Working at a Nigerian bank might look, from the outside, like the daily routine of accountors and cashiers. But behind every seamless transaction, there may well be a woman in tech managing the intricate worlds of technology, cybersecurity, and identity management.

As the world evolves, so do the institutions within it. Today's tech trivia spotlights Eniola Peace Adenuga, a Cybersecurity Analyst at First Bank of Nigeria. With more than three years of experience in the technology industry, her career has spanned data centre operations, IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and financial technology.

She currently works in cybersecurity within the Information Security function of one of Nigeria's largest financial institutions — a leading African banking group with a significant international footprint and operations serving millions of customers across multiple markets. Roles like hers have become central to Nigerian banking as financial services shift to digital channels and as regulators such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission have strengthened requirements around data protection, incident reporting, and information security governance.

"Being part of such a large and complex organisation has allowed me to work on technology and security challenges at an enterprise and international scale," Eniola said.

One of the experiences that significantly shaped her career, she recalled, was working in a data centre, where she gained hands-on exposure to critical infrastructure, servers, networking, systems availability, and the operational processes needed to keep technology environments secure and reliable.

Working with enterprise technologies has enabled her to contribute directly to strengthening security, improving access management, and enhancing the reliability of the systems underpinning a major financial ecosystem.

Eniola holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science along with professional certifications including ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+, and Microsoft SC-300 — credentials that map to foundational security knowledge, network and threat defence, and identity and access administration respectively. She is passionate about continuous learning and about building expertise across cybersecurity, cloud, identity, and emerging technologies.

Beyond her technical work, she is enthusiastic about storytelling, videography, leadership, and mentoring young people exploring careers in technology. She believes technology is not only about the systems we build or secure, but also about the people we empower and the opportunities we create. Her path also reflects a broader conversation in the industry: global workforce studies, including (ISC)²'s Cybersecurity Workforce Study, have repeatedly reported that women remain a minority of the cybersecurity workforce, making profiles of practitioners like her a visible reference point for newcomers considering the field.

What does a typical morning look like for you?

My mornings are basically prayer, tea, and a little "God Abeg" — because apparently I fight crime and save lives. Also, the world doesn't run itself.

What is your gadget setup?

A simple productivity setup: my laptop for work and learning, a smartphone for staying connected, reliable Wi-Fi, a phone stand, headphones, and a monitor every once in a while. Everything I need to stay connected, focused, and productive.

Which tools and apps can't you do without?

Copilot, ChatGPT, Microsoft Office packages, Jira, and VPN and security tools.

How do you unwind and recharge?

I step away from the screen, pray, read, listen to podcasts, and explore new ideas. Sometimes a simple conversation with someone inspiring, or learning something completely outside my field, is enough to spark a fresh perspective.

What music, shows or podcasts are you enjoying at the moment?

Spotify, YouTube, and Notes.

If you could create or improve one tech solution, what would it be?

A personal life-management assistant that connects your calendar, finances, goals, learning, health routines, and daily tasks in one place — not just reminding you what to do, but helping you prioritise, make better decisions, and stay accountable. Anyone ready to build it? Name suggestion: LUMA — Life Upgrade & Management Assistant.

What problem in the tech industry would you most like to solve?

I'd love to make it easier for people starting out in cybersecurity to find their path. I'd build a platform providing clear career roadmaps, quality learning resources, mentorship, practical projects, and access to job opportunities — helping beginners move from learning the basics to building successful careers and eventually becoming leaders in the industry.

Who is your biggest tech inspiration, and why?

Funke Opeke inspires me because she went beyond building a successful tech company; she played a major role in strengthening Africa's digital infrastructure. Her journey, especially in building MainOne and expanding connectivity across Africa, reminds me that women can lead in technically complex spaces and create solutions that impact entire industries.

What quote keeps you motivated?

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" — Marianne Williamson. This inspires me because it reminds me not to shrink myself or be afraid of my potential. It challenges me to embrace my abilities, take up space, and use what I have to create impact and empower others. I bless the day a friend shared this with me, and it has stuck ever since.

What stories would you like to read more about on TechNext24?

I'd love to read about women in cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies — especially women whose journeys show how they navigated challenges, built successful careers, and created opportunities for others.