Osazee Isonarae leads the Initiative for Youths Resource Centre (also known as iYouth Resource Centre), a non-governmental organization that champions technology-driven initiatives and the digital transformation of small businesses. As a trailblazer in his field, Osazee was part of the inaugural cohort of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre in 2015. Osazee has partnered with organizations such as the National Youth Service Corps, Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, IBM Digital Nation Africa, and the U.S. Mission Nigeria, to empower youths and small businesses. Osazee holds a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Education.

IVLP Impact Award Project: SafeCyber Community Initiative

The SafeCyber Community Initiative empowers youth and small businesses in Ikeja, Lagos State; Ibadan, Oyo State; and Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, by increasing cybersecurity awareness and enhancing digital literacy. Through workshops, training programs, conference and community outreach events, the project will educate at least 310 participants on cybersecurity best practices, equip them with essential digital skills, and foster a culture of online safety. Through proactive engagement and strategic interventions, the SafeCyber Community Initiative aims to create a safer and more secure digital environment for all community members.

So far, The SafeCyber Project made significant progress with the launch of the SafeCyber Community Initiative in Lagos, where the U.S. Consul General delivered a keynote address and Opex Consulting—a leading IT and Cybersecurity company—led an engaging session on cybersecurity best practices. Additionally, two digital literacy training sessions were held in Ibadan, focusing on digital marketing strategies, secure internet usage, and digital tool proficiency for small business owners and youths.  

More than 70 participants from Lagos and Ibadan have gained essential cybersecurity knowledge and digital literacy skills and have also started applying these practical strategies to safeguard their digital assets. This proactive approach is particularly evident among small business owners now securing their online presence and enhancing their digital operations. The SafeCyber Project has also fostered valuable partnerships with local organizations and institutions, including the American Corners in Lagos and Ibadan and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria. By utilizing these local resources, Osazee’s goal of “creating a stronger sense of community participation in addressing cybersecurity challenges” has been met.   

 

“I aim to build a cyber-resilient community, empowering youth and small businesses with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and securely, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity in an increasingly connected world.” - Osazee Isonarae

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Osazee participated in the IVLP project Advancing an Open, Reliable, and Secure Digital Economy organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute for International Education, in partnership with Global Ties Iowa, Global Ties San Francisco, Global Ties Sacramento, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, and the New York Program Branch.

Osazee’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: “[I was] inspired by discussions with law enforcement professionals in New Hampshire and guided by the innovative models showcased by Professor Mukund of Stevens Institute of Technology at Hoboken in New Jersey and Greg Morrisett, Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech, New York.”

“By integrating these invaluable lessons [learned on the IVLP], we're not just safeguarding our community from cyber threats – we're nurturing a generation of digital leaders equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.”- Osazee Isonarae

U.S. Communities Visited   

Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Iowa City, IA; New York City, NY; Manchester, NH

Country: Nigeria

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main page