…as the Institute honours distinguished individuals.
By Chris Onuoha
The International President, Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, Ambassador (Dr) Oyedokun A. Oyewole, has emphasized the need for organizations and professionals both in the public and private sector of the economy to embrace forward-thinking compliance strategies, strong data governance frameworks, and ethical stewardship in the face of global regulatory shifts.
Oyewole who is also the founder of President/Founder of the International University of Information Management (IUIM) said this during the concluding ceremony of the institute’s 7th IIM United Kingdom Annual Conference, the 58th Induction & Investiture Ceremony, and the International University of Information Management (IUIM) Honorary Programme, which took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in London, UK.
The event, held under the timely theme: “Adapting to Post-Brexit Data Protection and Compliance Challenges in the UK,” attracted a distinguished audience of data protection experts, compliance professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and honorees.
It served as a high-level platform for meaningful dialogue and practical insights on navigating the evolving data protection landscape in the United Kingdom following Brexit.
Oyewole underscored that the conference marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s collective response to post-Brexit challenges, stressing that adaptation is no longer sufficient, that we must lead with insight, courage, and a strong commitment to global best practices in data and information governance and compliance.
The event featured impactful presentations and discussions on topics such as data sovereignty in the UK, divergence from the GDPR, managing cross-border compliance, and fostering digital trust.
The formal induction and investiture ceremony welcomed new professionals into IIM’s growing international network of certified/accredited members and fellows, reinforcing the Institute’s mission to build a global community of data and information management leaders.
One of the most notable highlights of the event was the recognition of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, who was honoured as the Royal Father of the Day and conferred with the prestigious Honorary Fellowship (FIIM) of the Institute.
This recognition reflects his outstanding leadership, enduring dedication to national development, and exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge and capacity building.
Another key component of the programme was the IUIM Honorary Doctorate Conferment, where distinguished individuals were honoured for their exceptional achievements in data governance, digital transformation, and exemplary leadership.
Honorees included Sir Godwin I. Achi, Steve Maingot, Abdulla Al Mamun, High Chief Richmond Hope MacGrey, Her Highness Queen Grace Eganda, and His Highness Paul Eganda.
Additionally, the event celebrated the conferment of Honorary Fellowships on respected figures including His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, the Arowotawaya II, Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa, Hon. Abimbola Oluwasona, General Secretary of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK South (NIDO UKS), Thierry A. Bayle, Founder of Global Fashion Management and the London Fashion Business Academy, Sir Godwin I. Achi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Oscorp Capital Advisors Limited, and Martin Weightman, Executive Manager at the Academy of Nutritional Medicine (AONM), United Kingdom.
In a moving and well-deserved moment, the Institute presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the Institute of Information Management and his outstanding commitment to the advancement of the data and information management ecosystem.
His visionary leadership, advocacy for diaspora engagement, and unwavering dedication to institutional development have left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring current and future generations.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the insights shared and left empowered to implement transformative data strategies within their organizations.
The conference also fostered high-level networking, creating valuable opportunities for strategic collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders, regulators, and academia.
According to Oyewole, “the Institute of Information Management (IIM) remains committed to promoting global excellence in information and data management, while the International University of Information Management (IUIM) continues its mission of developing visionary leaders and promoting knowledge through honorary recognition and academic advancement in digital governance, leadership, and innovation.”
