In a significant gathering of legal, financial, and technological minds, the 13th Anniversary Lecture and Investiture of Realnews Magazine successfully dissected one of the most pressing challenges facing the African continent.
Held yesterday, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu in Ikeja, Lagos, the event, themed “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa,” served as a powerful platform to connect the dots between digital security, economic integrity, and the continent’s ambitious development goals.
Convened by veteran journalist and Publisher/Editor of Realnews, Maureen Chigbo, the event commenced with a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
Following the rendition of the National Anthem and an opening prayer, the convener delivered a warm welcome address, setting the stage for an evening of high-level discourse.
The occasion was chaired by Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, the former Chief Judge of Lagos State, whose presence lent considerable gravitas to the proceedings.
The intellectual core of the event was the theme lecture delivered by Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Dr. Aliyu meticulously outlined the intricate nexus between weak cybersecurity infrastructures and the facilitation of illicit financial flows (IFFs), which systematically drain Africa of resources vital for funding the projects outlined in Agenda 2063. His presentation set a compelling foundation for the robust discussion session that followed.
This discussion session featured a panel of esteemed experts who delved into the practical realities of the theme.
The panel included Lasbery C. Oludimu, Vice President of Global Operations at Yellow Card Financial Inc.; Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Security Officer at Access Bank PLC; and Mr. Abdul Rahman M. Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer of the Intelligence & Security Services Support Sector at the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Their diverse perspectives from fintech, banking, and law enforcement created a holistic dialogue on safeguarding Africa’s digital economy and financial systems.
A defining moment of the evening was the induction of these distinguished speakers into the Realnews Hall of Fame.
In a move that celebrated both contribution and expertise, all five key figures—Mr. Abdul Rahman M. Mustapha, Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and Lasbery C. Oludimu—were honored for their impactful work.
In her heartfelt vote of thanks, Maureen Chigbo recognized the broad support system that made the event possible, from special 
dignitaries like the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, to family, friends, and members of the Nigerian press. She expressed profound gratitude to Lasbery for sacrificing a journey out of the country to honour her and a birthday cake was cut to honour her birthday. She also extended gratitude to major sponsors, including NNPC, CBN, Shell, and Zenith Bank, among others.
The event concluded on a celebratory high note, with a massive buffet for guests and the convener herself showcasing commendable dancing prowess to classic reggae tunes, beautifully symbolizing the culmination of a dream conceived years ago and now magnificently realized.
