Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A quiet revolution in the world of digital defence has just produced an unexpected champion from Africa’s most populous nation. Dr Fene Osakwe, the chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, has been named the Cybersecurity Leader of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Global Cyber Awards, becoming the first Nigerian ever to claim the top honour in that category. The awards, which drew nominees from more than 50 countries including India, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Malaysia, recognised Osakwe for his exceptional leadership, measurable impact on the industry, and deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals.
The Global Cyber Awards are known for their rigorous, independent judging process, and competition in the Cybersecurity Leader of the Year category was fierce. Yet Osakwe emerged victorious, a win that his supporters say is not just personal but a milestone for the entire African technology ecosystem. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the achievement as a “solid demonstration of the state’s efforts to give the cybersecurity battle the attention it deserves.” The governor added that Lagos has its sights set on becoming a global financial hub, a dream that depends on a strong cybersecurity infrastructure. “Our plan is for Lagos to be the global financial hub and this requires a strong cybersecurity infrastructure – a dream which the Council shares and pursues vigorously,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Osakwe’s journey to the top of the global cybersecurity ladder began modestly in Lagos, where he started his career at Deloitte, building a solid foundation in risk management and advisory services. Over the years, he scaled up rapidly, eventually leading cybersecurity for a multinational organisation listed on the New York Stock Exchange and advising boards and executive teams across several continents. Today, he is a Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, a highly sought-after international speaker, and a respected voice on digital trust, cyber governance, and national cyber resilience. These are not empty titles; they reflect a career spent at the intersection of technology, strategy, and public service.
As chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, Osakwe has played a pivotal role in strengthening cybersecurity governance for Africa’s largest digital and technology hub. Under his leadership, the council recently published the Lagos State Cybersecurity Guidelines for Businesses, a landmark framework designed to help organisations improve cyber hygiene, enhance incident readiness, and align with global best practices. The guidelines were developed in partnership with the state’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and have been widely praised as a model for other subnational governments across the continent. For a city that handles billions of dollars in digital transactions daily, such a framework is not a luxury; it is a survival tool.
Beyond his official roles, Osakwe is deeply committed to mentorship and capacity building. He mentors master’s students in cybersecurity at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and the University of Westminster in London, helping to shape the next generation of cyber professionals. He is also a respected thought leader, with several publications featured on Forbes, where he shares insights on cyber strategy, leadership, and digital transformation. In an industry often accused of hoarding knowledge, Osakwe has made a point of giving back, ensuring that the ladder he climbed remains accessible to others.
The Cybersecurity Leader of the Year award is not about popularity or politics. It recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, delivered measurable impact, contributed to the growth of the cybersecurity industry, and invested significantly in developing others through mentorship and professional support. It celebrates leaders who drive innovation and strategy while also helping to shape the future of the cybersecurity profession through thought leadership, influence, and service. By that yardstick, Osakwe’s win is not a surprise; it is a confirmation of a career already defined by excellence.
For Lagos State, the win is a powerful signal that its investments in digital governance are paying off. For Nigeria, it is a reminder that the country’s talent pool extends far beyond oil and gas. And for Africa, it is proof that the continent’s technology professionals can compete and win on the global stage. In a world where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated by the day, having a leader of Osakwe’s calibre at the table is an asset not just for Lagos but for the entire region. The award also puts a spotlight on the critical work being done by the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, which continues to push for stronger digital safety measures in a state that accounts for a significant portion of the country’s internet traffic.
The reaction from the international cybersecurity community has been overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues and competitors alike have taken to social media to congratulate Osakwe, noting that his win reflects the growing diversity and global reach of the cybersecurity profession. In a field that has historically been dominated by voices from North America and Europe, the recognition of an African leader is a welcome sign of change. The Global Cyber Awards, established in 2014, have always prided themselves on rewarding merit without regard to geography or affiliation. This year, that commitment produced a result that many hope will inspire a new generation of African cyber defenders.
Osakwe’s victory is also a testament to the power of public-private collaboration. His work with the Lagos State Government, the private sector, and academic institutions has created a model that other states and countries could replicate. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, he has shown that effective cybersecurity is not just about buying the latest software; it is about building a culture of security from the ground up. The Lagos State Cybersecurity Guidelines for Businesses, which he helped develop, are a practical example of that philosophy in action.
As the news of his win spreads, Osakwe has remained characteristically humble, deflecting praise to his team and the broader cybersecurity community in Nigeria. Still, those who know him say the award is unlikely to change his focus. He will continue to mentor students, advise governments, and speak at international conferences, all while keeping his feet firmly planted in Lagos. In a world where cyber threats know no borders, having a global leader who understands local realities is a rare and valuable combination. And for the first time, that global leader calls Nigeria home.
Dr Fene Osakwe has made history, but if his past is any guide, he is not done yet. The global cyber stage now has a new king, and he is just getting started.
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