By: Oluwadare Esther Funke

Roy Okonkwo, an AI and Cybersecurity specialist at Deloitte United States, has been honoured as the 109th recipient of The Connected Awards’ prestigious Global Tech Hero certification. Following powerful attestations from his peers and mentors, Roy has been recognized for his exceptional contributions, skills, and profound impact in the field.

He joins a list of distinguished professionals, becoming the 15th honoree in the Security category, alongside notable names such as Anna Enuma Ezegbu, Ceasar Waweru, Daniel Ademeso, Folaranmi Abolade Felix, Iheanacho Samuel Chukwu, Jentle Emmanuel Esuong, Mumuni Mohammed, Olajide Claudius-Akinyemi, Olufemi Adeleye, Onuorah Mary, Prince Coumba Ndoffene DIOUF, Terpase Gagher, Yackson Oluwasesan, and Abiodun Olaniyan.

Roy’s peers have spoken highly of his technical expertise and leadership. Global Tech Hero Abisiga Mojeed praised Roy as “an extraordinary talent, whose groundbreaking work in AI-driven cybersecurity, especially in zero-day ransomware detection, sets him apart. His ability to lead high-impact projects, such as developing AI-enabled anti-counterfeiting solutions, speaks to his innovative mindset and transformative impact on the tech ecosystem.”

Another attestation came from Global Tech Hero Itunu (B.) Olufemi remarked, “Roy’s dedication to continual learning and excellence makes him a role model for aspiring tech professionals globally. As part of Deloitte’s Cyber and Strategic Risk team, his work has far-reaching implications for global security. His leadership in AI innovation is pivotal to creating a safer, smarter future.”

Qazeem Oladejo, founder of The Connected Awards, emphasized Roy’s outstanding contributions, saying, “From his attestations, Roy has distinguished himself by his work on ethical design and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for private and public sector decision-making. His efforts continue to shape a more secure and technologically advanced future.”

In his acceptance speech, Roy acknowledged the transformative potential of AI and cybersecurity, stressing the importance of balancing innovation with trust, security, and privacy. He emphasized that his work is not just about advancing technology but also about making the world a safer, fairer, and more inclusive place. Roy called for breaking down barriers and ensuring that the benefits of AI reach everyone, regardless of background or geography. He expressed deep gratitude to The Connected Awards for recognizing leaders in this critical field, stating that the recognition further motivates him to push the boundaries of AI and cybersecurity.