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DigitalSENSE Africa Awards: Onyekwere, Olufuye Honored, Inducted into Hall of Fame

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R-L Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke congratulating the Chairman of 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum and Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, following his award as 2025 DigitalSENSE Africa Internet Governance for Development Ambassador of the year and induction into DigitalSENSE Africa Hall of Fame by the duo of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Adesegun Adekunle, and Assistant Secretary-General, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) Forwarder Stanley Ezenga, while flanked by President and Founder, Domain Name Systems (DNS Women NG), Lolo Nkem Nweke,at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos, Nigeria, last weekend.
R-L Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke congratulating the Chairman of 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum and Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, following his award as 2025 DigitalSENSE Africa Internet Governance for Development Ambassador of the year and induction into DigitalSENSE Africa Hall of Fame by the duo of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Adesegun Adekunle, and Assistant Secretary-General, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) Forwarder Stanley Ezenga, while flanked by President and Founder, Domain Name Systems (DNS Women NG), Lolo Nkem Nweke,at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos, Nigeria, last weekend.
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The 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance was a landmark event this past weekend at the prestigious Welcome Centre Hotels, which saw two titans of Nigeria’s digital landscape, Chief (Sir) Chima Onyekwere and Dr. Jimson Olufuye, receive top honors and induction into the esteemed DigitalSENSE Hall of Fame.

R-L Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke congratulating the Chairman of 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum and Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, following his award as 2025 DigitalSENSE Africa Internet Governance for Development Ambassador of the year and induction into DigitalSENSE Africa Hall of Fame by the duo of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Adesegun Adekunle, and Assistant Secretary-General, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) Forwarder Stanley Ezenga, while flanked by President and Founder, Domain Name Systems (DNS Women NG), Lolo Nkem Nweke,at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos, Nigeria, last weekend.

R-L Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke congratulating the Chairman of 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum and Principal Consultant, Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, following his award as 2025 DigitalSENSE Africa Internet Governance for Development Ambassador of the year and induction into DigitalSENSE Africa Hall of Fame by the duo of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mr. Adesegun Adekunle, and Assistant Secretary-General, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) Forwarder Stanley Ezenga, while flanked by President and Founder, Domain Name Systems (DNS Women NG), Lolo Nkem Nweke,at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos, Nigeria, last weekend.

Chief Onyekwere, who was represented by the Managing Director of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Mr. Muhammed Rudman, is widely celebrated as the ‘Father of the Nigeria Internet,’ was recognized as the DigitalSENSE Africa Innovator of the Decade. Dr. Olufuye was honored as the 2025 DigitalSENSE Africa Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) Ambassador of the Year.

Both luminaries were then formally inducted into the DigitalSENSE Hall of Fame during the forum, which was hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa in collaboration with its partners and powered by ITREALMS Media group.

According to Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Lead Consulting Strategist for DigitalSENSE Africa, these accolades celebrate profound and lasting contributions to Nigeria’s digital evolution.

He recalled that Chief Onyekwere, an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS), is a highly respected ICT leader with over three decades of experience. An alumnus of the University of Ife, Harvard Business School, and the University of Maryland (specializing in cybersecurity),.

Chief Onyekwere’s most significant achievement is founding Linkserve in 1996, Nigeria’s first Internet Service Provider (ISP). This pioneering effort earned him the OON award in 2007. Under his leadership, Linkserve introduced groundbreaking technologies like dial-up, VSAT for broadband, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) networks, and hosting services.

His influence extends across key digital infrastructure initiatives. Since 2007, he has served as the pioneer chairman of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), instrumental in developing West Africa’s largest Internet Exchange Point, significantly reducing network latency nationwide.

He also served as the immediate past chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) from 2013 to 2023, contributing immensely to domain administration and governance.

Earlier in his career, as Managing Director/CEO of SAAP-TECH LTD (1987-1997), Onyekwere founded the company, deploying banking solutions and securing distributorships for major ICT brands.

Chief Onyekwere’s numerous accolades include “Internet Personality of the Year” (2008) and the “PATHFINDER AWARD – INTERNET” (2004). He has also consulted for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Beyond his corporate achievements, Chief Onyekwere is an ordained Elder of the Methodist Church of Nigeria and a Knight of John Wesley (KJW), actively promoting societal advancement through initiatives like designing and deploying an ICT curriculum for over 200 primary schools, creating 699 jobs, and advancing digital literacy.

Equally, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, who notably chaired the 2025 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum on IG4D, is a distinguished Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professional with over three decades of experience whose leadership has profoundly impacted the global and local digital landscape.

Dr. Olufuye’s career is marked by significant achievements, including founding the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA), a pivotal organization dedicated to advancing ICT in Africa, bridging the digital divide, and fostering innovation. His expertise has earned him international recognition, including serving on the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) and the Netmundial+10 Steering Committee. These roles have allowed him to shape global discussions on internet governance, digital development, and cybersecurity.

A highly certified professional, Dr. Olufuye holds credentials in PRINCE2 (Project Management), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), and CRISC (Certified Risk and Information Systems Control). These certifications underscore his proficiency in managing complex ICT projects and adhering to industry best practices.

Currently, he chairs the Advisory Council for AfICTA, serves as a Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting Ltd, and acts as an ICT Consultant for Nigeria’s Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation. Through these positions, Dr. Olufuye actively contributes to the future of digital development, cybersecurity, and ICT innovation.

His unwavering commitment to digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and innovation continues to inspire a new generation of professionals, laying a crucial foundation for future leaders and innovators.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported

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World Health Organisation (WHO) at the weekend declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus strain a global public health emergency.

WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported

WHO said there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain of Ebola.

At home, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said there is “no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria” but had  tightened surveillance against the deadly virus.

The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already caused dozens of deaths in Congo and spread into Uganda, raising fears of wider transmission across the region.

In response, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that the country remains on alert because of growing movement across African borders.

Jide Idris, director-general said the agency was “closely monitoring the situation” and working with the Port Health Services and other health agencies to strengthen preparedness nationwide.

He added that surveillance has been increased at entry points and within Nigeria’s health system.

According to the WHO, the outbreak has recorded more than 240 suspected cases and about 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri province, while imported cases have also been confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

The WHO said the outbreak is “extraordinary” because of uncertainty around the true number of infections and the lack of approved medical countermeasures for the Bundibugyo strain.

Health authorities advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with infected persons and report symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting and bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately.

Nigeria was declared Ebola-free in 2014 after successfully containing an outbreak brought into the country by an infected traveler from Liberia.

 

 


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Digital PayExpo 2026 to Convene Africa’s Most Influential Payments Leaders in Lagos

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Africa’s digital payments ecosystem will take center stage as Digital PayExpo 2026 returns to Lagos on June 17–18, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, under the theme: “Seamless Digital: Fostering Pan-African Market Expansion in the AI Era.”

At a time when artificial intelligence, cross-border commerce, and financial inclusion are redefining Africa’s economic future, the event is set to convene over 3,000 senior executives, policymakers, fintech innovators, and global technology providers.

The speaker lineup reflects a powerful blend of regulatory leadership, private sector innovation, and pan-African expertise.

Among the headline speakers:

  • Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, Director, Payment Systems Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria — a key architect in Nigeria’s payment system reforms.
  • Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager & Area Business Head (West Africa), Mastercard — a leading voice in digital payments expansion across Africa.
  • Clara B. Arthur, Managing Director, GhIPSS (Ghana) — driving Ghana’s interoperable payment ecosystem.
  • Wacera Maina, Chief Operations Officer, Kenwitch Kenya — an expert in East Africa’s payment infrastructure evolution.
  • Akeem Lawal, CEO, Interswitch Group — a pioneer in Africa’s fintech growth story.
  • Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Executive Director, NIBSS — shaping Nigeria’s core payment infrastructure.

The conference will explore:

  • AI-powered financial services
  • Cross-border payment systems and interoperability
  • Cybersecurity and trust frameworks
  • SME financing and financial inclusion
  • Infrastructure for a unified African digital economy

With participation from banks, fintechs, telcos, regulators, and global payment networks, Digital PayExpo 2026 is positioned as a critical marketplace for ideas, partnerships, and investment flows. Register: https://digitalpayexpo.com/register
Sponsorship Enquiries: [email protected]


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Only 1 in 3 Families Fully Secure their Devices, Kaspersky Study Reveals

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On International Day of Families observed on May 15th, a global Kaspersky study* reveals that while 47% of respondents talk about online safety, only 33% secure all their family devices – highlighting the need for proactivity from Family Digital Managers.

As online threats develop and every generation joins the online space, cybersecurity habits have become an essential part of life for every family. Typically, in every family, one or two people become so-called Family Digital Managers, responsible for managing subscriptions, setting up new devices, or thinking about cyber protection. Kaspersky has conducted a survey to find out what measures modern families take to stay safe online.

According to Kaspersky’s data, a significant portion of respondents adopt an educational approach to cybersecurity within their families:

47% regularly coach elderly relatives and children on safe online practices

45% advise family members to adopt password manager solutions

42% encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA)

An equal 42% actively review and adjust privacy settings on both family devices and critical online accounts

Although a growing awareness of the importance of proactive, family-focused digital protection can be observed, when it comes to the implementation of security solutions, the trend is slightly different. 10% of respondents take no measures at all to protect their loved ones online, rising to 21% among those aged 55+.

As for the parental control apps, 67% of families with children under 18 years use this tool to monitor and secure their kids’ online activity. Parental control, such as the Kaspersky Safe Kids solution, can help restrict children’s access to inappropriate content and also gently manage their online habits by limiting access to certain websites and apps, controlling their screen time, and even enhancing their physical security by tracking their geolocation.

The most worrying number is that only 33% of respondents – just 1 in 3 – install security solutions on all family members’ devices. Kaspersky experts highlight that the current threat landscape shows that mobile devices and tablets as well as PCs all require comprehensive cyber protection, as they are often targeted by cybercriminals.

According to the survey, only 30% of respondents set up new devices for their families. Setting up a new device is not often regarded as a step that contributes to cyber safety; however, some actions performed before the device is put into use can significantly enhance its security.

For instance, experts recommend installing a security solution first, to scan the device for hidden threats and make web browsing safe from the first queries. What’s more, reviewing privacy settings on a new device allows you not to share data that you would like to keep private with some applications and services.

The research also shows that the older generation (55+) is generally less included in family security habits. Around 1 in 5 (21%) of this age group globally do not take any measures to protect their family online and only a quarter (24%) install security solutions for family members. The most popular security measure among them turns out to be a password manager, as 40% of this age group recommend their family members to use it.

“We are now using a lot of gadgets and digital services, and with every new device and every additional hour spent online, the potential entry points for cybercriminals continue to grow, exposing us to a wider range of cyber threats. At the same time, not every generation adapts to these rapid changes with the same ease.

“That’s why having someone in the family take on the role of a ‘Family Digital Manager’ can be so valuable, especially when it comes to protecting kids and elder people from digital cyberthreats, give advice and help with the use of trusted security solutions,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.

 


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