By Olubunmi Adeniyi
Lagos. March 4, 2013: Hakeem Ajijola, a Nigerian cyber security expert and former ICT Adviser to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, has been appointed at the Organisation of Islamic Countries-Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) which fosters coordination among member nations in addressing cyber security issues.
Ajijola is to serve as the new Steering Committee Member on the team for the 2013-2014 term.
The mission of the Organisation is to provide a platform for member countries to collaborate in matters pertaining to cyber security and thus strengthen their self-reliance in cyberspace.
This is in light of the fact that Cyberspace is not borderless. While the borders of cyberspace are apparently seamless to the end user, the fact remains that every country has its own cyberspace which is defined by its national infrastructure and legal jurisdictions, OIC-CERT says.
The purpose of OIC-CERT is to encourage and support the smooth collaboration and cooperation between CERTs among the OIC member countries and other CERT stakeholders, according to the body.
Ajijola is Executive Chairman, Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Ltd., an Information Communication Technology (ICT)/ Cyber Security, Human Resources and Organisation Effectiveness consultancy firm, based in Abuja.
This firm has designed and is currently implementing Virtual Libraries in several Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria; developing institutional Strategic ICT Master Plans; facilitating capacity building and advocacy activities; and providing advice and support services to foreign investors exploring opportunities in Africa.
Before his latest appointment, Ajijola served as Senior Special Assistant Innovation and Technology to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999-2010 and is a very well regarded cyber-security expert in the Nigerian ICT industry.
Before his national assignment, he founded and was the CEO of Digital Information Systems Company (DISC) Limited, 1988-2000, a pioneer ICT firm in Nigeria. From 1985-1988, he worked with the National Geographic Society (NGS) in Washington DC.
Amirudin Wahab, CEO, CyberSecurity Malaysia who congratulated Ajijola on his appointment, expressed gratitude for the support he rendered while serving as an advisor to the chair of OIC-CERT 2012-2013.
“Thank you for your thoughts and commitment in building a remarkable organization amongst the OIC member countries,” Wahab said.
He notes that “based on the appointment, we believe your esteem organisation can contribute more to the OIC-CERT community and make the Team and effective organisation for its members. We strongly believe that your continuous support and presence in the Steering Committee will provide guidance to the OIC-CERT towards collaborative initiatives and partnerships in matters pertaining to cyber security. ”
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