Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended Dr. Fene Osakwe, Chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, for achieving a historic milestone as the first African nominated for the Cyber Personality of the Year award in the United Kingdom.
Recognizing Excellence in Cybersecurity
The prestigious Cyber Security Awards, founded in 2014, celebrates exceptional individuals, teams, and organizations in the global cybersecurity space. This independent event operates without ties to magazines or sponsors, ensuring that recognition is based purely on merit.
The Cyber Personality of the Year Award honors individuals who exhibit remarkable leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity. It spotlights thought leaders who have significantly contributed to the field and mentored others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Osakwe’s achievement, stating:
“I congratulate Dr. Fene Osakwe, whose exploits have showcased the immense potential of our youths in the tech space. We in Lagos are proud of him and will continue to encourage our youths to excel, establishing Lagos as a hub for tech and innovation.”
A Trailblazer for Africa
As the sole African nominee in this category, Dr. Osakwe competes alongside cybersecurity leaders from 11 other nations. His decade-long career has been marked by innovative strategies and leadership that have earned him global recognition.
Dr. Osakwe’s achievements include:
- Authorship of influential articles for platforms like Forbes.
- Joining the Global Advisory Board for Penetration Testing by EC-Council in 2024.
- Membership in the Forbes Technology Council since 2021.
In 2024, he delivered keynote speeches at major cybersecurity conferences across Europe and Africa, earning accolades for his insights.
Mentorship and Global Impact
Osakwe mentors students across four universities in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, the United States, and Canada, guiding graduates, master’s, and doctoral candidates. His mentorship and advocacy for cybersecurity education have left an indelible mark.
Recognitions and Leadership
Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Osakwe has been recognized as:
- Cyber Youth Mentor of the Year (2022) in Dubai.
- One of the Top 20 Coaches to Watch (2023) by New York City Journal.
- Top Global Cyber Leader Under 40 (2023) by CIOLOOK.
Under his leadership, Lagos State organized its inaugural Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 2024, raising public awareness on cybercrime prevention. He also spearheads innovative cybersecurity initiatives in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
A Symbol of African Excellence
Reacting to his nomination, Dr. Osakwe remarked:
“This honour proves that excellence transcends colour. The global stage continually watches Africa’s achievements.”
He expressed pride in representing Nigeria, emphasizing the nation’s potential to bridge the global tech talent gap.
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