At Dratech International, our mission is to spotlight and celebrate Africans who are breaking barriers and driving transformative change across industries. Each year, the Dratech Innovation Awards recognizes individuals whose exceptional talent, innovation, and leadership have made a lasting impact in their fields.
This year, one such individual stood out — 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, Sulaimon’s contributions have not only safeguarded digital ecosystems but have also inspired a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.
In honor of his groundbreaking achievements and commitment to building secure digital futures, Dratech International is proud to recognize Sulaimon Adeniji with the Dratech Award for Cybersecurity Innovation and Leadership.
In today’s hyper connected digital world, the importance of strong cybersecurity leadership cannot be overstated. Sulaimon Adeniji, a Nigerian-born cybersecurity professional whose expertise, influence, and mentorship have made waves across industries—from energy and telecoms to fintech and cloud architecture.
Honored at the Dratech Innovation Awards 2023, an international event that celebrates Africans achieving excellence in their respective fields, Sulaimon stands tall as a force in cybersecurity—pioneering solutions, shaping secure infrastructure, and investing in the future through mentorship and research.
From Lagos to the Global Stage: The Cybersecurity Journey
Sulaimon’s journey began in Nigeria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics from Crescent University, followed by a Master’s in Information Technology from the University of Lagos. His passion for cybersecurity took root early and has since evolved into a global mission to help organizations secure their digital assets and align security strategies with business objectives.
With over 10 years of professional experience, he has consistently delivered transformative security solutions across multiple domains, including:
- Security Advisory and Architecture
- Audit and Compliance
- Cloud Security (AWS & Azure)
- ICS/OT Security
- Vulnerability Management and Security Testing
- Information Security Program Development
Today, he serves as an Industrial Control System/Cyber Security Specialist at SaskEnergy, one of Canada’s key energy utility providers, where he has led the implementation of cutting-edge security tools such as Nozomi for OT environments, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems, and Azure security posture improvements.
Recognizing African Excellence in Technology
Sulaimon’s recognition at the Dratech Awards 2023 was is only a testament to his technical acumen but also his contribution to uplifting African excellence on the global stage. His dedication to fostering security-first environments across critical infrastructure sectors makes him a standout among cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
Dratech International proudly acknowledged him for his impact on organizational cybersecurity maturity, the development of AI-integrated security solutions, and his unwavering dedication to empowering upcoming cybersecurity talents.
Thought Leader and Researcher in AI and Cybersecurity
Beyond hands-on implementation, Sulaimon is also an avid researcher. His scholarly work delves into the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in cyber threat detection, incident response, and social engineering defense.
His recent publications include:
- “Impact of Web (URL) Phishing and Its Detection”
- “AI-Enhanced Supply Chain Security and Efficiency Integration”
- “Machine Learning for Credit Risk Analysis in the U.S.”
- “Enhancing Threat Detection in Cybersecurity Infrastructures Using AI”
- “Cybersecurity in Renewable Energy Storage and Efficiency”
These publications, featured in internationally recognized journals, reflect a future-forward mindset—focusing on how emerging technologies can fortify cybersecurity across both traditional IT and industrial systems (ICS).
A Champion of Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer
In addition to his technical and research achievements, Sulaimon is a Cybersecurity Mentor with Springboard, California, where he provides one-on-one guidance to aspiring cybersecurity professionals. He shares insights from real-world experiences, teaches best practices, and cultivates a growth mindset among mentees who are navigating the dynamic and often challenging world of cybersecurity.
This spirit of mentorship underscores his belief that the strength of the industry lies not just in tools and policies, but in people—well-trained, ethical, and security-conscious professionals ready to protect the digital world.
Securing the Future, One System at a Time
Whether designing enterprise vulnerability management programs, conducting cloud security assessments, or advising on compliance with global standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, GDPR, or IEC 62443, Sulaimon brings precision, foresight, and integrity to everything he does.
His career history includes leadership and technical roles at 9Mobile Nigeria, Huawei Technologies, NIBSS, and Guaranty Trust Bank, where he successfully implemented advanced security architectures, led vulnerability testing initiatives, and introduced predictive threat detection models based on AI.
Final Thoughts
Sulaimon Adeniji embodies the very essence of what the Dratech Innovation Awards were created to honor: excellence, innovation, and a dedication to building a better, more secure digital future. His journey from Nigeria to North America, and from analyst to international thought leader, serves as a beacon for aspiring African professionals in cybersecurity, tech, and data science.
As threats evolve and digital systems become more complex, the world will continue to need experts like Sulaimon—visionaries who can lead with both heart and mind
For more inspiring stories, visit www.dratech.org
