FESTUS Onyechei Ayo, son of the late Chief Ayo Ben, is a cybersecurity professional and digital inclusion advocate committed to strengthening secure technology systems and expanding equitable access to digital opportunities. He is emerging as a dynamic force in cybersecurity and digital inclusion, combining global academic training with impactful grassroots educational initiatives.
With strong academic credentials, international certifications, and impactful community engagement, Festus represents a forward-looking generation of African technology leaders dedicated to building safer and more inclusive digital ecosystems.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Benin and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity from University of Texas at Austin. His academic background combines foundational computing expertise with advanced specialization in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and infrastructure protection.
Festus is CompTIA Security+ certified, demonstrating validated expertise in network security, threat management, identity protection, and risk mitigation. He also holds a Microsoft Endpoint Administration certification, underscoring his professional capability in managing enterprise devices, enforcing compliance policies, administering Microsoft environments, and safeguarding organizational systems against evolving cyber threats.
Beyond his professional credentials, Festus has made measurable impact in the education sector. Through his digital skills initiative tagged TechUp, implemented under the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, he has successfully trained over 3,000 pupils, equipping them with foundational digital skills and cybersecurity awareness necessary to thrive in the modern knowledge economy.
A passionate advocate for digital inclusion, he believes that secure access to technology and digital literacy are powerful drivers of economic empowerment, youth development, and sustainable national growth. His work continues to bridge the gap between technology, education, and community advancement.
As digital transformation reshapes industries and societies, Festus remains committed to advancing cybersecurity excellence while empowering the next generation through inclusive technological education.
Festus Onyechei Ayo who spoke on a wide range of issues relating to digital technology in an exclusive interview with The Pointer Newspaper Government House Bureau Chief, Sunday Egede, said what
Informed his passion for embracing computer science was curiosity and the transformative power of technology. Growing up, he observed how digital tools could solve complex problems, simplify communication, and create economic opportunities. The realization that technology could bridge gaps in education, healthcare, governance, and entrepreneurship inspired him to pursue it seriously.
He was particularly motivated by the problem-solving nature of computer science, the idea that with logic, creativity, and structured thinking, one could build solutions that impact thousands or even millions of people. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a commitment to digital empowerment and capacity building.
In trying to create a better understanding on what the concept of cybersecurity and digital inclusion stand for, he saysCybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, programmes, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, or damage. It encompasses practices, technologies, and policies designed to safeguard digital assets. Key components of cybersecurity include data protection, network security, identity and access management, risk assessment and incident response. In today’s world, cybersecurity, he says, is not optional; it is foundational to trust in digital systems; whileDigital inclusion on the other hand, ensures that individuals and communities, especially underserved populations, have access to affordable internet connectivity, digital devices, digital literacy training and relevant online services. ‘Digital inclusion is about ensuring no one is left behind in the digital economy.’ He said.
On the challenges and prospects of digital literacy in Nigeria, he listed them to include the following:
Limited infrastructure – Rural and underserved communities lack reliable broadband access; high cost of devices and data – Smartphones, laptops, and internet subscriptions remain expensive for many citizens; power supply issues – Erratic electricity affects productivity and digital continuity; digital skills gap – Many citizens lack foundational and intermediate digital skills, and Cybersecurity awareness deficit – Limited knowledge of digital safety exposes users to fraud and cybercrime. While the prospects of digital literacy on the other hand, include: youthful population – Nigeria has a young, tech-curious demographic; growing start-up ecosystem – Innovation hubs in cities like Lagos and Abuja are expanding; government digital policies – Increasing policy attention toward digital economy development; remote work opportunities – Nigerians can participate in the global digital workforce, saying that Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment where digital literacy can drive economic transformation.
On his digital skills initiative tagged TechUp, he has this to say:
‘TechUp is a digital empowerment initiative designed to bridge the skills gap among young people and professionals. The core objectives include, providing foundational to advanced digital skills training; promoting cybersecurity awareness; mentorship and career guidance; supporting tech entrepreneurship; encouraging innovation and problem-solving. TechUp is built on the philosophy that digital skills are not luxury competencies; they are survival tools in the 21st century economy. The initiative focuses particularly on underserved communities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.’
On how Nigeria as a nation, can leverage on digital technology to advance sustainable development in the country? He gave the following points: E-Governance – Digitizing public services to enhance transparency and reduce corruption; Digital Agriculture – Using data analytics and mobile tools to improve agricultural productivity; Health Technology – Telemedicine and digital health records to expand healthcare access;Education Technology (EdTech) – Expanding online learning platforms and hybrid education models; and Smart Infrastructure – Data-driven urban planning and energy management.
‘Digital technology can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving efficiency, accountability, and inclusion.’ He further added.
Asked with his robust academic credentials and international certifications in the tech domain, how he would assess Nigeria’s digital infrastructure in terms of productivity, efficiency and reliability?
He says Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is improving but remains inconsistent, bringing out these points: Productivity: High potential, especially infintech and start-up ecosystems; Efficiency: Moderately improving due to digital adoption in banking and telecommunications; Reliability: Still challenged by unstable power supply, limited broadband penetration, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
While urban centers show strong digital growth, rural areas lag significantly. Bridging this divide must be a national priority.
Responding to the question on whether there is anything that we should do as a country in the digital space that we are not doing well? He responded in the affirmative marshalling out the following points:
Insufficient early digital education – Coding and digital literacy should start at primary school level; Weak cybersecurity enforcement – Stronger enforcement of cyber laws is needed; Limited public-private collaboration – Greater synergy between government and tech innovators is essential; Rural connectivity neglect – Broadband expansion should prioritize underserved areas; and Inconsistent policy implementation – Good policies exist, but execution remains weak, adding that strategic coordination and long-term planning are necessary.
In giving his words of advice for younger generation of Nigerians vis-a-vis computer literacy and digital technology, he says young Nigerians, should embrace continuous learning to enable them stay adaptable as technology evolves rapidly.
‘They should develop core skills by learning data literacy, coding fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, and digital communication; they shouldn’t just consume, they should build by creating digital products and solutions. Again, they should maintain digital ethics by using technology responsibly and lawfully. They should also think globally and compete internationally as the internet removes geographic limitations.’
He added that digital literacy is not merely about using devices, it is about leveraging technology to create value, solve problems, and shape the future.
