Nigerian Native Battles Cyber Threats for U.S. Navy Selected Sailor of the Year

Petty Officer 1st Class Adebayo Adepoju, a native of Eruwa, Nigeria, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.

Information technology advances at a staggering pace. Practically all major systems on ships, aircraft, submarines, and unmanned vehicles are networked to some degree. This includes most combat, communications, engineering, and navigation systems. While connectivity provides the military with speed, agility, and precision, it also opens numerous attack opportunities for adept cyber adversaries.

Adepoju attended Methodist Grammar School in Bodija Ibadan and graduated in 2001. Today, Adepoju uses skills and values similar to those learned in Nigeria.

“I learned the importance of resilience,” said Adepoju. “We always look for opportunities to get better. Joining the Navy was a challenge I needed to learn from. I’m thankful for the lessons I learned growing up in Nigeria that I continue to use today.”