Dr. Fene Osakwe, a renowned Nigerian-born cybersecurity expert and Chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first African to be nominated for the prestigious Cyber Personality of the Year award in the United Kingdom. The award ceremony, set to take place in March, will be attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among other distinguished guests.
The Cyber Personality of the Year award honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and expertise in the field of cybersecurity. It also recognizes thought leaders who have made significant contributions to the cyber security industry, driving its growth, visibility, and the development of the next generation of professionals.
Dr. Osakwe, the sole African nominee in the Cyber Personality of the Year category, will compete against 11 other renowned cybersecurity leaders from around the world. With over a decade of experience in cybersecurity, IT strategy, and governance, Dr. Osakwe has earned international acclaim for his innovative leadership and strategic vision, specializing in IT security, business risk, and governance for companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
A prolific thought leader, Dr. Osakwe has contributed influential articles to esteemed platforms such as Forbes and has been involved in groundbreaking research and publications. His expertise has earned him invitations to join prestigious organizations, including the Forbes Technology Council in 2021 and the Global Advisory Board for Penetration Testing by EC-Council in 2024.
Dr. Osakwe is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading cybersecurity advisors. He has consulted for major commercial banks in Nigeria, telecom operators across Africa, and has worked in countries including Ghana, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Dubai. He holds over 10 IT professional certifications and serves as the Group IT GRC Director at IHS, overseeing IT governance in more than 15 operating countries.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Osakwe is an award-winning conference speaker, writer, and career mentor, delivering lectures at some of the most significant cybersecurity and leadership conferences in Africa and the Middle East.As an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, LBS, his contributions to the field have been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from the Swiss School of Business Geneva. He also sits on the boards of several rapidly growing startups in Africa.
The nomination has drawn widespread acclaim, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), among those congratulating Dr. Osakwe. In her statement, Dabiri-Erewa praised Dr. Osakwe for his outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity world, stating, “The award demonstrates that you have earned a reputation as one of the thought leaders and have made huge and outstanding contributions to the cyber world. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to greater news from you.”
As the cybersecurity community eagerly awaits the award ceremony in March, Dr. Osakwe’s nomination, according to many, marks a historic moment for Nigeria and Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing influence in the global cybersecurity landscape.
Established in 2014, the Cyber Security Awards is an independent event that celebrates excellence in the global cybersecurity sector, with judges selecting winners based solely on merit.
Philips Babatunde