part of the team that builds the framework for new and emerging technologies that will eventually exploit or impact Africans.

We have undoubtedly become one of the leaders in our industry because of some of the words that describes us. Words such as; People, Productivity, Teamwork, Innovation and Quality. These words describe what makes us tick, what drives our passion, what is at our core, the heart of Greysoft “GreyHobb”.

Why do customers, governments, you do business with Greysoft? Why do hubbers work their local and international jobs from GreyHobb? I have found that it is primarily because we have come understand the

importance of treating others with respect, placing a great deal of value on People. Our work embodies Innovation and that births Quality. The tireless spirit of our culture of hard work highlights our Productivity and with Teamwork, a win has always been certain.

These words are virtues that we can’t teach in a class; they are part of what makes up each and every one of us. It’s our core, these are our core values, and it’s what makes our heart go boom-boom every day. Whether it was in our individual upbringing or in our genes before we found each other, I am not really sure, but one thing is for sure: People with these virtues are the ones we want to be a part of our team, our family.

Continuing to be committed to finding the right people will be one of the keys to taking Greysoft “GreyHobb” to the next level. Identifying what makes us tick is important, because it lays the groundwork for who we are, where we are going, how we are going to get there, and

when. We are on a path that will take us to places we have never been before, and things we have not achieved before. We are on a path that will send us and drive us to wherever we want to go. 

If you think you saw something this last year… we’re just getting warmed up! I am driven and dedicated to making the next year at Greysoft the best ever. I hope you will all join us for this ride—it’s going to be fun! Here’s to our next year of escapades!

Sincerely,

Raphael Isah

CEO, Greysoft Technologies

Greysoft Technologies, the “Arrow Head” to a 5 Trillion Dollar Sector- Kaduna in the Metaverse

Khalil Nur Khalil, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) has announced via its website that this year’s annual Investment Summit “KADINVEST 7.0” will not be a regular hybrid summit via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams but will be fully immersive in the Metaverse. Participants will be able to virtually walk in with their avatars regardless of proximity, network, grab a seat, and take a tour around exhibition booths in the Metaverse.

Greysoft Technologies Limited, also known as “GreyHobb,” will power this fully immersive and unforgettable experience. It will be the first of its kind, for a government summit to be held in the metaverse, and Kaduna is happy to take the lead as a pace-setter under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.

Greysoft Technologies is a tech and creative firm headquartered in Kaduna, Nigeria, that focuses on developing emerging talent and technologies in the Extended Reality (XR) sector in Africa. They have also established partnerships with several American technology firms in order to develop various valuable solutions for Africa’s unique challenges.

Isah Raphael, CEO of Greysoft, is especially enthusiastic about the challenge of guiding the state into a growing industry which has the potential to reach a $5 trillion mark by 2030, according to a recent report by the renowned consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Raphael will also be a guest speaker at the KADINVEST 7.0 summit on the topic of “Investment and Business Opportunities in the Metaverse.”

Greysoft Technologies is currently transforming Kaduna into a Metaverse-friendly environment by leading advocacy for the emerging industry and developing a variety of virtual reality solutions for the automotive, tourism, commerce, communication, gaming, and education sectors.

The Kukah Prize For Young Innovators

THE KUKAH PRIZE FOR YOUNG INNOVATORS 

The Kukah Prize for Young Innovators is an award of recognition for outstanding innovatiors in the field of technology presented to young Africans who show exceptional promise as a developing leader in digital transformation. 

Bright young minds with creative technological solutions to developmental challenges both in their communities and in the wider world will be evaluated by judges in the startup and tech space across the continent for the most innovative digital solutions in the form of start-ups or initial concepts meeting global developmental challenges.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

• The nominee shall not have reached his/her 31^st birthday by the time the award is received.
• Nominees must be African
• The award will be presented to individual whose innovative work demonstrates high levels of excellence in technology.
• The award winner will be selected on the basis of the outstanding quality, novelty and significance of the candidate’s research.

Establishment and Support:

This award is sponsored by Greysoft Technologies and The Kukah Center. The award will be issued during the 70^th Birthday Ceremony of His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

The winner of this award will in addition, have various opportunities to intern with organizations such as; Microsoft, Google and any other benefits the Award Committee may suggest.

Working in the 21st Century with GreyHobb (Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng)

The Covid-19 pandemic came with a truckload of revelations. It is clearly possible for people to work from outside traditional office spaces and still achieve results. Also, since working from home comes with its own share of distractions such as the assurance of electricity supply in this part of the world, internet integrity, the absence of a semi-work environment where one could call out Amina from the next workstation and ask her opinion on a professional matter, children interruption during work hours etc., Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng decided to design a beautiful and serene co-working space (The GreyHobb) to take away all your headaches and the best part here for startups looking to spend a fortune on setting up their own office space is that they can just save that money and come to GreyHobb for as low as 15k monthly subscription.

Co-working spaces can lower a company’s real estate costs and provide greater flexibility in procuring and managing space. As a business strategy, co-working can be more cost-efficient than creating dedicated office space in certain markets with a large percentage of highly mobile employees. For businesses seeking to quickly enter new geographic markets, co-working also provides a more efficient alternative to planning, designing, constructing and relocating to a new permanent office space.

GreyHobb provides its visitors with an inspiring work and relaxation environment. On entry, you’ll spot an outdoor work area, heavily supplied with unwavering electricity and internet supply. You will also notice the abundance of breeze, clean oxygen air, blowing in from all corners. This is because of the lavishness of trees in the premises. As you approach the hub, you’ll notice to your left, the cafeteria with two external gazebos where co-workers can sit and eat as well as work. Behind is an external urinary where gents can go to do their thing. Inside the structures are well ventilated rooms, artistic sceneries with inspiring quotes and texts. The highpoint of it all is the culture that is practiced by the people in this environment, both staff and co-workers. A sharing ecosystem with everyone eager to learn and contribute to the growth of the other.

At GreyHobb, we can say we agree with the Nigerian artist Davido when he said; “We Rise by Lifting Others”.

Top Five (5) Tech Innovation Hubs and Co-working Spaces in Kaduna

Kaduna state in Northern Nigeria famed for coming tops on Ease of Doing Business is rapidly adopting technology in almost all its endeavours. This naturally translates to an increase in digital activities around the state. In the last few years, we have seen tech innovation hubs emerge but the most prominent ones to engage if you were a stranger looking for a really great hub are as given below;

GreyHobb, a Modern Co-working Space

These were the words of the CEO of Greysoft Technologies/GreyHobb, Isah Raphael when we asked him about what inspired the level of excellence at GreyHobb. Right at the top of the company’s list of values is “people”. The hub profoundly ensures that people feel welcome and comfortable when they enter into its premises. The environment in itself is serene, neat and friendly. It is built in a way that it captures basic needs. From the outdoor working spaces, access to constant electricity and internet supply, a cafeteria with two gazebos for eat-outs, trees and flora that more than present an exquisite scenery, provide a maximally aerated environment. Your experience can be nothing short of remarkable! www.greysoft.ngTraining programs are diverse and unique; from basic digital literacy programs to emerging technologies. GreyHobb is also a Certiport Authorized Testing Center (CATC) licensed to train and administer exams on IC3 program packages.

The internal offices are well built and cozy such that it fosters work and relaxation. The inscriptions on the walls inspire possibilities and the space managers are happy to listen and reason with visitors always.

The creative space is called GreyCreate. Its partnership with Rabitz Studios (www.rabitzstudios.com) has seen it churn out tons of creative content from events, films, music and cultural contents.

What stands out in GreyHobb is the way the community is built. People are happy to share ideas with one another. A co-worker is eager to help the next in need and that is not a very common feat in most co-working spaces. Surely, a great deal of work must have gone into building such a community.

GreyHobb, Kaduna – Beyond Co-working

GreyHobb, Kaduna – Beyond Co-working

At its core, GreyHobb (by Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng) seeks to create strong communities and foster synergies, adding greater value to everyone who participates in the ecosystem. The dynamic energy of this space helps people feel that they are part of something larger than themselves and that others care about their success and want to help propel their ideas forward.

Greysoft Technologies Nigeria – http://www.greysoft.ng is at the heart of tremendously alleviating poverty through a strong campaign and implementation of digital literacy. The Greysoft Innovation Hub popularly known as GreyHobb, situated in Kaduna state of Northern Nigeria has a simple mandate – “Help people leverage technology for improved livelihood“.

Greysoft’s CEO, Isah Raphael in an interview stated that “with the right level of digital literacy, poverty can be rapidly alleviated if not eradicated”. According to GSMA, the number of smartphone users in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to reach half a billion in 2021, up from a subscriber base of 477million in 2019. The African population is largely youthful and to keep these youth idle is to make them available for employment as instruments that foster activities which pose threat to local communities, like thuggery, insurgency and banditry. Most of these youngsters own a smartphone. These phones can access the internet and browse opportunities on freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, etc.

GreyHobb is training young people on how to live online by first acquiring basic competences on digital literacy (IC3 standard), as well as developing freelance solutions that match menial job givers with job seekers. After training, trainees are linked to online freelance platforms and provided with access to mentorship. Some of the trained youth who emerge above expectation may be hired to also become mentors to others. This is a process that will be iterative until the result is in sight.

Working in the 21st Century with GreyHobb (Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng)

Working in the 21st Century with GreyHobb (Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng)

The Covid-19 pandemic came with a truckload of revelations. It is clearly possible for people to work from outside traditional office spaces and still achieve results. Also, since working from home comes with its own share of distractions such as the assurance of electricity supply in this part of the world, internet integrity, the absence of a semi-work environment where one could call out Amina from the next workstation and ask her opinion on a professional matter, children interruption during work hours etc., Greysoft Technologies – www.greysoft.ng decided to design a beautiful and serene co-working space (The GreyHobb) to take away all your headaches and the best part here for startups looking to spend a fortune on setting up their own office space is that they can just save that money and come to GreyHobb for as low as 15k monthly subscription.

Co-working spaces can lower a company’s real estate costs and provide greater flexibility in procuring and managing space. As a business strategy, co-working can be more cost-efficient than creating dedicated office space in certain markets with a large percentage of highly mobile employees. For businesses seeking to quickly enter new geographic markets, co-working also provides a more efficient alternative to planning, designing, constructing and relocating to a new permanent office space.

GreyHobb provides its visitors with an inspiring work and relaxation environment. On entry, you’ll spot an outdoor work area, heavily supplied with unwavering electricity and internet supply. You will also notice the abundance of breeze, clean oxygen air, blowing in from all corners. This is because of the lavishness of trees in the premises. As you approach the hub, you’ll notice to your left, the cafeteria with two external gazebos where co-workers can sit and eat as well as work. Behind is an external urinary where gents can go to do their thing. Inside the structures are well ventilated rooms, artistic sceneries with inspiring quotes and texts. The highpoint of it all is the culture that is practiced by the people in this environment, both staff and co-workers. A sharing ecosystem with everyone eager to learn and contribute to the growth of the other.

At GreyHobb, we can say we agree with the Nigerian artist Davido when he said; “We Rise by Lifting Others”.

Why Coworking is best for Startups – The GreyHobb experience

Why Coworking is best for Startups – The GreyHobb experience

Co-working spaces are flexible and shared work environments that make significant effort to connect users with supportive networks that commonly result in efficient work outputs, high level of collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Startups are usually small by nature and definition in the sense that the founders do not have big money in most cases. They also lack well-rounded experience in their field and the complete man-power they need; talk more of having the wherewithal to rent a fully furnished office space, powered with uninterrupted 24hr electricity and internet supply to run a successful venture. That’s why Apple, Facebook and the likes started from the garage.

GreyHobb, a co-working and creation innovation hub in Kaduna, Nigeria, founded by Greysoft Technologies Limited – http://www.greysoft.ng, sets off in a mission to help people leverage technology for improved livelihood, with a vision to achieve optimal access to digital opportunities. At GreyHobb, every startup is already incubated on sign up. This is evident in the structure of the community of co-workers, as each is carefully admitted in line with Greysoft’s values and vision. Joining an umbrella of innovative minds on a journey to solve problems digitally means that you are in the right space, if that’s your angle.

What’s important is that you immediately have access to a pool of mentors who are already walking the path you are dreaming of. You also have access to manpower, such as; digital marketers, product designers, developers etc. and some of these come in for free if you have good social skills. Naturally, you would have to hire these services and pay through your nose, but hey! The lady behind you is a good content writer and she could help you with a killer article if you ask nicely or at least show you how.

GreyHobb is well designed with external features such as gazebos for folks who like natural air and open spaces. The cafeteria is also built as gazebos so you can enjoy an all-round work experience whether you were indoors or outdoors. There’s also an external urinary and a wonderful ecologically friendly environment littered with trees everywhere, making the air clean and healthy to breathe.

There is also a crypto trading community at GreyHobb that trades for members just to ensure that members get richer – can you beat that?!As far as co-working spaces are concerned in Kaduna and I daresay Nigeria is concerned, GreyHobb is one of a kind.SHARETWEETPINSHARE