A Conversation with Moyosore Kukoyi, Forward Edge Consulting CEO

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical priority for both public and private sectors globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Moyosore Kukoyi, the visionary leader behind Forward Edge Consulting, has been at the forefront of these efforts, driving impactful initiatives like the Cybersecurity Study Tour in Turkey.

In this exclusive interview with Naija News, Moyosore sheds light on the inspiration behind his cybersecurity initiatives, the role of state and private sector collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s cyber infrastructure, and the unique approach of his consulting firm to address cybersecurity challenges.

Through Cybermo, a persona designed to demystify cybersecurity, Moyosore also makes cybersecurity more accessible to a wider audience. In this insightful conversation, he talks about the importance of cybersecurity awareness, the growing need for local talent, and how Forward Edge is helping to shape Nigeria’s cybersecurity future.

Moyosore, it’s great to have you with us today. Let’s start with the recently concluded Cybersecurity Study Tour in Turkey. Can you tell us what inspired you to organize this initiative and what your goals were for the program?

Thank you; it’s a pleasure to be here. The inspiration behind the Cybersecurity Study Tour was the growing need for cybersecurity resilience, particularly in Nigeria. As digital transformation accelerates across various sectors, cyber threats become more sophisticated. I wanted to create an opportunity for public and private sector leaders to learn from international best practices. The study tour aimed to foster collaboration, highlight the importance of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, and introduce participants to innovative solutions they could bring back to their organizations. It was about seeing what’s possible globally and finding ways to apply that in Nigeria.

That’s fantastic. You had representatives from several state governments and organizations join the tour. How important was their participation, and what does it mean for cybersecurity efforts in Nigeria?

Their participation was absolutely crucial. Having representatives from state governments like Ebonyi and Taraba, alongside private sector leaders like NDIC and Providus Bank, showed that Nigeria is ready to take cybersecurity seriously. These are key players in our country’s infrastructure, and their involvement signals a collective commitment to improving cybersecurity at both the state and national levels. I believe their presence and engagement in this tour will help drive new policies, better security frameworks, and stronger collaboration across sectors, which is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.

It’s great to see that kind of dedication. You’re clearly making a significant impact in the cybersecurity field. Can you share with us how Forward Edge Consulting is positioned to help organizations with cybersecurity solutions, and what makes your approach unique?

At Forward Edge Consulting, we’ve always been about empowering organizations with tailored cybersecurity solutions. What makes us unique is that we don’t just offer off-the-shelf services. We understand that each organization has specific needs, and we work closely with them to develop strategies that are aligned with their goals and the threats they face. Our expertise spans various sectors, and we integrate global best practices while considering local challenges. Whether it’s through training, strategic consulting, or implementing security frameworks, we aim to provide long-term value, not just quick fixes.

Speaking of training, I’ve noticed that you have a persona called Cybermo that’s quite active online. What inspired you to create Cybermo, and what do you aim to achieve with this persona?

Cybermo was born out of my desire to make cybersecurity accessible to everyone, not just tech professionals. I realized that many people were intimidated by the complexity of cybersecurity, so I wanted to create a persona that could break down those barriers. Cybermo allows me to connect with the general public, educate them on best practices, and guide individuals who are interested in starting a cybersecurity career. The goal is to make cybersecurity approachable and relatable. Whether it’s tips for protecting personal information or strategies for securing organizations, Cybermo serves as a bridge to make these concepts easy to understand and apply.

That’s an innovative approach! How has Cybermo been received by your audience, and what platforms can people find Cybermo on?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate the simple, straightforward way that Cybermo delivers valuable information, and it’s really helped to raise awareness about cybersecurity in Nigeria. You can find Cybermo across all social media platforms with the handle @iamcybermo. It’s an engaging way for both individuals and businesses to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and learn how to protect themselves in the digital space.

It’s great that you’re making cybersecurity accessible to everyone. Can you tell us more about Forward Edge’s training programs and how they’re helping to build local talent in Nigeria?

One of our key missions at Forward Edge is to build a strong pool of cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria. We run several training programs, including our Cybersecurity Bootcamp, which has helped hundreds of individuals acquire the skills needed to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity. We focus on both theoretical and hands-on practical training. Cybermo also plays a big part in this by engaging with people online and encouraging them to explore the field of cybersecurity. Through these initiatives, we’re training individuals and helping build a cyber-aware culture in Nigeria.

Wow, interesting, it’s clear you’ve been doing remarkable work in training individuals through Forward Edge’s cybersecurity programs. However, we know that scaling these efforts to reach more talented youth, especially in Nigeria, requires funding and collaboration. How can organizations and governments get involved in supporting these initiatives?

That’s a fundamental question, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. Nigeria has a wealth of talented youth with the potential to make significant contributions to cybersecurity, but many lack access to proper training and resources. At Forward Edge, we’ve taken the initiative to bridge that gap. In fact, for our last Cybersecurity Bootcamp 2.0, I sponsored 90% of the participants—many of whom are now making strides globally in cybersecurity. Some of these participants weren’t even based in Nigeria, which shows that the talent we’re nurturing has a far-reaching impact.

But we need more collaboration and investment to make a national impact truly. We are open to partnerships with state governments, private organizations, and international bodies that see the value in training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. It doesn’t take much to invest in training these youth, and the returns are immeasurable—not just for them personally, but for the country as a whole. A skilled and well-equipped workforce is key to building a cyber-resilient Nigeria.

By working together, we can scale these training programs and ensure that every state, organization, and institution has access to the talent needed to protect their digital assets. So, I encourage any organization or government body that is willing to support us in this mission to reach out. Together, we can create a future where Nigeria is not just a participant, but a leader in global cybersecurity.

 

 

 

 

Interviewer: Your work is clearly making an impact. For individuals who want to start a career in cybersecurity, what advice would you give them, and how can they get involved with Forward Edge and Cybermo?

Moyosore Kukoyi: My advice to anyone looking to get into cybersecurity is to start now and be committed to continuous learning. Cybersecurity is a field that’s constantly evolving, so staying updated is key. At Forward Edge, we offer various training programs for people at different stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, we have programs that can help you. Cybermo also provides valuable content online to help individuals navigate their way through the cybersecurity space. I encourage everyone to follow @iamcybermo on social media and engage with the resources we offer. There are plenty of opportunities in this field, and we’re here to guide you through them.

Interviewer: Lastly, what message do you want to leave with Nigerian organizations and individuals about the importance of cybersecurity?

Moyosore Kukoyi: Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a national priority. Every organization, whether public or private, has a role to play in securing Nigeria’s digital future. We’ve seen the devastating effects of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, businesses, and even individuals. The more we collaborate, invest in talent development, and take cybersecurity seriously, the more resilient we’ll become as a nation. Cybermo is committed to raising awareness, and Forward Edge is ready to provide the expertise and solutions needed to build a safer digital environment for everyone. Together, we can create a more secure and prosperous future.

Interviewer: Thank you so much, Moyosore. We’re excited to see the continued impact of your work through Forward Edge and Cybermo. Wishing you the best in your efforts!

Moyosore Kukoyi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure. Let’s continue to build a cyber-resilient Nigeria together.