Spotlight
Dr Obadare Adewale, Emerges Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader 2023
BY: SANDRA ANI


A Nigerian, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Co-founder/Chief Visionary Officer (CVO), Digital Encode Limited, has emerged as Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader of the Year 2023.
The award is another testament to Dr. Obadare, a well-recognized subject matter expert with numerous successful engagements to his credit in Africa.
A letter of notification of his nomination, signed by Mark Furlong, President, Custom Solutions Media, for Forbes Media, reads: “Through its awards, Forbes acknowledges and celebrates Dr. Obadare as among exemplary leaders, top businessmen, political leaders and dynamic personalities with records for far-reaching impacts and positive contributions to the development of their respective countries, sectors and industries”.


“Forbes wishes to commend your work as the co-founder and chief visionary officer (CVO), Digital Encode Ltd, a reputable company with successes around the globe”, Furlong wrote.
Dr. Obadare was honoured with the prestigious award at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London, United Kingdom on the 18th of July, 2023, during the FIN/Forbes Best of Africa Awards Reception.
The ceremony was graced by dozens of the business community leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media, Forbes’ partners and international investors.
Speaking shortly after receiving the Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Digital Trust Leader of the Year 2023, Dr. Obadare commented that, it was one of the best experiences of his professional career.
In his words: “I am truly honored and exhilarated to receive this award. It is truly one of the best experiences in my professional career.
“It is a great privilege that Forbes nominated me for this honour. My utmost respect goes to my family, whose encouragement has enabled me to go all the way.”
“The most profound recognition goes to the entire Digital Encode team for their collaboration over the years.
“I am delighted to have received such recognition. I believe this award will further boost Digital Encode vision of becoming the next Cybersecurity Unicorn”.
Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale is a seasoned Multi-Award Cybersecurity & GRC expert with over 56 (Fifty-Six) international professional certifications to his credit, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Liverpool Unversity, UK, and was awarded Honorarary Doctorate Degree in Cybersecurity from Trinity International University of Ambassadors Atlanta Georgia, United State of America.
He is arguably the most “Credentialed” PAN-African Digital Trust Leader, CyberSecurity Strategist, GRC Thought Leader & Global Technopreneur. A Fellow British Computer Society (FBCS), Fellow Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Fellow Institute of Information Management (FIIM), Fellow Enterprise Security Risk Management (FESRM), Fellow Institute of Brand Management (FIBM), Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP -UK), the First PECB Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) in Nigeria, the First PECB Lead Pentest Professional in Nigeria, First Global PECB Certified Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO), the First Ec-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) in Africa , First Ec-Council Certified Blockchain Professional in Africa, Second COBIT 5 Certified Assessor in Africa, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Qualified Security Assessor (PCI DSS QSA), Forbes Technology Council Official Member.
Peter is a well recognized subject matter expert with numerous successful engagements to his credit in Africa. His skills and experience spans Data Privacy, Data Protection, CyberSecurity, Information Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Business Continuity, I T Governance, Risk Management and Compliance.
He is a Platinum Team Member of Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM), as well a Senior Member Of Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN).
He is an alumnus of FATE Foundation and US Department of State Exchange program.
He is also a distinguished alumnus of executive education at Harvard Business School, Harvard School of Government, MIT Sloan School of Management, MIT Professional Education and Oxford University – Said Business School, amongst other laurels.
Spotlight
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Reporter: SANDRA ANI


The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.
PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.
“We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.
PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.
Spotlight
Obasanjo, Christ Embassy, and Eminent Nigerians Honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe at 50
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top dignitaries celebrate media leader and minister at milestone birthday thanksgiving, reports SANDRA ANI


A constellation of national leaders, spiritual luminaries, and prominent Nigerians gathered on Thursday to honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe—publisher of National Daily Newspaper and National Standard Magazine—as he marked his 50th birthday with a grand Thanksgiving Service and Banquet at Christ Embassy, Isheri, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Among the high-profile attendees was former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Pastor Ebhodaghe for his steadfast commitment to God and his enduring service to humanity. In a heartfelt goodwill message, Obasanjo commended the celebrant’s journey of faith and purpose.
“An occasion like this is not just for celebration, but for deep gratitude to God. Fifty years and nine months, counting from your mother’s womb, is no small milestone,” Obasanjo said. Reflecting on life beyond the golden jubilee, he added, “After 50 glorious years of grace and divine favour, the next chapter must be about even greater service—to God, and through that, to humanity. I pray you enjoy another half-century of impactful living.”
In a touching conclusion, the former president remarked, “When you celebrate your next 50 years, I may no longer be here. But wherever I am, I will be remembering you.”
A Celebration of Faith, Leadership, and Impact
The thanksgiving event drew key figures from the religious, political, business, and media spheres, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and reverence. The service was hosted by Christ Embassy and officiated by prominent ministers, who welcomed attendees and led the formal proceedings.
Most Reverend Tom Amenkhienan, a senior member of the Loveworld Central Executive Council, offered an anointed prayer for Pastor Ebhodaghe and his family, declaring blessings of divine health, spiritual elevation, and unstoppable progress. “Your going and your coming shall be blessed. No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” he prayed.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Moses Olayemi of Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1 drew from Psalms 1 and 4 to illustrate the celebrant’s life as one rooted in godliness and integrity. “You can see from the calibre of individuals present today that Pastor Sylvester is a man who walks with God,” he said. He encouraged attendees to examine their spiritual walk, drawing on the biblical example of Cornelius, who despite his righteousness, sought spiritual renewal.
A Life Transformed by Calling
In an emotional vote of thanks, Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe paid special tribute to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Incorporated, crediting him with a life-changing spiritual encounter.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I turned on the television and saw Pastor Chris preaching. I heard a voice say, ‘Your destiny is connected to his ministry.’ That moment changed the course of my life,” he shared, visibly moved.
Pastor Ebhodaghe also thanked his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow ministers for their unwavering support and encouragement over the decades.


Guest List
The celebratory banquet saw an impressive turnout of distinguished personalities from across various sectors. Alongside Chief Obasanjo were:
Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, businessman and political figure
Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman, Biscon Communications Group
Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Director, Lagos State Security Trust Fund
Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment
Dr. Tola Salah, Special Adviser on STEM to the Kwara State
Spotlight
Glo Foundation holds “Rest and Relaxation Day” for Sanitation Workers
… to train them in skills acquisition, reports SANDRA ANI


Glo Foundation, Globacom’s CSR arm, on Saturday celebrated more than 1,000 sanitation workers in Lagos State at a special event tagged, Rest and Relaxation Day, held at the headquarters of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), Ijora, Olopa, Lagos.
Apart from treating the sweepers to great fun, music, games, food, and bonding activities, aimed at reducing stress and promoting the health and wellness of the workers, the Foundation also promised a four-week skills acquisition training for the workers or their dependents in bead making, barbing, fashion design, digital skills and more, to equip them with permanent vocations.
Head of Glo Foundation, Mrs. Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, explained that the Foundation decided to honour the cleaners with a Rest and Relaxation event to express gratitude to them for the important work they do daily, event at great danger to their lives on roads across the state. She noted that the effort of Glo Foundation in this regard would also extend to other states across the country so as to renew a sense of belonging among those who are doing critical jobs across the country.
“We recognize the important and thankless jobs that you do all over the state in ensuring that our roads and streets are clean every day. We recognize the hazards you face from drivers who don’t appreciate you and are at times impatient while you are by the roadside sweeping. It is the reason why we are here today to let you know how much we value you and your huge contributions to keeping Lagos clean on a continuous basis,” she added.
She also disclosed that there were empowerment and skills acquisition programmes planned for the sweepers which will be held in the following months. They include Fashion Skills (Fashion Design, jewelry making, Fabric Embellishment & Beading); Baking skills: (Basic cake and decoration, Fried and baked pastry, Bread making, soft skills and Entrepreneurship class); Digital Skills (Digital marketing, social media management, and e-commerce).
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, lauded the initiative as a well thought-out idea, to shield the workers from health risks and boost their wellness status.
According to him: “This gesture falls squarely within the frame of the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, which prioritizes health and wellness of the people. No doubt that we are used to the culture of working round the clock, and hardly finding the time for intentional rest, during which to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies, to reduce stress and prevent health risks. This much needed occasional relief is at the heart of today’s event. And we thank the Glo Foundation for the kind gesture and encouragement”.
The LAWMA boss thanked the foundation for its planned skill acquisition programme for some sanitation workers, aimed at equipping them for financial stability. “As the saying goes, when you teach a man to fish, you have succeeded in feeding him for the rest of his life. That is exactly what Glo Foundation is set to achieve with that programme, and we are eternally grateful for the kind gesture”, he noted.
Some sanitation workers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Glo Foundation for organizing the event, promising to continue their diligent work to keep Lagos State clean.
“It’s been a while since I have had this much fun, I am truly grateful to LAWMA and the Glo Foundation for organizing this amazing event. I am looking forward to enjoying every moment of it,” said Iyabo Joseph.
Another sweeper, Lateefat Alabi said: “I am very happy today. I appreciate our Glo Foundation and LAWMA for this event. This will motivate me to keep doing my job diligently always”.
Other highlights of the event included dance competition, raffle draw, and gift presentation, where two sweepers won a microwave and a grinding machine, bringing joy to the winners.
In attendance were LAWMA management staff, the Bobakeye of Ijora, Iganmu & Apapa kingdom, Prince Adekemi Ojora, and several Glo Foundation officials, who engaged directly with the workers and freely shared in the fun and pageantry.
As the sun slowly set and the music wound down, there was a lingering sense of fun and humour, suggesting that the event was actually more than just a corporate gesture — it was a statement that every worker matters. It was a good opportunity for the sweepers to be celebrated and be seen beyond the orange uniforms and daily street sweeping schedules.