The spotlight will be on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance as industry leaders converge for the 2025 edition of Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Lecture and Awards. Scheduled to hold on May 24, 2025, at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton, the landmark event will feature a keynote address by renowned cybersecurity strategist and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode, Prof. Adewale Obadare.
This year’s lecture, with its timely theme addressing Governance, Standardization, and Cybersecurity in the Age of AI, will serve as the curtain-raiser for the 16th edition of the ABoICT Awards—an event organized by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek to recognize the individuals and institutions driving technological advancement across Africa.
According to Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, this year’s gathering, dubbed the “ICT Growth Edition 2025,” aims to spotlight trailblazers who have significantly shaped the ICT landscape. “These are professionals and organizations whose influence and innovation have been consistently validated by our readers,” Nwogbo stated.
Speaking ahead of the event, Nwogbo emphasized the urgent need for ethical AI governance frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability in an era where AI systems are reshaping security paradigms. “AI not only enhances cybersecurity by predicting and detecting threats but also introduces new risks if left unchecked. That’s why strong governance structures and ethical principles are more important than ever,” he said.
As AI continues to transform how threats are managed—automating detection, accelerating response times, and improving risk assessment—experts warn that without the right oversight, these systems could be exploited or make critical misjudgments. The lecture will delve into these challenges while proposing collaborative solutions involving tech developers, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals.
The ABoICT Lecture series, known for hosting thought leaders who have left indelible marks on the ICT sector, has previously featured luminaries such as Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Uche Orji, Ayotunde Coker, and Prof. Isa Pantami. This tradition of excellence is set to continue in 2025 as the event doubles down on its commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation.
