Nigeria’s Dr. Fene Osakwe beat off competitors to clinch prestigious award.

Respected Nigerian cybersecurity expert Dr. Fene Osakwe has become the first African to win the prestigious Cyber Personality of the Year award.

Osakwe beat finalists from the United States, the UAE, Qatar, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, to emerge as the overall winner at the 2025 Cyber Security Awards, held in the UK.

The annual awards recognise the work of individuals shaping the future of cybersecurity, and further highlight the vital role of safety, security and resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu led the tributes, congratulating Osakwe’s achievement.

“Dr Osakwe is an exceptional Nigerian and a worthy representation of Nigeria's talented, innovative, and pace-setting youth. It further solidifies his position as a global leader in the cybersecurity field,” said Tinubu.

According to Tinubu, Osakwe was honoured for his outstanding leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity and data privacy. His work, particularly in Nigeria, has been instrumental in shaping the future of cybersecurity policies and practices.

“His strategic insights and innovative approaches have been instrumental in safeguarding critical infrastructures and enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organisations,” said Tinubu.

With a career spanning over a decade, Osakwe is chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board.

Tinubu added that Osakwe’s win was a testament to the immense potential and talent of young Nigerians.

“The youth of Nigeria are our greatest asset and Dr. Osakwe’s award showcases the global impact that young African professionals are having in the cybersecurity sector. His achievement is a significant recognition of the capabilities of African professionals on the global stage,” said Tinubu.