Dr. Vincent Olatunji’s educational journey is distinguished by a steadfast dedication to knowledge and academic excellence. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos, after his B.Sc in Geography at the Ondo State University in 1989. In 1997, he broadened his expertise by acquiring an Advanced Certificate in Computer Studies, thereby, venturing into ICT.

Nuhu Ribadu, was born in Yola, Adamawa State, on 21 November, 1960.

He attended Aliyu Mustapha Primary School, Yola from 1966 to 1973 and Yelwa Government Secondary School, Yola from 1973-1977. Between 1978 and 1980, Mr Ribadu was at the College of Preliminary Studies, CPS, Yola, for his A-level studies.

In 1980, he gained admission to study law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1983. He graduated from the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in 1984. He joined the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) immediately after his national youth service.

Mr Ribadu holds an LLM degree with emphasis on the jurisprudence of corruption in Nigeria from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In 2008, he was at the Harvard Business School where he did a programme on the strategic management of law enforcement agencies.

The name Nuhu Ribadu has become a household name in Nigeria and beyond on account of his glorious public service record and personal integrity. A trained lawyer and fearless crime fighter, Mr Ribadu has carved a niche for himself as someone who is patriotic, passionate, honest, courageous and compassionate.

He is the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the government commission tasked with countering corruption and fraud which he literally transformed into one of the most effective and renowned anti-graft agencies in modern history. Yet, his major contribution to the anti-corruption crusade was his selflessness, resilience and exemplary conduct in his spirited fight against the cankerworm.

With uncommon commitment and dedication to duty, Mr Ribadu worked assiduously to clean the Augean stable created by graft and fraud.

He courageously brought to book hundreds of fraudsters, scores of high profile looters and economic saboteurs in spite of temptation, booby traps and threats to life.

In three years, the EFCC, under his leadership, built the now most celebrated Crimes Training and Research Institute in the West African region. The agency also recorded over 200 criminal convictions under his leadership.

In acknowledgement of these rare achievements, Mr Ribadu was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in March 2007. The African Union (AU) put him on its advisory board on anti-corruption matters; and he was invited to join the advisory board of the Friends of the World Bank/UNODC initiative on Stolen Asset Recovery.

Mr Ribadu is a recipient of several awards as a police officer, prosecutor and chairman of the EFCC. He received the Inspector General of Police Awards in 1997, 1998 and 2000, and the Special Commendation of the President in 2005, for the successful prosecution of several advanced fee fraud cases, banking fraud and sundry economic crimes. He was also specially commended by the Accountant General of the Federation for successfully prosecuting some corrupt public servants in 1999.

Since 2004, notable newspapers and magazines in Nigeria have repeatedly voted Mr Ribadu as Man of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a committed crusader against corruption and other related crimes.

In 2008, Mr Ribadu completed the senior executive course of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies where he was conferred with the Membership of the National Institute, MNI. In June 2010, Mr Ribadu was awarded the Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by the Babcock University, Ogun State, in recognition of his “resolute courage” as well as his “fierce stance against corruption in the face of sponsored disgrace and certain death that has resulted into positive changes and global acclaim hitherto considered impossible.”

In 2012, Mr Ribadu left a United Nations assignment in Afghanistan to take up a special inquest into government’s revenue from the oil sector, an assignment he handled with his characteristic passion and dexterity, turning in a report that has since become a reference point on reforming Nigeria’s oil industry.

In his quest for higher call to service, Mr Ribadu has since 2010 been involved in active politics. He was named NSA a few days after he was appointed the security adviser to the president.

David Sunday Daser is a seasoned software engineer and technology policy maker with over 13 years of experience in internet infrastructure deployment, software development, and policy consulting. He has worked extensively with both public and private sector organizations, including the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Air Force, and has played a pivotal role in shaping technology policies at the sub-national level in Nigeria. He founded nHub the first innovation hub in northern Nigeria.

As Director General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency, Daser made significant contributions to public sector innovation. He launched the Code Plateau program, which equipped over 35,000 youth with digital skills, leading to job placements and internships. He also developed an API-based data-sharing framework for government MDAs, streamlined ICT procurement, and extended mobile telephony access to 120 underserved communities, benefiting around 190,000 citizens.

Academically, Daser holds multiple degrees that reflect his multidisciplinary expertise. He is pursuing a Master of Research and Public Policy (M.Res.) at the University of Jos (2022 – ongoing) and recently completed his Master of Society and Development Studies (M.A.) at the University of Abuja (2020 – 2023). Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a National Diploma in Computer Science, both from the University of Jos.
Through his work and academic pursuits, Daser combines deep technical expertise with strong governance and policy-making capabilities, driving transformative change across both local and international technology ecosystems. He is currently Appointed by the President of The Federation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu As the new President/CEO of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI)

Lawan A. Mohammed, PhD is the Head of Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) Unit, NITDA. He Holds a PhD degree in Computer and Communication Systems Engineering from University Putra, Malaysia and an MSc degree in Computing from De Montfort University Leicester, UK. His BSc degree was from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria.

 Dr. Lawan has gained considerable experience in academia, administration and research. He served as the Chairman of Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Hafr Al-Batin Saudi Arabia (formerly King Fahd University of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Affiliated Colleges at Hafr Al-Batin) for more than 12 years (from 2006 to 2019). He has supervised and examined PhD and MSc students. Also, he was a lecturer and the Head of smartcard research group at Swinburne University of Technology Australia (Sarawak campus) from 2004 to 2006.

 Dr Lawan is research active and has written numerous research papers in internationally recognized journals and conferences as well as many book chapters in various fields of computer and network security, smart card security, cloud computing and wireless and mobile communication systems. He has successfully completed several funded research projects. He is also a reviewer of several international journals as well as a member of several professional bodies.

Adekunle is a child of God, a father, husband, golfer, book lover, entrepreneur, and a seasoned Network Engineer and Cybersecurity Specialist with over a decade of experience across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

He graduated from Halmstad University, Sweden, with a degree in Network Design and Computer Management. He also holds an M.Sc. in AgInnovation from the University of Galway, Ireland.

Adekunle is a member of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and holds certifications in CCNA, CCNP, CEH, CHFI, SOC 2 Lead Analyst, and ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer.

His career began with the co-founding of BIM Logiciel HB in Sweden, a software consulting company. He later established CHT Consulting Ltd, where he advised local businesses on IT infrastructure. In 2014, he co-founded Topp Information Technology Consulting Ltd in Nigeria, where he leads business development, project management, client relations, and the delivery of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to the African market.

Adekunle is passionate about cybersecurity advocacy and regularly organizes free cybersecurity training sessions for various organizations.

In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and tennis.

Email: [email protected]

Andrew Agbo-Madaki Ph.D – Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity and Intelligence Engineering, Ontario College of Technology. Phd  in Security & Strategic Studies (Cyber warfare), MSc Computer Forensics (Cybersecurity) and BSc Sociology (focus in criminology and sentencing patterns in lower courts). 

Andrew is a security and communications consultant. He was responsible for the World Bank Cybersecurity Capability Building for Africa research, Communications for World Bank SEEFOR project, UNICEF’s funded research CASTLE on securing schools in Nigeria amongst other National projects. Andrew was the Head of Operations at the Nigeria Emergency Coordination Center where he was responsible for coordination of the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus.

Between 2013-2015 Andrew was the Chief Technology Officer of Brinq Africa Payment Systems. A CBN approved payment terminal service provider (PTSP). In this time he developed and deployed payment application for Moneygram on 1200 terminals in 6 Nigerian banks.

 He currently provides capacity building for several government agencies such as The National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), The Federal High Court, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

He is an alumni of the Department of State ofUnited States International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) and an alumni of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community.

Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola (AhA), a global Cybersecurity resource is ranked #1 in the 2020 IFSEC Global Cybersecurity professionals influencers and thought leaders list; he is concurrently the Chair, African Union Cyber Security Expert Group (AUCSEG); Chair, Working Group on Cyber Incident Management and Critical Information Protection of Global Forum on Cyber Expertise #theGFCE; Listed on the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

Roster of Experts supporting the development of an online training course in “Cyber-diplomacy;” Commissioner, Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (#theGCSC); Member, Presidential Committee on the Development of the 2020-2025 National Broadband Plan; and member Group of Experts for the Nigerian Senate Committee on Cybersecurity and ICT. He is a founding member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT).

AhA’s daytime job is Chairman, Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Ltd., a Cyber Security, e-Library and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Policy Consultancy Firm, based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is working to kick-start the development of an Africa Cybersecurity Economic sub sector employing thousands of knowledge workers, below 35 years of age, who will profitably drive Cybersecurity solutions value chains to solve current and future problems.

Sadiq Nasir is a seasoned technology professional with a track record spanning two decades in the tech industry. As the founder and managing partner of NetSwitch Limited, a technology consulting firm, he has demonstrated his expertise and leadership skills.

 Sadiq is an information systems researcher, He is also a futurist and a passionate advocate for promoting cybersecurity awareness and ICT for development. His dedication to this cause has earned him engagements at numerous international conferences, where he has served as a valued keynote speaker, discussant, and panellist. As a certified management development consultant with centre for management development (CMD) he has designed and delivered organisational transformation projects through several training and workshop programmes.

 He has also participated in the development of national IT policies, such as being a member the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, the National Blockchain Policy, and the expert group committee on ICT and cybersecurity.

He is board member of Glisten International School and  Readers hub development initiative.

Mayowa is an experienced HR professional with over a decade of experience in recruiting top talent for financial institutions across Europe and Africa. Her journey in Talent Acquisition began 10 years ago with a leading financial institution in Nigeria, where she played a pivotal role in recruiting experienced hires, including critical Information and Technology positions. With a keen desire to understand the evolving financial technology landscape, Mayowa relocated to the Netherlands where she started working as talent acquisition specialist for the “Dutch Development Bank”. 

She has developed a passion for match-making organizations with motivated candidates, and is dedicated to identifying the technical skills essential for success in cybersecurity roles and aligning them with the needs of forward-thinking organizations. Through her career, she has become adept at leveraging modern strategies like certifications, online courses, and hands-on projects to help professionals build their skillsets and grow within their chosen professional fields.

As a speaker and workshop facilitator, Mayowa brings a wealth of knowledge on how to break into the cybersecurity field, offering practical tips on skills development, resume building, and acing interviews. Her goal is to empower candidates to present their best selves and confidently navigate the cybersecurity job market.

Social media handle: (5) Mayowa Akinsanya ACIPD, PMP, ACIB | LinkedIn, 

https://www.instagram.com/miz_mayoress?igsh=MTYwOHljenB0azkxNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Jennesse Haruna is a proficient Security & Risk Management Professional with over a decade of experience building, growing, and managing a resilient private security Business across Nigeria in areas such as Physical Security, Security Advisory, Security Training, Due Diligence, and Employee vetting.      

She founded POIcheck, a technology-based due-diligence service that helps employers instantly verify and confirm their staff’s true identities and work history. She also runs @safetyafrica, a security and safety blog educating the public and, most importantly, women through sharing audio-visual family safety tips across social media.

Today, Jennesse is well-recognized within the security industry for her tenacity, professionalism, and dedication to advancing the Security industry in Nigeria by organisations such as ASIS International, the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Nigerian Youth Security Network, and Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria. She serves as the Liaison for women in security for ASIS International in Abuja.

Ezinne Kalu is a dedicated Application Security Engineer specializing in API security, penetration testing, and securing the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), conducting comprehensive security assessments. At MerkleFence, she empowers organizations to launch faster, more secure, high-performing software while mitigating cyber risks.

With a background in Software Engineering and a Certified API Security Professional (CASP) credential, Ezinne combines her love for programming with a passion for building secure systems. Ezinne is an advocate for teaching and technical writing, sharing her knowledge
with developers and teams. As a speaker, she delivers insightful perspectives on
cybersecurity, secure development, and building resilient software.

Prince Amah is a highly skilled Cybersecurity Professional with extensive experience in both offensive and defensive security, making him a proficient Purple Teamer. He has led offensive security teams on high-profile projects, demonstrating expertise in securing networks, web, and mobile applications through rigorous vulnerability assessments and adherence to security best practices.

With a comprehensive understanding of offensive tactics and defensive strategies, Prince seamlessly integrates threat emulation with proactive defense mechanisms, ensuring robust security across all phases of development. As the Offensive Security Lead Instructor at Hack Tales, he has played a pivotal role in addressing the cybersecurity talent gap by mentoring students and preparing them for certifications.

Prince’s experience spans diverse industries, including fintech and government, where he has significantly contributed to improving security postures, mitigating incidents, and leading threat-hunting initiatives. He holds multiple certifications, including ISO 27001 Security Associate, MITRE ATT&CK Defender, and Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT), and continues to excel in both offensive and defensive security practices.

Oluwatobi is an experienced and seasoned cybersecurity professional with a proven track record spanning various domains within the cybersecurity field and He is an advocate for digital development and digital inclusion. He is the Co-Founder of the Cybersecurity Education Initiative, a driving force in the global cybersecurity community, It is a youth-led non-profit organization committed to preventing cybercrime and advancing cybersecurity in Africa through innovative and sustainable education and advocacy

Social Media Handle: x – @tobi_mayana

Gyang Bennet Maganda is a cybersecurity analyst with a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. With hands-on experience in ICT solutions and a focus on security intelligence.

Worked on improving organizational security, notably as a Cybersecurity Analyst at Sulfman Consulting. His efforts in security awareness training, and attack surface management have significantly enhanced the security postures of various organizations.

As a seasoned Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst and cybersecurity consultant, Umar Farouk Farouk has a proven track record in implementing industry-leading standards, including ISO 27001, ISO 31000, and ISO 22300, at critical national infrastructure and private sector organizations.

With a solid foundation in risk assessments, compliance auditing, and policy development, Umar has successfully driven the adoption of frameworks that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. His expertise spans the full spectrum of risk management, business continuity, and information security.

Umar excels at working cross-functionally with key stakeholders to manage and mitigate risks while ensuring seamless compliance with international standards. Through a proactive approach to managing information security and operational risks, he continuously strives to enhance the governance structure and resilience of the organizations he works with.

Twitter handle: @Cyber_GRC 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umar-farouk-farouk-16251414a/ 

A seasoned Cyber Security Analyst with a proven track record in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats. As the Team Lead of the Defence Rangers at CyberPlural Limited, Birma  leverages their expertise in security operations, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management to proactively protect digital assets.

Birma’s  technical proficiency extends to analytics, detection engineering, and the use of Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) tools. Committed to staying at the forefront of cyber security, they continuously enhance their skills through research and development.

Beyond technical capabilities, he excels in problem-solving and effective communication. A collaborative team player, they foster a culture of knowledge sharing and teamwork.

Passionate about cybersecurity, he  is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the complex digital landscape with confidence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-birma?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 

John Odumesi is the Director of Research and Development at the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN). He holds a multi-disciplinary background with degrees in Sociology, Computer and Information Systems, Information Science, and Security Studies. He has published numerous cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention papers in respected academic journals, books and conferences.  His research interests include critical information infrastructure protection, data protection, cybersecurity education, and internet surveillance. He holds various professional certifications and is a member of several professional bodies.

Nkiruka (Nkay) Aimienoho is an acclaimed cybersecurity and resilience leader with over 16 years of experience guiding top-tier organizations through complex threats. As a former Cybersecurity Director at PwC Nigeria and Head of IT Standards at Digital Jewels Africa, she has successfully led cybersecurity, privacy, and resilience initiatives across industries.

Her expertise spans:

• Strategic cybersecurity risk advisory
• Information security management
• Cybersecurity leadership 
• Incident response
• Governance, risk, and compliance
• Privacy
• Business continuity

Key Achievements:

• Transformative Cybersecurity: Orchestrated cybersecurity initiatives for 150+ major companies across diverse sectors.
• CISO Excellence: Served as CISO for leading brands, providing strategic guidance and expert leadership.
• Sector Expertise: Delivered critical security outcomes for banks, telcos, energy, and public sector services.
• Incident Response: Directed high-impact cybersecurity assessments and incident response engagements.
• Cybersecurity Diversity Champion: Mentored over 1000+ women in cybersecurity and collaborated with leading organizations.
• Industry Recognition: Honored as a Cybersecurity Women Champion, recognized as a top cybersecurity influencer, and featured as a leading woman in cybersecurity.
• Thought Leadership: Authored industry thought leadership articles and whitepapers.
• Public Speaking: Represented PwC at cybersecurity forums and conferences.
• Training and Development: Trained approximately 50% of listed boards and c-suite executives in the Nigerian financial services sector.
• Regulatory Engagement: Collaborated with key regulators to enhance cybersecurity standards and reduce cyber incidents.

Nkiruka brings technical know-how, real-world experience, and an innate passion for progress in the financial services  industry.

Nueebu Leyii Mikko is an Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation of Nigeria. She has a background in Anti-Terrorism and is a seasoned prosecutor. As a member of the Cybercrimes Unit, she has extensive experience in legal advisory on varied issues of national and international law, justice, and policy. She has facilitated International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, including handling requests for Mutual Legal Assistance and extradition cases, and has sat on various committees dedicated to crafting International agreements. She is a certified arbitrator and serves as a desk officer for the National Glacy+ Secretariat and the National Counter Ransomware Initiative. She was awarded a Scholarship in the International Law of Cyber Operations Course, an Online Executive Course by the Canadian Government in partnership with Cyber Law International in December 2023.

 Leyii is an esteemed member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and is passionate about women’s role in advancing the Nigerian Justice System. Recently, Leyii further advanced the Cybercrimes Unit by bagging “highly commended”, in the Leadership Award Category, on the Future of Government Awards, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ummul-Khair Bello is an information security analyst and the Communications Manager at CYSED. Her passion for cybersecurity stems from a strong interest in technology and the vital importance of protecting data from emerging cyber threats. In addition to her technical expertise, she has led initiatives and hosted sessions focused on cybersecurity awareness, utilizing her public speaking and leadership skills to drive positive impact in the field.

Ohio Imevbore is a solutions architect based in South Africa, specialising in automation and enterprise software. With a deep passion for streamlining processes and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Ohio plays a key role in driving forward-thinking solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.