Obadare Peter Adewale, the founder of Digital Encode Limited, believes that inclusion and collaboration are key as the African continent navigates its digital future.
In a dimly lit room in Lagos, Nigeria, twenty two years ago, a young tech enthusiast was hunched over his computer, captivated not by gaming or social media, but by the boundless—and often challenging—digital frontier. Obadare Adewale, starting out in Information Technology at that time, was driven by a singular vision – to make the internet a safer place.
The rise of cyber threats that haunted businesses, financial institutions, and even ordinary individuals ignited something profound in Adewale. He imagined a world where digital safety was not a luxury but a fundamental right, and that vision became the blueprint for his future.
Fast forward to today and Adewale is no longer that lone tech enthusiast. He’s now a cybersecurity heavyweight, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode Limited, and Nigeria’s first Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity.
His influence has grown across continents, with a portfolio spanning over 58 professional certifications, and an impact that’s felt in Nigeria’s public and private sectors alike. Adewale’s company’s work reaches over half of Nigeria’s financial institutions, fortifying their defenses against an increasingly complex web of digital threats. His journey to becoming a global thought leader is rooted in his ethos of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.
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“Knowledge doesn’t come to you — you have to seek it out,” he says.
This commitment to self-improvement has driven him to master fields as vast as data privacy, data protection, vulnerability management, penetration testing and cybersecurity compliance.
Through these areas, he’s honed not only his technical skills but also his ability to translate cybersecurity’s complex language into narratives that resonate with business executives, government officials, and everyday people.
But it’s not just about technical expertise.
Adewale understands that cybersecurity is as much a social commitment as a technological one. As such, he champions cybersecurity awareness for vulnerable communities, striving to close the digital divide and make online safety accessible to all.
His work extends to advising government bodies, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Government’s Cybersecurity initiative and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, where he helps shape policies that protect individuals and strengthen the nation’s digital backbone.
Adewale sees a future where cybersecurity and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain converge to redefine security and compliance standards. For him, these aren’t just tools but essential components in building a resilient digital infrastructure.
“Data privacy concerns will only grow,” he predicts, adding “and collaboration between Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity experts will be crucial.”
His words are both a forecast and a call to action, urging leaders to embrace innovation while safeguarding personal rights and ethical principles.
In an age where digital threats seem relentless, Adewale offers sage advice to individuals and organizations striving to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
“Utilize strategic tools such as SWOT analysis and cybersecurity intelligence quotient.
“Ask critical questions: Are we doing the right things? Are we doing them the right way? Are we getting them done well?”
This introspective approach has proven invaluable for many organizations seeking to fortify their defenses against cyberattacks.
Moreover, Adewale emphasizes the importance of collaboration among cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and business leaders. He advocates for workshops and roundtable discussions that foster open dialogue, enabling all stakeholders to share insights and challenges.
“Tailored communication is essential,” he notes, stressing the need for cybersecurity experts to present their findings in clear, relatable terms.
As he reflects on his journey, he envisions a legacy rooted in advocacy, innovation, and collaboration.
“I hope to be remembered for raising significant awareness about cybersecurity risks and best practices. My goal is to create a safer digital environment for everyone, and I believe that through education and collaboration, we can achieve that,” Adewale says.
‘’My legacy will be defined by a commitment to education, policy influence, innovation, and ethical leadership in cybersecurity, with far-reaching benefits for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.’’
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