Forbes technology inducts 1st Nigerian female into council

Nigeria’s Digital ICON, Confidence Staveley has become the first Nigerian female to be inducted into the famed Forbes Technology Council.

In a letter communicating the decision to Staveley, the Founder of Forbes Technology Council, Scott Gerber said it was an honour to welcome Confidence Staveley into the community.

Gerber said the Mission of Forbes Technology Councils was to bring together, proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helped every member grow professionally.

He said  the mission was also to make an even greater impact on the business world.

According to information on the council, members of the council’s elite business communities receive three pillars of value: connections, visibility and growth.

Gerber said that members had exclusive opportunity to publish their expert insights on Forbes.com.

‘’Staveley Cybersafe Foundation, through its social media platform @cybersafehq, has recorded huge strides in driving inclusive and safe digital access in Africa.

‘We are enthusiastic that this membership will help us achieve more, with Cybersafe Foundation as implementation partner, and in partnership with the UK FCDO and KPMG, Staveley played a major role in the launch of a cyber-security toolkit for SMEs in Nigeria.

‘’She is also passionate about protecting senior citizens who are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and identity theft,’’ he said.

Gerber said that through her organisation, Cybersafe Foundation, Staveley had recently launched the Pan-African cyber-security awareness tool called The Sabi Toolkit.

According to him, this tool provides users with proactive, preventive measures and practical steps to stay safe as they navigate the digital world.

“She is also passionate about closing the gender gap in technology through her two initiatives – DigiGirls and CyberGirls.

“Her induction into the Forbes Technology Council is a great testament to her works and further provides a platform to reach the wider world with her expertise.

“The council is an Invitation-Only organisation for senior-level technology executives.

“Members of the Forbes Technology Council are respected tech leaders including CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and others, selected for the council based on their deep knowledge and diverse experience in the industry,’’ he explained.

Staveley, a cybersecurity expert appreciated the honour,  adding that she was vetted and selected by a Review Committee based on the depth and diversity of experience.

According to her, the criteria for acceptance includes a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honours.

Staveley, due to her youthfulness and passion toward influencing youths in the technology ecosystem, is arguably Africa’s most celebrated female cybersecurity leader.

The founder Cybersafe Foundation is also a talent developer, global speaker, cybersecurity awareness evangelist and inclusion advocate, an award-winning cybersecurity professional, digital development enthusiast, author and entrepreneur.

She emphasised the belief  that Africans, especially the most vulnerable, should have access to technology and be equipped with cyber-risk and mitigation strategies.

Staveley has  facilitated CyberSafe Foundation’s multiple project collaborations with the UK Government, while hoping that more Nigerian women would be included in the Forbes Technology Council. (NAN)