Oluwagbemisola Taiwo is a highly motivated Product Manager with five years of experience building digital products in the FinTech, public sector, and agro-allied industries.

This prestigious award recognizes Biodoumoye George Bokolo for her exceptional expertise, groundbreaking research, and lasting contributions to the field of digital forensics. A distinguished cybersecurity professional and academic, Bokolo has played a pivotal role in advancing digital forensics methodologies and enhancing cyber threat detection frameworks. Her work bridges academic research and practical application, influencing both policy and practice across the cybersecurity landscape. Through innovative solutions and thought leadership, she continues to shape the future of digital investigations and information security in Africa and beyond.

A seasoned Chartered Accountant and finance professional, Olumide’s journey from his early days in Nigeria to becoming an award-winning global finance leader is a story of resilience, adaptability, and impact.

Charles Awoniyi stands out as a pillar of innovation and excellence. With over a decade of experience as a data scientist, statistician, and artificial intelligence professional, Charles has carved a niche for himself as a leader in the global tech space.

Adaobu Amini-Philips is a distinguished finance leader with over 15 years of experience, expertly blending deep expertise in financial control with a strong background in contracts and procurement. she has enhanced commercial value through transparent processes, provided crucial insights to management, and been an integral voice in redefining the company's future strategy with a focus on value protection and sustainability. A pioneering leader, she co-created the finance work stream for the company's Net Zero target, laying the groundwork for its ESG reporting. In her most recent role as Head of Revenue Accounting, she fortified the accuracy of billing procedures, a critical function for financial stability.

A seasoned Chartered Accountant and finance professional, Olumide’s journey from his early days in Nigeria to becoming an award-winning global finance leader is a story of resilience, adaptability, and impact.

Damilare is a data Scientist with years of experience in analysing and interpreting data while achieving records of driving business growth. Utilises business intelligence tools in assessing business performance, developing solutions, and leading efficient operations.

Mariam Sanusi is an Experienced and accomplished cybersecurity professional with a robust academic and practical background in the field and years of hands-on experience with different certifications in Information technology. she utilized Sonrai Security tools for automated access reviews across AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud resources and was responsible for facilitating and tracking audit remediation activities with stakeholders and assessing the effectiveness of controls to mitigate identified risks

Olanrewaju is an analytics professional with over four years of experience in risk management, financial services, and advanced analytics. Expertise in SAS and SQL programming, data-driven decision-making, and strategic project leadership.

Sulaimon Adeniji, a seasoned cybersecurity professional whose work spans continents and critical sectors. With over a decade of excellence in Information Security, Cloud Security, ICS/OT Security, and Security Architecture.

Temidayo Israel Oluwalade is an AI and Data Expert, Software Engineer, and Technology Entrepreneur with over 10 years of hands-on experience building intelligent, data-driven solutions that help organizations innovate, scale, and thrive. My core strength lies in combining artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software engineering to design systems that are not only technically robust but also solve real-world problems. Over the years, I’ve worked across industries to deliver AI-powered agents, enterprise-grade software, and data platforms that improve decision-making, automate operations, and create meaningful user experiences. I’ve also trained and mentored hundreds of professionals in emerging tech skills, empowering others to grow in the digital economy.

Vivian Osuji is a finance and customer service professional with solid experience in retail and SME banking. Trained in marketing at Imo State University, she built her career within Nigeria’s banking sector, progressing from front line service roles to becoming a trusted adviser to individuals and small business owners. As a Personal Banking Officer, she supported customers with account management, loan requests, and product guidance, earning a reputation for explaining financial services clearly and practically. Her work focused on helping people make confident financial decisions while building stronger habits and long term relationships.

Taiwo’s exceptional ability to blend advanced technical knowledge with a deep commitment to social impact has positioned her as a leader in her field. She is most widely recognized for her revolutionary creation of an Advanced Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system,

Micah Nnabuko Okwah, MD, MPH (cand.), is a Nigerian physician, public health researcher, and emerging global health leader with a strong focus on cardiovascular disease prevention, health equity, and population health research. He holds a medical degree and is currently completing a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, with advanced training in chronic disease epidemiology and data-driven health policy. Dr. Okwah has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications examining cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle determinants of health, and preventive strategies, with his work gaining international recognition across academic and media platforms. His research integrates clinical insight with epidemiological methods to address non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income settings, particularly in Africa. Beyond research, he is actively involved in academic mentorship, peer review, and interdisciplinary collaborations, contributing to health education, policy-relevant research, and community-oriented initiatives. His work reflects a commitment to translating evidence into practice and advancing equitable health outcomes. Dr. Okwah’s impact spans clinical medicine, public health research, and youth mentorship, positioning him as a rising voice in African and global health innovation.

Osibodu is not just a seasoned Supply Chain and Operations expert., but a thought leader driving change in global supply chain systems. His unique ability to blend deep technical expertise with a strategic vision for the future has earned him the Dratech Award.

Erica Afrihyia is a public health–minded strategist whose career sits at the intersection of customer experience, data insight, and social impact. With a foundation in Business Administration and Accounting, she began her journey in Ghana’s financial services sector, where she quickly became known for her ability to understand both the numbers and the people behind them. At Consolidated Bank Ghana, Erica worked directly with clients, helping them navigate products, resolve issues, and make informed financial decisions. That front line exposure sharpened her skill in listening, problem solving, and turning everyday challenges into better processes. She carried those strengths into her role as Customer Service Manager at Enterprise Life Insurance, where she led service operations, coordinated across departments, and redesigned workflows in a way that cut customer waiting times by more than half while protecting retention and trust.

Mr. Babalola Ayodele is a respected communications and public affairs professional whose career reflects a steady rise from journalism and broadcasting to national-level strategic advisory roles. Known for his clarity, professionalism, and balanced approach to public communication, he has earned recognition as a voice for responsible media engagement and institutional credibility in Nigeria. His background in Journalism and Mass Communication, combined with advanced studies in International Affairs and Diplomacy, has shaped a well-rounded professional outlook. This academic foundation strengthened his ability to merge storytelling with diplomacy, allowing him to manage communication in ways that inspire trust, transparency, and collaboration.

Ms. Chinenye Gbemisola Okatta is a human resources professional whose early career was shaped by a strong foundation in people operations, talent acquisition, and organisational support functions. She began her professional journey working in analytical and coordination roles that exposed her to payroll processes, employee data management, recruitment workflows, and compliance driven HR administration. These early experiences built her attention to detail and deep understanding of how structured people processes support business stability. As her responsibilities expanded, she moved into recruitment focused roles where she managed end to end hiring activities, supported interview coordination, evaluated candidate fit, and contributed to workforce planning decisions. Through this phase, she developed a clear grasp of how talent quality, speed of hiring, and role alignment directly affect organisational performance. Her work demonstrated an ability to balance efficiency with fairness while supporting leadership decision making.

Lawal is an experienced business and technical lead analyst whose career spans over seven years across cybersecurity, healthcare analytics, insurance, and financial data strategy. His ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical systems has made him an invaluable asset in every organization he has worked with.

Joshua Umejuru is a seasoned Drilling and Well Engineer with over a decade of experience in the Exploration & Production sector. Holding both Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Engineering, he has built a robust career with a strong background in drilling engineering, well intervention, and workover operations. His expertise encompasses well design, real-time operations follow-up, and technical studies that have led to significant multi-million dollar cost savings for major drilling campaigns.

Mr. Ndukwe Victor Ukara is a business and data professional who understands both how organisations run and how numbers shape better decisions. He is grounded in Business Administration, with experience that cuts across general management, purchasing, data analysis, fundraising, and customer-focused operations in Nigeria and abroad. Over the years, he has managed teams, overseen daily operations, and guided business units toward clear growth goals. As a general manager, he has been responsible for building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners, keeping an eye on budgets, and setting policies that keep operations organised and efficient. His work has often involved leading diverse teams, improving internal processes, and making sure that both staff and customers are properly supported. Before moving into senior leadership roles, Victor built his foundation in purchasing, inventory, and store management. He learned how to negotiate with vendors, manage stock, and control costs, which gave him a practical understanding of how money, materials, and people connect in real business environments.

Chikaome Chimara Imediegwu is a business and banking professional who brings together frontline experience, data awareness, and a strong grasp of how financial services work in real life. He studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos, where he built the foundation that now supports his work in credit, customer relationships, and growth strategy. He began his career serving micro and small business clients in the microfinance space, helping them access point of sale and mobile banking services and supporting their move into more structured digital transactions. That early exposure to everyday entrepreneurs shaped his understanding of what inclusive finance should look like and why product design must stay close to real customer needs. Chikaome later moved into a business development role in mainstream banking, where he managed a multi million dollar portfolio and worked closely with internal teams to improve card and mobile platforms. He helped design tailored financial solutions, introduced more structured ways of tracking customer activity, and led sessions that showed colleagues how to use data to guide their sales and service decisions. His efforts consistently aimed at one thing: better results for the bank without losing sight of the customer at the center.

Olamide Bayeroju is an accomplished supply chain professional with a strong background in logistics, planning, and operations within the oil and gas industry. Over the years, she has built a reputation for precision, strategy, and results, combining analytical insight with a practical understanding of how large-scale energy operations work.She is a key figure in logistics planning at Shell, recognized not only for her technical expertise but for her leadership, mentorship, and her commitment to operational excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, Olamide represents a new generation of leaders redefining what effective supply chain management means in the energy sector: strategic, data-driven, and anchored in ethical responsibility. Her broader impact lies in proving that innovation and integrity can go hand in hand in building a more efficient and sustainable oil and gas industry.

Dr. Leesi Saturday Komi is a physician, researcher, and healthcare innovator with a clear mission—to make healthcare more equitable and accessible through education, technology, and community-centered programs. His journey blends hands-on medical experience with forward-thinking public health leadership that has impacted lives across Africa and beyond. his expertise in digital health and community engagement led him to become Telehealth Director at Medihause Health Services Ltd. in Abuja, Nigeria. There, he designed and launched one of Nigeria’s most inclusive telehealth programs, connecting over 42,000 patients in 27 rural communities with medical professionals. His work introduced multilingual virtual consultations, making healthcare accessible to diverse groups often left out of the system. Alongside this, he organized more than 50 public health webinars and outreach campaigns on critical topics like maternal health, infectious diseases, and mental health—helping thousands gain life-changing knowledge. His commitment to scientific integrity earned him multiple honors, including several Editor of the Year and Reviewer of the Year awards from respected medical and social science journals. These accolades reflect not just his expertise, but his dedication to mentoring others and advancing knowledge that drives real-world impact.

Mr. Ajayi Olanrewaju is a telecommunications and technology professional who sits comfortably at the point where research, engineering, and real-world problem solving meet. He is a PhD researcher in Information Technology at the University of the Cumberlands, with a focus on how 5G and the Internet of Things can make factories smarter, processes more efficient, and decisions more data-driven. His work explores how high-speed networks and intelligent systems can support automation, predictive maintenance, and better quality control in modern industrial environments. His academic path began with a degree in Computer Science, followed by a master’s in Information Technology, which strengthened his grounding in both software and network systems. Over the years, he has added professional certifications in project management, cloud architecture, IT service management, and business strategy, which allow him to approach technical work with a strong sense of structure, risk, and long term planning. This blend of formal study and continuous learning gives him a rare ability to move between detailed engineering discussions and high level technology strategy. Professionally, Olanrewaju has built a career across several continents, working on mobile networks in Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has supported and led projects for major operators and vendors, improving network performance for 3G, 4G, and 5G systems, and helping teams solve practical issues such as coverage gaps, dropped calls, data speed problems, and network congestion. His roles have ranged from front line radio frequency engineer to optimization consultant and subject matter expert, including key work on large scale network swaps, early 5G trial and rollout projects, and open RAN deployments for live commercial networks. This journey has given him a deep feel for how real users experience technology and how large infrastructures must be designed and tuned to serve them reliably.

Mr. Semiu Temidayo Fasasi is an environmental and mechanical engineer who works at the intersection of air quality, energy systems, and data driven decision making. Trained as a mechanical engineer in Nigeria, where he graduated at the top of his class and received multiple awards for academic excellence and service, he has built a career focused on how industries can operate more cleanly while still meeting performance and regulatory demands. He is currently advancing his graduate studies in mechanical engineering at Colorado State University, where his research centers on methane detection technologies, emissions measurement, and practical ways to help industry meet strict environmental standards.

Tope Aduloju is a Cloud DevOps Engineer who has built a strong reputation for making complex systems work smoothly behind the scenes. At Toju Africa, he focuses on helping organizations move their operations into the cloud, improve reliability, and reduce waste, with a particular focus on automation, security, and scalability. He works with major cloud platforms, especially AWS, where he designs and manages infrastructure, streamlines deployments, and sets up monitoring so teams can spot and fix issues before they become problems.

Ejielo Ogbuefi is a business intelligence and data analytics professional who helps organizations turn complex information into clear decisions. With a foundation in civil engineering and a specialization in water resources, he learned early how to use numbers to solve real world problems, from infrastructure planning to erosion control. That analytical mindset later guided his transition into data driven business roles, where he focuses on performance, efficiency, and growth. He began his career as an operations analyst, working closely with finance and quality teams to track key indicators, automate routine reports, and improve the way information flows inside the business. Over time, he moved into dedicated data roles, supporting supply chain and manufacturing operations as a data analyst and optimization analyst. In those positions, he used dashboards, reports, and scenario analysis to improve demand forecasting, reduce delays, and help managers see exactly where processes could be better.

Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Akomolafe is a public health professional whose work spans community care, health education, and hands-on support for individuals with diverse health needs. Her career began with a commitment to understanding how everyday environments influence health, a focus that has shaped her approach across multiple care settings. She has gained experience in adult homes, residential support services, community care programs, and clinical environments. This breadth of exposure gives her a strong understanding of how people and families navigate health challenges in real life. Her work ranges from assisting with day-to-day personal care to supporting individuals with learning disabilities, neurological conditions, long-term illnesses, and mental health concerns. Opeoluwa is recognised for her steady presence, adaptability, and clear communication with families and multidisciplinary teams. Her focus on dignity, safety, and patient confidence reflects a practical and compassionate approach to care, making her a valuable contributor to discussions on community wellness and public health solutions.

Michael Olumuyiwa Adesuyi is a seasoned finance and business professional with more than two decades of hands-on experience in banking, credit risk, internal control, and performance improvement. He has built his career inside complex financial environments, helping institutions make better lending decisions, protect their balance sheets, and strengthen customer trust. Over the years, Michael has worked across key functions in one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, moving from branch operations and customer service into credit and marketing audit, internal audit, and finally into leadership roles in audit, compliance, and corporate loan processing. In these positions, he has been responsible for reviewing risk assets, tightening internal controls, improving compliance with regulations, and guiding teams to raise the quality of credit decisions. His work has contributed to stronger loan portfolios, lower risk exposure, and better planning accuracy for senior management.

Ngozi Joan Isibor has built a strong professional journey in audit, financial reporting, and internal controls, earning a reputation as a dependable auditor with experience that spans private and public sector engagements across several countries. Her foundation in accounting from the University of Benin set the stage for a career defined by discipline, steady growth, and a clear command of the standards that guide modern financial reporting. She began her path in audit with hands-on work that helped her understand how organisations operate, how financial information shapes business decisions, and where risks often hide. Her early roles sharpened her ability to document audit procedures, analyse financial data, identify weaknesses in internal systems, and provide practical recommendations that strengthened client operations. These experiences built her confidence and prepared her for more complex responsibilities. As she advanced, Ngozi took on leadership roles within Deloitte, guiding audit teams and delivering assurance services for both listed and unlisted entities. Her work in investment management broadened her exposure to multinational operations as she coordinated with component teams across Africa and collaborated with specialists in tax and IT. She became known for her ability to evaluate internal controls, communicate findings to senior stakeholders, and manage key relationships throughout the audit cycle.

Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe is a Technical Program Manager whose career reflects practical leadership, disciplined problem solving, and a consistent focus on strengthening organisational performance. With a background in business and technology management, supported by ongoing doctoral research in project management, he brings a balanced understanding of operational execution and enterprise systems. He is recognised for translating complex operational challenges into structured, results-driven solutions. His work has delivered measurable improvements across production, logistics, and supply chain operations through the introduction of real-time performance monitoring, enterprise system integration, and data-driven decision frameworks. He has led initiatives that reduced equipment downtime, improved production output, strengthened coordination across procurement, maintenance, and distribution functions, and enhanced delivery efficiency through route and fleet optimisation. At the warehouse and inventory level, he redesigned processes to improve accuracy, reduce shortages, and strengthen documentation reliability, supporting both operational continuity and risk management. His contributions extend beyond system deployment, reflecting a clear commitment to building resilient, efficient, and well-governed operational environments.

Mr. Oludayo Sofoluwe is an experienced energy professional whose career spans offshore oil and gas, subsea systems, and field operations. Over the years, he has built a reputation for turning complex engineering problems into clear, workable solutions that keep production steady and people safe. At TotalEnergies in Nigeria, he has played a central role in subsea operations, first by supporting offshore activities directly, then by leading major commissioning work on deepwater production systems, and later by managing subsea maintenance and life-of-field operations. In these positions, he has coordinated interventions on the seabed, guided teams through demanding offshore campaigns, and provided technical support for both existing assets and new projects. His work has helped resolve serious integrity issues, improve reliability, and extend the useful life of critical equipment. Before his current leadership responsibilities in subsea maintenance, Mr. Sofoluwe developed a wide base of experience across the value chain. He has worked as a subsea support engineer, a facilities and petroleum engineer, a reservoir engineer, and a projects and facility engineer. He has been involved in well hook ups, pipelines, process facility upgrades, gas lift systems, and field development studies. This combination of hands on field work and project oversight gives him a rare end to end view of how energy projects are conceived, built, and kept running. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ilorin and a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot Watt University in the United Kingdom. These academic foundations, combined with his field experience, allow him to bridge detailed engineering work with broader operational strategy.

Osazee Onaghinor has built a career shaped by careful planning, operational discipline, and an ongoing interest in how teams deliver complex work with clarity and consistency. His foundation in engineering gave him a strong technical base early on, which later guided him into project coordination, engineering support, and infrastructure development roles. Those early responsibilities helped him understand how design choices, safety requirements, and field realities come together to determine whether a project succeeds or struggles. As he advanced, he took on responsibilities that blended technical oversight with structured project delivery. He managed facility upgrades, coordinated multi-team execution plans, and improved turnaround schedules for large operational sites. Along the way, he became known for creating decision tools that gave teams clear visibility into material needs, equipment readiness, and supply chain gaps. These improvements saved significant costs, reduced delays, and strengthened accountability across project teams.

Ms. Titilayo Oduleye is a finance professional whose work sits at the intersection of business discipline, operational clarity, and practical decision making. Trained in accounting and shaped by years of hands on responsibility across energy and financial services, she has built a reputation for turning complex financial situations into clear, workable outcomes. Her career began in financial reporting and reconciliation roles where accuracy, structure, and accountability mattered every day. In these early positions, she developed a strong foundation in revenue assurance, controls, and financial integrity. This grounding became the base for her later leadership roles, where she moved beyond reporting numbers to explaining what those numbers meant for the business.