Gbenga Akingbulere honored with NOVA Award

Gbenga Akingbulere, a leading figure in secure software engineering, has been honored with the prestigious NOVA Award at the United Nations for his outstanding work in digital security and inclusive innovation.

The award was presented during the Beyond Beijing 30 Summit, organized by Sanicle Cloud in partnership with UNA Nigeria, the UNESCO Center for Peace, and other global organizations.

The recognition celebrates professionals who use technology to promote equity, safety, and social progress. For Gbenga, it represents both an honor and a reminder of his mission to build systems people can trust. “Technology should never just be smart, it should be safe, fair, and human-centered,” he said. “That has been my guiding principle from day one.”

Over the years, Gbenga has led major projects that support banking and cybersecurity operations across various regions. One of his key contributions includes the development of a modular core banking system now used by financial institutions in multiple countries. The platform enhances financial access and operational efficiency while helping institutions deliver faster, safer, and more transparent services.

He also directed the creation of a digital tax payment platform for a Central African government, a project that simplified how citizens and businesses pay taxes while improving transparency and accountability in revenue management. “Innovation means little if it does not solve real problems for real people,” Gbenga said. “Our work is most meaningful when it helps citizens trust the systems that serve them.”

Another notable achievement under his leadership is an advanced anti–money laundering and counter–terrorist financing solution adopted by a leading African payment processor. The system uses artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to monitor millions of transactions daily, helping financial institutions detect potential threats more efficiently and reduce false alerts. By automating compliance processes, it has strengthened transparency and reliability in the financial technology sector.

Beyond his technical expertise, Gbenga is deeply committed to mentorship and youth empowerment. He has trained and supported many young developers, especially women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. His mentorship programs have encouraged many to pursue innovation-driven paths in technology and leadership. “I have learned that innovation only scales when opportunity does,” he said. “If girls can see themselves in technology early, they will start building solutions we have not even imagined yet.”

Gbenga’s work continues to reflect his belief that technology should improve lives, not just systems. His approach combines innovation with empathy, proving that technical excellence and human values can coexist. Whether developing advanced security solutions or guiding emerging tech leaders, he continues to show that technology built with integrity can both protect data and empower people. His recognition at the United Nations stands as a testament to his vision that true innovation can secure systems while strengthening society.