Top Fintech, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence Experts Set for Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture in Lagos
The stage is set for the Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture Series, where some of Africa’s most influential fintech, cybersecurity, and national intelligence experts will converge to explore the critical nexus between cybersecurity, illicit financial flows, and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The event, themed “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa,” will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. It will feature a high-level panel discussion moderated by distinguished legal, technology, and financial sector leaders.
Meet the Speakers: Titans of Fintech, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence
Lasbery Chioma Oludimu – Fintech and Blockchain Trailblazer
Lasbery Chioma Oludimu (LLM, MCIArb, ACIS), Vice President, Global Operations, and Managing Director, Nigeria, Yellow Card Financial Inc., will bring a powerful fintech perspective to the conversation.
Oludimu oversees operations in over 20 African countries, leading initiatives that expand financial inclusion through blockchain and digital assets. As a lawyer, governance expert, and regulatory strategist, she bridges technology and compliance in the evolving fintech space.
Her accolades include being named among The Financial Technology Report’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Financial Services (2024) and a Tech Diplomacy Award nominee by Women in Tech Global. Oludimu is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a Capital Market Solicitor recognised by the Nigerian Capital Market Institute.
Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole – Africa’s First Female Blockchain Certified Professional
Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Security Officer (GCISO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) at Access Bank Plc, is one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in cybersecurity and information risk management.
With over 25 years of experience across IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk, she has served as Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management at the Nigerian Stock Exchange and sits on multiple global advisory councils.
Femi-Oyewole is a Forbes Technology Council member, the first African woman to earn Blockchain Certified Professional status, and an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer Trainer. Her elite educational portfolio spans Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Wharton, Stanford, and the University of Liverpool, among others.
She has led key national initiatives on cybercrime prevention, serving as Vice-Chair of the Global C|CISO Scheme Committee and previously heading the Standards and Evaluations Committee of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Advisory Council. Her insights will focus on strengthening Africa’s cyber resilience to achieve Agenda 2063.
Abdul Rahman Mustapha – Intelligence and Financial Security Strategist
Mr. Abdul Rahman M. Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer, Intelligence and Security Services Support Sector, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), will add a high-level national security lens to the discourse.
A strategic intelligence and financial policy professional, Mustapha integrates financial governance, defence strategy, and anti-terrorism financing. His expertise spans financial intelligence, crypto-asset regulation, and illicit financial flow disruption, with a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s AML/CFT compliance.
He has worked with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) — driving multi-agency collaboration against terrorist financing and transnational organised crime.
Mustapha’s multidisciplinary background in criminal psychology, mathematics, and forensic intelligence uniquely positions him to speak on data-driven security frameworks for financial and national defence institutions.
Lecture Chair: Justice Ayotunde Phillips to Moderate Panel
The anniversary lecture will be chaired and moderated by Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, former Chief Judge of Lagos State and former Chairperson of LASIEC (Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission). Her leadership will anchor the discourse and drive engagement across legal, financial, and governance dimensions.
The guest speaker and keynote address will be unveiled shortly, with expectations high for another intellectually charged, policy-shaping engagement.
A Tradition of Ideas Shaping National Development
Since its inception, the Realnews Anniversary Lecture Series has become one of Nigeria’s most respected thought leadership platforms — connecting policy-makers, industry experts, academics, and journalists in meaningful dialogue on Africa’s governance, economy, and security transformation.
Past speakers include:
- Amb. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (2024) – Former Chief of Staff to the President
- Dr. Edwin W. Harris Jr. (2023) – Director-General, GIABA/ECOWAS
- Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (2022) – Chairman/CEO, NDLEA
- Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote (2021) – Executive Secretary, NCDMB
- Boss Mustapha (2020) – Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- H.E. John Dramani Mahama (2019) – Former President of Ghana
- Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (2018) – INEC Chairman
- Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas among others.
Each edition has addressed critical national and continental issues — from security and governance to financial integrity, digital transformation, and economic reform.
About Realnews Magazine
Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited is an award-winning investigative journalism platform committed to promoting accountability, governance transparency, and national development.
Founded on the principles of truth, integrity, and humanity, Realnews continues to uncover the stories that shape policy decisions, empower citizens, and strengthen democracy. Its editorial ethos is captured in its timeless motto: “For God and Humanity.”
The magazine’s editors and contributors are seasoned journalists and analysts with decades of combined experience across oil and gas, finance, security, environment, and governance — making Realnews one of Nigeria’s most authoritative online publications.
BRANDECONOMY ANALYSIS: Realnews Lecture as Africa’s Intellectual Catalyst
1. Shaping Africa’s Digital and Financial Future
By convening thought leaders across fintech, cybersecurity, and intelligence, Realnews positions itself as a policy-shaping platform in the fight against illicit financial flows and digital vulnerabilities — two of the biggest threats to Africa’s economic sovereignty.
2. Linking Security and Development
The 13th Anniversary Lecture underscores the intersection between finance, technology, and national security, a nexus that will define Africa’s trajectory toward Agenda 2063 — the AU’s long-term vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
3. From Conversations to Policy Action
Over the years, Realnews has evolved from a newsroom to a national ideas lab, where critical discussions are translated into actionable frameworks influencing government, private sector, and multilateral agendas.
Event Details
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos
🎙️ Theme: Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa
📧 Enquiries: [email protected]
📰 Organised by: Realnews Magazine & Publications Ltd.
