CONGRATULATIONS! James Olorundare Emerges eGovernment Advocate of the Year 2026: Why the Award Is More Than Just Another Recognition

CONGRATULATIONS! James Olorundare Emerges eGovernment Advocate of the Year 2026: Why The Award Is More Than Just Another Recognition

President of the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, Engr. James Kunle Olorundare, SMIEEE, has been honoured with the eGovernment Advocate of the Year 2026 Award at the eGovernment Excellence Awards held in Lagos.

Olorundare received the prestigious recognition on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, for his contributions to digital governance, Internet development, digital inclusion and technology-driven capacity building in Nigeria.

The Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, in a congratulatory message, described the award as a reflection of Olorundare’s commitment to promoting an inclusive digital economy and ensuring that the benefits of technology reach both urban communities and underserved grassroots populations.

Under his leadership, the chapter has placed significant emphasis on expanding digital access and empowering groups including indigenous women, young people and small business owners.

Through targeted programmes on cybersecurity, digital safety and e-commerce, the chapter has supported local entrepreneurs with skills to participate more effectively in the digital economy.

One of the major areas highlighted was the chapter’s nationwide celebration of Safer Internet Day, which has grown into a national awareness movement involving activities across all 36 states of Nigeria.

The initiative focuses on equipping young people with digital literacy while providing teachers with specialised training to help create safer online environments.

Olorundare has also been involved in initiatives aimed at encouraging more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through annual International Girls in ICT Day programmes.

The chapter also highlighted his advocacy for women in technology and efforts to create opportunities for women to emerge as leaders and innovators within the technology ecosystem.

At the policy level, Olorundare has represented the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter in multistakeholder engagements, including the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF-MAG).

He has also coordinated the Nigerian School on Internet Governance (NSIG) for four consecutive editions, providing a platform for policymakers, academics and emerging leaders to deepen their understanding of Internet governance.

Another major initiative credited to his leadership is the Nigerian School on Data and AI Governance, described by the chapter as the first initiative of its kind in Africa, aimed at strengthening knowledge and capacity around artificial intelligence and data governance.

His international engagements have also included his role as an ISOC Global Community Advocate Fellow for 2026, where he works within the Safe Internet track to promote frameworks focused on user protection and device security.

As a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (SMIEEE), Olorundare has equally contributed to discussions around engineering standards, Internet protocols and architectures through engagements associated with the IETF and IRTF.

The Internet Society Nigeria Chapter said the recognition goes beyond an individual achievement, describing it as an acknowledgment of sustained efforts toward digital inclusion, innovation, service and the development of an Internet that works for everyone.

The chapter also noted that Olorundare dedicated the award to his mother and the memory of his father, who died in February 2026.

According to the chapter, his late father’s legacy of service and standing up for others continues to inspire his work.

The Internet Society Nigeria Chapter congratulated Olorundare on the recognition, expressing confidence that his leadership would continue to contribute to Nigeria’s digital development and the wider African and global technology ecosystem.