The CIO Awards began as a small dream during one of the most challenging times in our history – the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was initially envisioned as a tribute to the outstanding leaders in technology who kept us afloat during these times. Still, you can say that the one step we took in 2020 has indeed led us through a beautiful journey and gotten us past the thousandth mile. -Abiola Laseinde, Convener, The CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa
The CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa celebrated its fifth edition on November 30, 2024, at the Civic Center in Lagos, Nigeria. The ceremony featured a dynamic lineup of activities including a conference, exhibitions, breakout sessions, and ample networking opportunities, attracting over 2,000 participants both physically and virtually.
The conference preceding the awards ceremony focused on Digital Banking Systems in Nigeria, with keynote speaker Dr. Yemisi Olorunshola, Chairman of Wema Bank PLC, addressing critical system vulnerabilities. A panel discussion included industry experts such as Dr. Nnaji Harrison from First Bank and notable speakers from Zenith Bank PLC, Premium Trust Bank, Polaris Bank, and Unity Bank.
Abimbola Owoeye, Country Lead, DELL Technologies, Abiola Laseinde, Convener, The CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa.
The awards ceremony recognized visionary leaders from eleven African countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Nigeria. The highlight of the night was the crowning of Harmanpreet Dhillon, CTO of Airtel Nigeria, as the overall winner.
The CIO & C-Suite Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of IT executives and business leaders who are driving transformative change across Africa.
About the convener
Abiola Laseinde stands as a beacon of innovation and ethical leadership in the African business landscape. As the Founder/CEO of Edniesal Consulting, Convener of The CIO & C-Suite Awards, the CIO & C-Suite Club Africa and the Ladies-in-Tech Network, she exemplifies how passion can fuel entrepreneurial success. Her journey from a legal career to the technology sector is not just a personal transformation but a testament to the power of aligning one’s passion with purpose.
Through The CIO & C-Suite projects, she has created platforms that connect executives across various sectors, to drive the digital acceleration agenda of Africa. These projects are fostering an environment where sustainable practices can thrive.
Abiola Laseinde is a distinguished lawyer, IT enthusiast, and governance professional with over 20 years of diverse experience across various industries in Nigeria, complemented by a stint in Dubai, UAE. As a certified IFC Corporate Governance Trainer and a member of the UK Institute of Leadership and Management, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her roles.
As the CEO of Edniesal Consulting, Abiola leads a firm that offers innovative corporate services tailored to clients across multiple sectors. She is also the Founder of The CIO & C-Suite Club Africa and the Convener of The CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa, which has been celebrating excellence since its inception in 2020. The CIO & C-Suite Awards was inspired by the need to recognize and spotlight outstanding individuals and organizations driving digital transformation across Africa.
These awards aim to honor the dedicated leaders who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the seamless operation of organizations. Abiola’s vision as the convener is to celebrate these individuals so that they can be recognized not only in Africa but also on global stages. She is committed to building a Hall of Fame through these awards for potential technocrats, ensuring that we serve as a vital resource for governments and organizations seeking to empower the next generation of influential leaders.
Abiola is passionate about empowering women in technology through initiatives like The Ladies-in-Tech Network. As a dedicated advocate for gender diversity and empowerment, she has established this initiative as a vital platform for African women to connect, collaborate, and innovate within the tech industry, fostering an environment where they can thrive.
Abiola serves on several boards, including SIB Insurance Brokers and the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), and is the Chairman of NOKASH, a fintech company. Her active involvement in these organizations underscores her dedication to governance and sustainable business practices.
Previously, Abiola held significant roles as Group General Counsel/Company Secretary at PZ Cussons Africa and as Executive Secretary of the PZ Cussons Foundation. She also served as Legal Counsel for West Africa at Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Cadbury Ghana, showcasing her
extensive legal expertise. Through her initiatives and leadership, Abiola Laseinde continues to inspire others while driving impactful change across Africa’s corporate landscape.
Below is a YouTube video of the awards.
