Dr. Harrison Nnaji, the Group CISO for FirstBank and its subsidiaries, is an accomplished data, cyber, and information security strategist with 17+ years’ experience in the conception, engineering, design, delivery, operation, and optimization of cyber, data & infosec capabilities, networking, and IT operations for enterprise grade environments. He has a B.Eng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 4 Masters’ degrees with 2 focusing on cyber, data, cloud, and information security; a Ph.D. in Management, leadership and organizational strategy, and multiple industry-rated certifications. An established global conference speaker, multiple award winner, industry influencer, mentor, and an avid promoter of cyber security practices.

Sara Pinheiro is the Regional Manager for Africa at Paygilant, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive innovation and expand the future of payments across the continent. With over 14 years of experience across law, management, and marketing, she brings a well-rounded, multidisciplinary approach to leadership and business growth. Known for blending strategy with a strong human touch, Sara is passionate about building meaningful relationships, mentoring others, and empowering teams to succeed. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, long-term thinking, and real impact. Outside of work, she is a curious explorer who enjoys discovering new cultures, experimenting in the kitchen, and getting lost in a good book—believing that balance is key to creativity and drive.

Experienced Global Cybersecurity Professional: Expert in Information Security, Data Protection, Governance, Security Architect, and Information Security Risk Management A Certified Chief Information Security Officer, Certified Information Security Manager and Data Protection Officer with extensive senior leadership experience, Expertise in the field of cybersecurity. My credentials also include being a Senior Lead Cybersecurity Manager and a Senior Lead Implementer ISO 27001. I possess a track record of success in various areas including IT Risk Management, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Security Governance, Enterprise IT Architecture, and Software Testing. My achievements encompass the development and execution of highly effective Information Security Strategies that not only align with global best practices but also cater to the unique needs of organizations. By acting as a central point of alignment between security and business, I drive strategic initiatives that foster coordination across all organizational assets. I have proactively supported multiple projects to ensure security objectives are met and seamlessly integrated into the business landscape. With a strong capability for leadership, I have overseen the strategic, operational, and technical aspects of large-scale security services delivery. My focus remains on helping organizations achieve global regulatory compliance while navigating complex IT and security project execution scenarios.

Melanie Ayoola is a distinguished professional, thinker, and technology leader currently serving as the Group Executive Director at Tranter IT. She oversees the strategic initiatives of Tranter IT, which provides IT solutions and support; IoT Africa Networks, offering diverse IoT solutions; Bullseye Digital Manpower, specialized in IT training, empowerment, and job placement; and Tranter International, delivering procurement, general contract, and construction services for over three decades. Melanie Ayoola is a distinguished professional, thinker, and technology leader currently serving as the Group Executive Director at Tranter IT. She oversees the strategic initiatives of Tranter IT, which provides IT solutions and support; IoT Africa Networks, offering diverse IoT solutions; Bullseye Digital Manpower, specialized in IT training, empowerment, and job placement; and Tranter International, delivering procurement, general contract, and construction services for over three decades. Melanie's commitment to corporate evolution, coupled with her ability to navigate complex markets to bring about market stability, underscores her contributions to the sustained growth and diversification of Tranter IT's portfolio. Today, Tranter IT provides optimum IT support, enhancing the businesses of organizations of different sizes and structures spread across Nigeria, including GTCo, UBA, Sahara Group, IBEDC, Honeywell Flour Mills, Interswitch, and Spectranet, among others.

As the Head of DevOps at Bankai Infotech, I bring extensive and varied experience in designing and supporting complex, high-volume, mission-critical production web applications. I have consistently provided subject matter expertise and thought leadership in driving seamless cloud transformation initiatives, including on-premises to cloud migrations, ensuring robust design, implementation, and operational excellence. In addition to leading the DevOps function, I play a pivotal role in revenue generation by offering DevOps as a Service (DaaS) to our clients. This involves crafting innovative solutions, building scalable and secure DevOps ecosystems, and delivering measurable outcomes that align with customer business goals. My role bridges the gap between development and operations, fostering collaboration and creating or leveraging tools to automate development, testing, and deployment processes. This enables teams to focus on their core competencies while achieving operational efficiency. With a deep understanding of cloud infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automation, I thrive in managing the complexities of modern DevOps ecosystems and delivering value-driven solutions to drive business growth.

Nurudeen is an accomplished IT leader with expertise in IT infrastructure design, risk management, business continuity planning, Sage 300 ERP consulting, and IT service delivery. He oversaw the IT separation effort after BOC Gases Nigeria Plc was spun off from The Linde Group in 2021, as well as the consolidation of IT operations in 13 Sub-Saharan African nations under a single service center in South Africa in 2013. Nurudeen also led a VPN project, which resulted in an 85% reduction in the company's internet costs. Nurudeen has 18 years of experience in information and digital technologies and has helped to establish value-added services and capacities.

Obiora is a seasoned cybersecurity manager, with an impressive record of accomplishment of over 12 years in Information Systems Control, IT Audit, IT Risk management, Digital forensics, Incident Response, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Management, Application security, DevSecOps, and Cloud security. His expertise extends to endpoint security systems, security orchestration platforms, and SOC operations, underpinned by a comprehensive grasp of various security concepts/frameworks and global standards. Obiora's extensive knowledge across multiple IT Risk assurance domains has played a pivotal role in spearheading innovative security project implementations on an enterprise scale. His expertise lies in developing and executing comprehensive security strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure and enterprise assets against evolving cyber threats. Through a meticulous blend of technical acumen and strategic vision, he has consistently driven security initiatives to align with global standards and cybersecurity best practices. With a wealth of industry-rated certifications, Obiora not only exemplifies dedication but also embodies the epitome of expertise in the cybersecurity field. As a passionate mentor, he actively guides and inspires a new generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts, sharing his wealth of experience and expertise.

Martin Igwe is a service-oriented IT professional with over 15 years of experience in infrastructure planning, information architecture, security engineering, project management, and systems integration. As the CISO / DPO at Globus Bank, he is responsible for evaluating the IT threat landscape, devising policies and controls to reduce risk, leading auditing and compliance initiatives, managing information security projects, and establishing partnerships with vendors and experts. He also oversees the data protection processes and ensures the enforcement of the data protection policy and regulations. He is passionate about delivering effective and secure IT solutions that support the business objectives and customer needs of Globus Bank.

I drive business growth through robust cybersecurity and data protection. As a Chief Information Security Officer & Data Protection Officer (CISO/DPO), I'm a strategic leader who translates complex cybersecurity challenges into tangible business opportunities. I empower organisations by safeguarding their digital assets while driving growth and innovation. With over a decade of experience, I've honed my ability to align cybersecurity strategy with overarching business goals. I lead high-performing teams in developing and implementing robust security frameworks that mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of security. I transform cybersecurity into a strategic asset by demonstrating its value in driving revenue, reducing costs, and enhancing the organisation's competitive advantage. I leverage advanced technologies and data-driven insights to protect organizations from evolving threats, building trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Sogunle Idris Alao is a multifaceted IT professional, accomplished educator, and published author with a rich educational background and diverse professional experience spanning over two decades. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Idris has advanced from local schooling to international academia and has built a career that blends technology, education, and leadership. Sogunle Idris has been acknowledged for his significant contributions to both the fields of technology and Islamic studies, particularly through his roles in educational reform and technological advancement.

An astute security manager with a decade year experience proactively providing security solutions through high-quality service and support in security engineering, security operations, cloud computing, and enterprise infrastructure.

An Official member of Forbes Technology Council and a Member of Technical Advisory board of GSDC USA.

I am a highly skilled Cyber Security Professional with a background in Implementing, Assessing and Auditing Information Security procedures and Controls, I bring a top-notch level of experience in Information Security, Cloud, and cybersecurity techniques to the table. Working with a Managed Solution based Cybersecurity Organization, I have a proven track record of maintaining and improving the security postures of some of the biggest institutions in Nigeria. My specialized experience in security Vulnerability Assessment, Cloud Security, PCIDSS, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 270017 allows me to effectively prevent cyber-attacks in business and corporate settings .

As a seasoned Technology Consultant with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in optical network design, data center upgrades, and building global partnerships. My journey has been marked by transformative projects, cost-saving innovations, and a commitment to excellence. At MEED NETWORK LIMITED, where I serve as Chief Executive Officer, I've driven strategic IT transformations, resulting in substantial revenue growth and cost savings. My dedication to enhancing data quality and closing security gaps has been instrumental in achieving operational excellence. I am proud to be recognized as the first Certified Optical Technology Training Institute Trainer for specialized fiber training in West and East Africa. Through this role, I have had the privilege of training and certifying over 500 fiber technology experts, shaping the next generation of industry leaders. In addition to my work in education and national technology policy-making, my expertise extends to fiber consulting, where I have played a pivotal role in designing and implementing cutting-edge fiber networks. My diverse skill set includes proficiency in project management, network infrastructure deployment, and unified communication systems. I hold a B.Eng. in Agricultural Engineering and an impressive array of certifications, including PMP, CONE, CFCE, DCCA, CFOT, and CCNP Collaboration, to name a few. I am passionate about harnessing technology to drive business success and shape national technology policies. Let's connect and explore opportunities to continue shaping the future of technology together.

A results-driven Technology Leader with a passion for driving strategic innovation, operational excellence, and business transformation. With extensive experience in technology leadership, business strategy, and customer-centric solutions, I specialize in optimizing operations, scaling business divisions, and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and profitability. I have a strong track record of building and leading high-performing teams, spearheading end-to-end digital transformation, and streamlining processes to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness—even in challenging business environments. My expertise spans People & Project Management, System Analysis, Business Continuity Strategy, and deep technical knowledge in Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), Payment Solutions, and Digital Channels Support. Beyond technology, I am also a multi-talented musician and instrumentalist, passionate about teaching, composing, and arranging musical works—a creative dimension that enriches my leadership approach. I thrive at the intersection of technology, strategy, and people, ensuring that businesses stay agile, innovative, and future-ready in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.