“Security is not just a shield—it’s the foundation on which innovation thrives. When we secure systems with integrity, we don’t just protect data; we empower dreams, fuel progress, and write Africa’s future in the language of trust.” — Tope Oladele Jooda
Tope Oladele Jooda is a distinguished Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Solution Architect and cybersecurity strategist, renowned for his unwavering commitment to enhancing organizational resilience and safeguarding digital assets. With over 15 years of transformative leadership across Nigeria’s banking and consulting sectors, Tope has established himself as a trusted authority in information security management, cybersecurity compliance, and risk mitigation.
Currently serving as the Head of Security Governance, Risk & Compliance at a top-tier bank in Nigeria, he leads strategic initiatives that align cybersecurity frameworks with business objectives, ensuring adherence to global standards. His visionary approach has not only fortified the bank’s security posture but also elevated its cybersecurity maturity in industry assessments.
Core Competencies
Tope’s expertise lies in his ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies that drive compliance and operational excellence. His core competencies include:
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Proficient in cybersecurity maturity assessments, data protection, and IT risk assessment, ensuring organizational security and business continuity.
- Regulatory Compliance & Governance – Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining compliance frameworks to meet local and international cybersecurity regulations.
- Leadership & Training Excellence – As a Certified PECB Trainer, Tope has trained over 1,000 professionals in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, fostering a culture of security awareness and strategic risk management.
- Strategic Vision & Business Continuity – Adept at aligning IT processes with business goals, enabling organizations to achieve operational resilience and regulatory compliance.
Notable Achievements
- Cybersecurity Leadership: Led enterprise-wide cybersecurity compliance initiatives, elevating the cybersecurity maturity level of a top-tier bank in Nigeria through strategic implementation of security frameworks.
- Flawless ISO Recertifications: Spearheaded ISO compliance and cybersecurity awareness training, reducing phishing susceptibility from 15% to 3% within a year.
- Industry Recognition & Thought Leadership: Awarded the BAT Award of Excellence 2023 (Cybersecurity & Information Security). Served as a judge for the Dratech International Hackathon 2022, celebrating African tech innovators. His thought leadership is further amplified through impactful publications in the Guardian, advocating robust GRC frameworks in Nigeria’s digital economy.
- Consulting Excellence & Revenue Growth: During his tenure at Phillips Consulting, Tope successfully implemented and project-managed multiple cybersecurity and compliance initiatives, driving revenue growth exceeding N250 million ($1.6 million) through strategic consulting and training programs.
Unique Qualities
Tope is distinguished by his meticulous attention to detail, strategic foresight, and empathetic leadership. His ability to blend technical precision with human-centric leadership enables him to inspire cross-functional collaboration and drive cultural transformation within organizations.
His international experience across Nigeria, Gabon, and Tanzania underscores his adaptability and cultural intelligence in diverse regulatory landscapes. He envisions leveraging his expertise to pioneer AI-driven risk management solutions and influence policy development to enhance cybersecurity compliance across Africa.
With a guiding philosophy of “securing today to innovate tomorrow,” Tope continues to shape the future of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), driving transformative impact across industries and borders.
Interview with Tope Oladele Jooda
1. Can you tell us about your early journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Cybersecurity?
Tope’s Response:
My journey into Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Cybersecurity began out of a deep curiosity about how systems operate and how they can be safeguarded. Growing up in Nigeria, I was always fascinated by technology and the complexities behind securing information.
My academic background in Chemistry and Electrical Electronics Engineering gave me a solid foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. However, it was my early experiences in consulting and banking that truly shaped my career path. I saw firsthand how critical it was for organizations not just to protect data but also to align security strategies with business objectives. This realization ignited my passion for GRC and Information Security Management.
2. You have over 15 years of experience in banking and consulting. How did your career progress to your current role as Head of Security Governance, Risk & Compliance?
Tope’s Response:
My career has been a journey of continuous learning and strategic progression. I started at Phillips Consulting, where I worked as a Senior Consultant and later a Project Manager. My role involved implementing cybersecurity frameworks, compliance programs, and risk assessments for financial institutions across Africa.
Transitioning to a top-tier bank in Nigeria was a pivotal moment. Here, I lead a team responsible for security governance, compliance, and enterprise risk management. My role involves aligning cybersecurity practices with enterprise-wide risk management, ensuring compliance with industry standards and financial sector regulations.
3. You were awarded the BAT Award of Excellence 2023 for Cybersecurity & Information Security. What does this recognition mean to you?
Tope’s Response:
Receiving the BAT Award of Excellence in 2023 was a defining moment in my career. It validated my dedication to enhancing cybersecurity practices and governance frameworks. This award isn’t just mine—it’s a win for every Nigerian striving to redefine cybersecurity.
When I led a phishing reduction initiative, reducing clicks from 15% to 3%, it wasn’t about trophies; it was about protecting livelihoods. The BAT Award recognizes that impact. It also reminds me of the hard work, dedication, and trust placed in my team and our security frameworks.
4. Judging the Dratech Hackathon 2022 exposed you to Africa’s innovators. What stood out?
Tope’s Response:
The brilliance! I met a Kenyan team using AI to detect payment fraud in real-time and a Nigerian startup securing IoT devices for farmers. One team even integrated Yoruba proverbs into their cybersecurity training modules, making security awareness more relatable and impactful.
That hackathon wasn’t just a competition; it was a mirror reflecting Africa’s untapped potential. It inspired me to mentor younger professionals and help create platforms where innovation can thrive.
5. What legacy do you hope to leave in Africa’s cybersecurity landscape?
Tope’s Response:
“I want to be remembered as the architect who made GRC accessible. Not as a checkbox exercise, but as a catalyst for trust and growth.
Through my trainings, publications, and projects, I aim to build a generation of professionals who see compliance as innovation, not obstruction. When African banks rival global giants in security maturity, when startups embed privacy-by-design from day one—that’s my legacy. Every policy I draft, every professional I mentor, is a brick in that foundation.”
Closing the Interview
A Legacy of Excellence and a Vision for the Future
Tope’s impressive track record, industry recognition, and commitment to cybersecurity excellence underscore his transformative impact on Africa’s digital future.
His vision for AI-driven risk management solutions, cybersecurity education, and policy advocacy continues to shape the future of digital security across Africa and beyond.
With leaders like Tope Oladele Jooda, Africa is well on its way to becoming a global powerhouse in cybersecurity and GRC innovation.
