*Institute Inducts, Graduates, Honours Several Persons
It was an unleashing of ideas to advance the Digital Age when the Institute of Information Management (IIM) and International University of Information Management (IUIM) held the 3rd IIM Canada annual conference, the 60th IIM induction/investiture, as well as 11th IUIM graduation/conferment ceremony,in Toronto, Canada recently.
A number of Nigerians servicing the robust Canadian data and information management sector were on hand at the event, to add competency and colour to the occasion.
Thrills and excitement filled the air as cheerful-looking, resplendently-attired guests and smiling host staff exchanged pleasantries ahead of kick-off of the day’s business.
Among the hosts was the Chair, IIM Education Committee (Nigeria), Princess (Dr.) Tiwalade Fapohunda.
Some of the IIM inductees for professional fellow included Barrister Oluwatoyin Akinnola, President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sterling Prime Law Group; Ojerinde Kehinde Akhere, Assistant Account Officer, Kitan Logistics Services; and others.
For the senior professional member, there were Mr Nwachukwu Chibuzor, Facility Assistant Manager, Coventry University, UK; Sherifat Adetola Waziri, who lives in Canada; Samuel Etim Effiong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Exclusive Millennium Automobile Limited.
Among the professional member grade were Nwajagu Ogechukwu Cynthia, Customer Relations Officer, Unity Bank PLC; and Miracle Biboye Berazi, CEO, Kazola Global Logistics.
Delivering his welcome address, the International President/ Chairman, Executive Council, IIM Africa, Ambassador (Dr.) Oyedokun A. Oyewole, set the stage rolling by welcoming members of the Institute, honorees, inductees, graduates, faculty, and others to the event.
Amb. Oyewole described the theme of this year ‘s conference ‘Enhancing Data Protection and Compliance in Canada’s Digital Economy’, as timely, especially as, according to him, Canada, like many advanced economies, is navigating the complexities of a rapidly digitizing society.
Amb. Oyewole said these complexities, which include the rise of e-commerce, fintech, digital health, artificial intelligence, and cloud adoption, have seen data “become the lifeblood of the Canadian economy.”
Asserting, however, that the listed economic aspects and others come with significant risks, Amb. Oyewole listed some as cybersecurity incidents, breaches of trust, regulatory gaps, and the misuse of personal information, pointing out these “threaten not only businesses but also citizens’ rights; and national competitiveness.”
The IIM leader noted, therefore, that enhancing data protection and ensuring compliance have become central to safeguarding Canada’s digital future.
Reviewing the Canadian regulatory landscape, he highlighted that the North American nation has for long been a frontrunner in privacy legislation through her deployment of certain statues.
His words: “Canada has historically been a leader in privacy legislation through the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
“Today, reforms such as Bill C-27 the proposed Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA) and the establishment of a Personal
Information and Data Protection Tribunal
signal a new era of a c c o u n t a b i l i ty, transparency, and enforcement in Canada.
“These reforms aim to bring Canada closer to
international standards like the EU’s GDPR
while tailoring protections to Canadian
realities. For organizations, this means
stronger obligations in consent management, transparency, risk assessment,
and the protection of children’s data.
“For professionals, it means building systems that embed compliance into everyday operations, not as an afterthought but as a foundation.”
Insisting on the imperative of compliance in a digital economy, Amb. Oyewole defined compliance as “not merely about avoiding
fines or satisfying regulators. It is about
building trust as the foundation of digital
transformation.”
The International President stressed that businesses that invest in data protection earn consumer confidence, attract international
partnerships, and strengthen resilience
against cyber threats, pointing out too that “on the contrary, those that neglect compliance expose themselves to reputational harm, financial losses, and regulatory penalties.”
In Canada’s interconnected digital economy,
compliance is therefore both a legal
obligation and a “strategic differentiator”, he said.
On how cybersecurity can enhance data protection, Amb. Oyewole described both as inseparable.
He declared: “A privacy policy is meaningless if systems are vulnerable to attack, while
cybersecurity measures that ignore ethical
handling of personal data are incomplete.
“Canada’s digital ecosystem must embed
privacy-by-design and security-by-default as
standard practice. This requires not just
technology but also culture leadership that
prioritizes compliance, staff trained in best
practices, and professionals who understand
both the technical and ethical dimensions of
data stewardship.”
Acknowledging IIM’s role in the critical sector, he emphasized that the Institute is committed to advancing professional excellence in data protection and information governance globally.
“Through certifications, capacity-building programs, advocacy, and partnerships, we equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this digital-
first era.
“The International University of Information
Management complements this by
preparing graduates and honoring
distinguished professionals who embody
excellence in information management,” he said.
Challenging the inductees to wear the Institute’s values as a badge of honour and professional excellence in their fields of endeavor, Amb. Oyewole told them that they were entering into “a prestigious community committed to professional growth, ethical leadership, and global impact.”
He added: “To our graduates, I offer my warmest congratulations. Your journey of learning and perseverance has brought you to this moment, and the knowledge and skills you have gained will empower you to be leaders in your fields.
“To our honorees, today we recognize your
outstanding contributions. Your leadership,
innovation, and service inspire not only this
community but also future generations of
professionals across Canada and beyond.”
He reminded everyone that enhancing data protection and compliance is a collective responsibility of Governments, regulators, businesses, academia, and professional bodies who must collaborate to
create a secure and trusted digital environment.
Also speaking, Director, International Relations, IUIM, Dr. Collin Crooks, who equally welcomed everyone to the event, described the day as one “of celebration, of reflection, and of new beginnings.”
Looking beyond the day’s event, Dr. Crooks, who also holds the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), said the ceremony was not just about academic accomplishments, but a celebration of transformation, vision, and influence, pointing out that “it recognizes the courage to think differently, the commitment to act with integrity, and the boldness to make a lasting impact in an ever-evolving world.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Ambassador Oyedokun Oyewole.
