A contributory factor to the growth and advancement experienced in the cybersecurity sector can be linked to dedicated professionals who work tirelessly. These individuals are not just experts in their field but pioneers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and innovation in safeguarding digital infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats.
This article aims to spotlight ten top cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria who have made significant contributions to the industry. From veterans to upcoming stars, ethical hackers to cybersecurity consultants, each person on this list represents a crucial piece displaying the vast local skill in the sector.
Let us dive in and discover these brilliant experts.
Adewale Peter Obadare
Dr. Obadare is acclaimed as a leading figure in Pan-African digital trust, cybersecurity strategy, and GRC, holding an impressive 56 professional certifications. Noteworthy accolades include his fellowship with the British Computer Society (FBCS) and the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC). He is recognized as the first PECB Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) in Nigeria and the inaugural Ec-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) in Africa. His expertise extends to being the first Ec-Council Certified Blockchain Professional on the continent and the second COBIT 5 Certified Assessor in Africa. His contributions earned him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Cybersecurity from Trinity International University of Ambassadors in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, affirming his stature as a prominent cybersecurity expert in Nigeria.
Akinsola Abayomi
Akinsola is a leading cybersecurity professional in Nigeria, specialising in threat intelligence and incident response. With extensive experience, he excels in designing and implementing advanced security architectures for financial institutions and agencies. He is recognized for his expertise in penetration testing, digital forensics, and security operations centre (SOC) management. He has led critical cybersecurity initiatives, including the development of resilient cyber defence products and the implementation of ISO/IEC 27001 standards. He gives back to his community by empowering individuals who seek to pursue a career in this field. He has earned his place and has been awarded the Cyber Innovator Award.
Confidence Staveley
Confidence Staveley stands as Africa’s foremost female leader in cybersecurity, renowned as an author, API security expert, talent developer, international speaker, and advocate for inclusion. Her notable achievements include authoring “API Security for White Hat Hackers” and receiving the ISC2 Global Achievement Awards CEO Award. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Leaders in Cyber Security 2024 by Cyber Security Hub, Confidence has spoken at prestigious international conferences such as the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council Community meetings across North America, Europe, and Asia. She is distinguished by her ability to seamlessly blend deep cybersecurity expertise with exceptional communication skills, making complex concepts accessible through her innovative YouTube series, “API Kitchen,” which uses culinary analogies to demystify API security.
Stephen Nnamdi Echeonwu
Stephen is adept at leading teams and specialises in detecting vulnerabilities, implementing data loss prevention systems, and fortifying cloud security measures. With a proven track record, he combines strategic leadership with hands-on expertise to safeguard organisational assets effectively. His skillset extends to developing security frameworks that mitigate risks across diverse technological landscapes. His commitment to excellence and innovation underscores his role in ensuring resilient data protection strategies for organisations navigating the complexities of cloud computing. He has a knack for simplifying complex cyber security terms into relatable everyday examples. He is indeed a top player in the industry and has been awarded by the Tech Trailblazer with the Cybersecurity Innovation Excellence Award.
Olufemi Ake
Olufemi is a distinguished cybersecurity leader who served as the Managing Director at ESET in West Africa, where he has significantly advanced the adoption of cybersecurity across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Committed to enhancing digital security, he has spearheaded various educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness in schools, corporations, and public sector institutions. His efforts to promote cybersecurity literacy in the region have made a substantial impact on both individuals and organisations. In recognition of his contributions, Olufemi was named one of the four most influential security professionals in Africa by IFSEC in 2022. An accomplished writer, he has authored numerous articles and press releases, providing valuable insights on ethics, compliance, risk, and governance for IT professionals.
Oluseyi Akindeinde
Dr. Akindeinde has disseminated his extensive research findings at prestigious conferences and to esteemed organisations including the Office of the National Security Adviser (Nigeria), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria (ISSAN). He serves as an advisor to the Nigerian eFraud Forum (NeFF) initiated by the CBN, providing strategic insights across finance, manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and government sectors. Seyi is recognized for his enlightening presentations on cybersecurity issues to influential bodies like the National Assembly and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Recently, he has delved into web3 and blockchain technology, focusing on leveraging these innovations to elevate enterprise security through advanced authentication and smart contract-driven identity and access management solutions.
Oluomachi Eunice Ejiofor
Oluomachi is a seasoned professional with a wealth of expertise in network security, cyber threat intelligence, and specialised knowledge in cybersecurity within the healthcare and supply chain sectors. Her work has been honoured with the Cybersecurity Innovation Excellence Award. She has successfully implemented measures to safeguard critical infrastructures and sensitive data. Her proficiency includes designing secure network architectures, conducting thorough systems assessments, and developing tailored solutions for specific sectors. Her extensive educational background and research give her leverage in identifying emerging trends in the sector. Her contributions extend to training and mentoring teams on best practices in cybersecurity, while researching on intersections between the field and other sectors.
Jemimah Bestman
Jemimah is a seasoned specialist renowned for her expertise in successfully contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity. With her in-depth knowledge of law and cybersecurity, she brings her expertise to the unique intersection between both fields. Her expertise has been leveraged by foremost bodies such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa where she serves as a cybersecurity expert and consultant. She lends her research and extensive experience in propelling relevant and educative developments in the field. She has earned her place as a top professional in the industry.
9. Uchenna Jerome Orji
Dr. Uchenna Jerome Orji is a prominent authority in cybersecurity , with a rich academic background that includes an LL.M and a PhD. As a Fellow of the African Center for Cyber Law and Cybercrime Prevention, he has played a crucial role in various international initiatives, such as the Council of Europe Cybercrime@Octopus Project and the Commonwealth Virtual Currency Project. His expertise is further underscored by his authorship of influential works, including Cybersecurity Law and Regulation and International Telecommunications Law and Policy. His insights have been sought at prestigious conferences like the Hague Global Conference on Cyber Space, where he has addressed critical cybersecurity issues. His legal consultancy for both various organisations underscores his commitment to advancing cybersecurity in Nigeria and beyond.
10. Chinenye Chizea
Chinenye boasts of over 20 years of diverse experience in Information Security, IT management, Enterprise Architecture, Privacy, and Compliance. Named among IFSEC Global’s Security & Fire Influencers 2021, she advocates for implementing robust security risk controls and standards in organisations. As the first female Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), she spearheaded the organisation’s ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and PCI DSS certifications. She currently consults for the World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) on the digital identity for development (ID4D) project, contributing actively to national cybersecurity policies and strategies while being a frequent speaker at industry events.
These individuals not only safeguard critical infrastructure but also inspire through their achievements and dedication to advancing cybersecurity standards. Their collective expertise and commitment not only protect businesses and institutions but also contribute significantly to mentoring the next generation of professionals. As threats continue to evolve, these professionals remain at the forefront, ensuring the industry is not left behind on the global stage.
and then