Remi Afon, Six Others Named Pioneer Fellows as CSEAN Honours Diaspora Champions

The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) marked a significant milestone at this year’s Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference by inducting its very first cohort of pioneer Fellows. The association recognized seven distinguished members, led by founding president Remi Afon, for their visionary impact on Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape.

The induction ceremony, described as a defining moment for the association, was led by Dr. Peter Obadare, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode.

“This is the first set of Fellows we’ll be having at the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria,” a CSEAN official stated, noting the induction was a decision to honor founding members.

Dr. Obadare emphasized the weight of the new title: “Being a Fellow, of course, comes with a lot of responsibility. It shows that you are a distinguished member of the association with a wealth of technical experience in the field of cybersecurity.”

The seven individuals inducted as the first pioneer Fellows of CSEAN demonstrated long-standing commitment and service that inspired excellence across the Nigerian cybersecurity community; these pioneer inductees include Mr. Remi Afon (who was conferred as Fellow 001), Mr. Olatunji Igbalajobi, Mrs. Elizabeth Adekunle, Mr. Umar Sad, and three other pioneer members.

Dr. Obadari specifically praised Mr. Afon, the pioneer president, for his visionary work in leading the effort to establish the first cybersecurity expert association in Nigeria. The Fellows collectively took a solemn oath, pledging to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and committing to lead, mentor and innovate within the domain.

In addition to the Fellowship induction, CSEAN used the conference to recognize the unwavering support and sacrifice of its members residing outside the country, presenting the Diaspora Commitment Award to six outstanding individuals.

In deep appreciation of exceptional professionalism, support, dedication and unwavering commitment to advancing the vision and mission of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), we recognize the invaluable contributions of these individuals who have significantly promoted excellence, innovation and continuous collaboration within Nigeria’s cybersecurity community and beyond. The deserving recipients of the Diaspora Commitment Awards are: Chijioke Izuorgu, James Olumide Ajayi-obe, Adekunle Alabi, Babatunde Adeosun, Adedayo Adediran and Oluwaseun Ajani. With gratitude, we honour their exemplary service.

Receiving the honour on behalf of the newly inducted Fellows, Mr. Remi Afon expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I want to say thank you for this honour that has been bestowed on us. I promise that we are not going to let you down,” he stated, adding that the award should serve as an inspiration for all members to aspire to the highest level of service within the association. “I believe that with singleness of purpose, tenacity, and endurance, we’ll be able to take CSEAN to greater heights,” he assured.