By Ayomide Oladeji
Dr Ololade Usman Bakare is a visionary leader, accomplished digital transformation expert, cybersecurity leader, and respected public advocate whose life journey reflects genuine commitment to service, innovation, and the advancement of secured digital governance. As a distinguished cyber-security expert with more than 17 years of leadership in Information Technology (IT), Banking and Public Service, Dr Bakare has distinguished himself as a cybersecurity expert with untainted career.
Dr Bakare has years of frontline experience protecting critical systems and shaping national conversations on digital safety, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and people-centered leadership to his gubernatorial aspiration in Oyo State.
The young and energetic Bakare hails from Iyanda’s Compound, Isale Bode, Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, He was born in Ibadan over four decades ago. The IT savvy Bakare was raised in a community that valued hard work, integrity, and collective progress.
Dr Bakare had his primary education at the Molete Baptist Goodwill Nursery and Primary School, Idi-Odo, Challenge and proceeded to famous Government College, Ibadan and Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan for his secondary education.
Dr Bakare developed an early curiosity for problem-solving and technology. This passion led him to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso where he studied Computer Science and earned Bachelor of Technology Degree. With his thirst for knowledge, Dr Bakare proceeded to Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, for his Master’s Degree in Information Security. Upon his graduation from the Royal Holloway University, London, Dr Bakare has continued to distinguish himself as one of the most forward-thinking professionals in the field. Recently, in recognition of his extensive contributions to Nigeria’s public service, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Public Administration by Prowess University, Delaware, USA.
Dr Bakare began his professional journey in 2008 at First Bank Nigeria Plc, Marina, Lagos, while at Marina, he worked as a Banking Assistant with core responsibilities spanning; operations, customer service, relationship management, IT user support, internal control and revenue assurance. Two years later, he joined Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as an officer and rose through the ranks to become Senior Manager in charge of Cybersecurity Risk Management. His productive and result-oriented career at the FIRS positioned him to lead transformative projects in the public sector including; Tax Returns & Payment Processing, Tax Rulings & Advisory, Automation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Taxpayer Register Cleansing among others.
Dr Bakare’s consistency in the IT industry has earned him professional certifications in Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), ISO 27032 Lead Cybersecurity Manager, Certified National Accountant (CNA) and Chartered Tax Professional among others. He is an active member of multiple distinguished bodies like; Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) among others.
He is also recognized for mentoring and coaching teams to fulfil organizational goals, formulating business and system strategy, and pioneering digital initiatives aimed at plugging revenue leakages and enhancing operational efficiency.
His expertise spans cyber-policy development, data protection, cyber-crime investigation support, and capacity building for security teams. Through trainings, workshops, and public sensitization programs, he has empowered thousands of young people, civil servants, and business owners with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. Dr. Bakare is deeply involved in community development and capacity building of young and upcoming professionals: As Director of Training & Education for the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), he has overseen the national “STOP.THINK. CONNECT” cyber awareness campaign, led monthly lectures on topical information security issues, and educated citizens on cyber threats, he served as Director of Certifications for ISACA’s Abuja Chapter, leading CISA and CISM review classes and helping many candidates pass their exams with strong results, he advises boards, executive committees, and heads of functions, helping organizations embed enterprise information security strategy, strengthen risk posture, and defend against cyber threats.
Beyond community, leadership and initiative, Dr Bakare is a founder of several initiatives, including; Igbega Oyo Initiative – a social and democratic movement advocating inclusive development in education, healthcare and economic empowerment, Centre for Digital Leadership in Africa (CEDELA) – “where innovative leaders are made”, CEDELA Technology Park, Innovate Naija, Code for Development (CODE4D) and iRES, a 24/7 Cybersecurity Incident Response Hotline.
Dr Bakare has attended several training and courses within and outside the shore of Nigeria for almost two decades; UK National Cyber Security Centre(NCSC) Innovators Challenge 2023, E-Government Capacity Building Training, South Korea, Building 21st Century Enterprise Data Centre, South Africa, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Management, Dubai, Advanced Taxation Course/Final Inspector of Taxes Course(FIT), National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, FIRS Nigeria and others.
He was on national assignments as member, Technical Committee on Implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Digital Transformation-Technical Working Group (DT-TWG)-2020, Technical committee on integration of NCS, FIRS, FRSC and MLAs or National Vehicle Registration System- 2016 among others.
Yet, beyond his technical achievements, Dr Bakare is driven by a deep belief that technology should serve people—and that good governance should protect and empower every citizen. His transition into public leadership stems from witnessing firsthand how digital vulnerabilities reflect broader issues of weak institutions, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of strategic planning. He envisions a future where technology strengthens accountability, improves public services, and opens inclusive opportunities for economic growth.
As a gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Dr Bakare champions a governance agenda built on transparency, innovation, and human development. He believes that a secure and prosperous state begins with strong institutions, digitally-enabled public services, and leadership that listens. His proposed reforms emphasize education, youth empowerment, job creation, agricultural modernization, and the protection of citizens and businesses from cyber-related threats. With a firm understanding of global best practices, he aims to position the state as a model for digitally driven development in the region.
Known for his humility, discipline, and collaborative spirit, Dr Bakare has earned the respect of community leaders, professionals, and grassroots stakeholders alike. His philanthropic initiatives—particularly in digital literacy, scholarships, and community development—demonstrate his heart for service and inclusive growth.
Today, Dr Ololade Usman Bakare stands ready to bring integrity, competence, and futuristic thinking into public administration. His life’s work reflects a clear vision: to build a secure, innovative, and people-centered Oyo state where every citizen can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Ayomide Oladeji writes from Ibadan.
