NNC 2025
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NNC 2025
Meet the Voices Shaping the Future
Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of experts, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders who are shaping the future of sustainable growth across Nigeria and the Nordics. Each speaker brings a wealth of experience and perspective in key areas central to this year
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Get inspired by the brilliant minds shaping the future.
Our speakers represent a diverse mix of thought leaders, industry pioneers, and changemakers. Through their expertise, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on innovation, sustainability, and the opportunities driving global business
Dr. Bosun Tijani
Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of Nigeria.
Dr. Bosun Tijani is a Nigerian entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and policymaker recognized for advancing technology and entrepreneurship across Africa. As Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, he is leading efforts to build a knowledge-based economy driven by digital innovation and inclusive growth.
Before his ministerial role, Dr. Tijani co-founded and led Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) Africa’s pioneering innovation hub—for over a decade, where he nurtured startups and shaped digital policy. His earlier career included roles with Hewlett-Packard’s Global Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme in Africa and DeliveryKing in the UK.
He holds a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development (University of Leicester), an MSc in Information Systems and Management (Warwick Business School), and a BSc in Economics (University of Jos). A passionate advocate for technology-driven development, Dr. Tijani continues to shape conversations on innovation and Africa’s economic transformation.
Lina Gandløse Hansen
State Secretary for Trade & Investment of Denmark
Lina Gandløse Hansen is State Secretary for Trade & Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark since 2022.
She has over 20 years of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including serving as Trade Commissioner in Paris and Washington D.C., as well as Consul General in Munich. In 2020, she assumed the position of Head of the Export and Innovation Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2000, she completed a Bachelor's degree at Copenhagen Business School. In 2004, she earned an MSc in IT with a specialization in E-business from the IT University of Copenhagen. Most recently, in 2013, she completed Executive Education through the GSM program at Harvard Business School.
Jarno Syrjälä
Deputy Minister for International Trade of Finland
Jarno Syrjälä is Finland's Deputy Minister for International Trade, a position he has held since 1 September 2023. In this role, he leads Finland's international trade policy, focusing on export promotion, investment attraction, and the reform of the Team Finland network.
Syrjälä joined the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1990. His extensive diplomatic career includes serving as Finland's Ambassador to China from 2017 to 2021, as well as postings in Riyadh, Berlin, Washington, Tel Aviv, Jakarta, and Ramallah. He has also held leadership positions within the Ministry, including Director General of the Department for Africa and the Middle East.
Syrjälä holds a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Vaasa, which recognised him as Alumnus of the Year in 2023. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to international trade, economic diplomacy, and Finland’s foreign relations.
Roosevelt Ogbonna
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Group
Roosevelt Ogbonna was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Group in May 2022. Prior to this, he served as the Bank’s Group Deputy Managing Director from 2017 and as Executive Director from 2013. A consummate banking professional with over 25 years of experience, he joined Access Bank in 2002 from Guaranty Trust Bank and has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bank’s transformation into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
Mr. Ogbonna’s academic and professional credentials reflect a deep commitment to excellence. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB). He is also a CFA charter holder, an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executive Fellow Program, and the Harvard Business School General Management Program. His educational background includes a Master’s in Business Administration from IMD Business School, Switzerland; an LL.M. in International Corporate & Commercial Law from King’s College, London; an Executive MBA from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business; and a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Olatunbosun Alake
Olatunbosun Alake, Lagos State, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.
Olatunbosun Alake is a technology and business executive with 15 years of experience driving digital transformation, innovation, and data-driven decision-making across multiple industries.
Currently serving as the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Lagos State, he has led groundbreaking initiatives that have significantly impacted the state’s digital landscape.
Johan Frisell
Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Johan Frisell serves as Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a role he assumed on 15 August 2025. In this capacity, he leads the Department for Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing Sweden’s diplomatic engagement and policy development across the region.
Prior to his current appointment, Ambassador Frisell served as Security Policy Director at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs from 2021 to 2025. Between 2017 and 2021, he was Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy in Berlin, and from 2014 to 2017, he held the position of Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh.
Since joining the Swedish diplomatic service in 1994, Ambassador Frisell has held a range of international postings, including assignments in St. Petersburg and Nairobi. He has also served as Deputy Representative to the European Union Political and Security Committee in Brussels. In Stockholm, his previous roles have included Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister and Head of Division for Eastern Europe at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Frisell is fluent in Swedish, English, German, Russian, and French. He is married and has three children.
Frederik Klinke
CEO and Country Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria
Frederik Klinke is the CEO and Country Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, overseeing operations in Apapa, Onne, and Kano. As part of APM Terminals’ Africa & Europe Regional Leadership Team, he drives efficiency, connectivity, and reliability across West Africa. He also serves as Vice President of EuroCham Nigeria, promoting trade and investment.
Mr. Klinke holds degrees in economics and strategic finance from Copenhagen University and IMD Geneva, and began his career as an Army officer before transitioning into logistics leadership roles with Maersk and APM Terminals across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Ijeoma Ozulumba
Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Development Bank of Nigeria
Ijeoma Ozulumba is a seasoned finance and banking executive with over 30 years’ experience across corporate strategy, financial management, and development finance.
She currently serves as Executive Director & CFO at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), where she leads treasury, corporate development, investor relations and financial reporting functions.
Her career includes senior roles at Continental Trust Bank Ltd, MBC International Bank Ltd, FinBank Plc, and international exposure as a finance manager/consultant in Canadian financial institutions.
She has also managed budgeting and reporting for major Nigerian corporations.
Terje Osmundsen
Chief Executive Officer, Empower New Energy
Terje Osmundsen is the Chief Executive Officer of Empower New Energy, where he leads strategy, investment, and operations in solar energy projects across Africa.
Previously, he spent eight years as Head of Business Development at Scatec Solar, building a strong track record in scaling renewable solutions in emerging markets.
His leadership roots extend to major firms such as Kvaerner, Telenor, Saga Petroleum, and Alcatel, and he has also served as Chief Political Adviser to the Norwegian Prime Minister.
He holds board roles in innovative energy ventures like SolarDuck and Norsk e-Fuel, and is recognized as a thought leader and speaker on clean energy and sustainable investment.
Peter Olusoji Ogundele
Country Manager and Managing Director,
Ericsson
Peter Olusoji Ogundele is a seasoned telecommunications executive with over 20 years of experience in ICT across West and Southern Africa.
He has led multi-country operations managing portfolios exceeding $100 million annually, achieving strong KPI performance and year-on-year revenue growth.
His expertise spans strategic account management, customer relationship development, regulatory engagement, and large-scale service delivery.
Peter holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and a Postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, complemented by executive programmes with McKinsey & Company and Ericsson.
He is recognised for his leadership in 5G thought development, negotiation of high-value contracts, and ability to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that drive business success.
Adesuwa Ladoja
Managing Director/CEO of
Lagos Free Zone
Adesuwa Ladoja is a seasoned infrastructure development expert who was pivotal in the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, from financial close in 2020 to construction completion in 2022 and commercial operation in 2023.
In July 2024, she was appointed MD/CEO of Lagos Free Zone.
With a background in commercial practice and litigation, she spent over 10 years at KPMG Professional Services, specializing in Tax, Regulatory, and People Services.
Adesuwa holds an LL.B Hons from Obafemi Awolowo University and an LL.M Hons in International Business Law
from King’s College, University of London.
She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and a notary public of the Nigerian Supreme Court.
H. E. Mr. Svein Baera
Ambassador, Norwegian Embassy in Abuja
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Mr. Svein Baera is a Norwegian diplomat. He has been with the Norwegian Foreign Service since 1996. He has served at foreign missions in Washington D.C., Pretoria, Dar es Salaam and Abuja. Mr. Baera has worked on a wide range of policy areas including security policy, development aid, research and communication.
Mr. Baera has a military education and served as a regular officer in the Norwegian army before joining the Foreign Service. He has three children.
Naana Winful Fynn
Regional Director - West Africa, Norfund
Naana Winful Fynn is Regional Director for West Africa at Norfund, leading its investment strategy and operations in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and neighbouring countries.
With more than 15 years’ experience, she brings expertise in financial services, real estate, investments, strategy, and advisory, having worked with institutions like Goldman Sachs, Sagevest Holdings, Travant Real Estate,
CVS Corporation and Timberland.
Since 2018, she has overseen Norfund’s growing portfolio across sectors including scalable enterprises, waste management, renewable energy and value-added agriculture/manufacturing, emphasising jobs, ESG standards, local sourcing and value addition.
She holds a BA from Vassar College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Ifeanyi Ossai
DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Ifeanyi Ossai is a lawyer, entrepreneur and the current Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Nigeria and a Master’s degree in Information Technology, Media, and E-Commerce Law from the University of Essex, United Kingdom.
Ifeanyi Ossai’s passion for public service was ignited early in his professional journey, having begun his career as a legislative intern in the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives. In this role, he provided legislative research, administrative support, and advocacy on parliamentary matters—experiences that laid a solid foundation for his future engagements in law and governance.
He also served as Legal Officer at the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), contributing to regulatory negotiations and interconnectivity agreements, and managing legal interactions with external solicitors.
Between 2002 and 2005, Mr. Ossai practiced law with Ade Okeaya-Inneh SAN & Co., a prominent legal firm in Abuja, Nigeria, where he represented clients in various courts and tribunals. His areas of expertise included commercial law, contract negotiations, advertising regulation, and telecommunications law. He later became a partner at Pearl Partnership, a law firm where he continued to offer legal advisory services, particularly in intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific legal issues.
Demonstrating a commitment to social justice, Mr. Ossai served as pro bono counsel with the Nigerian Legal Aid Council, providing legal representation for indigent citizens, particularly in criminal cases. In 2007, he was appointed Senior Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Information and Media, where he further advanced public policy and media regulation discourse.
His leadership extends to corporate governance, having served on the boards of several organizations, including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He has also worked as a consultant for various local and international organizations, offering strategic insights across multiple sectors.
He was sworn in as Deputy Governor on 29 May 2023 and plays a pivotal role in advancing governance, public policy, and human capital development in Enugu State, Nigeria. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to inclusive development, institutional reform, and sustainable growth.
Oula Järvinen
AI Transformation Lead, GoFore
Oula Järvinen is a strategic AI leader at GoFore with over 20 years of experience in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and XaaS business.
Human-centered yet business-driven, he has pioneered innovations
since filing his first AI/ML patent in 2011.
Known for his design thinking leadership and analytical strength, Oula inspires teams and guides global
organizations toward sustainable, tech-enabled growth.
As a visionary founder, he builds value through trusted partnerships and bold ideas.
Marco Rebecchi
Country Manager, Nokia
Marco Rebecchi is Country Manager, Nigeria & Ghana at Nokia, responsible for leading Nokia’s commercial, operational and strategic activities in both markets.
With over 20 years in the telecom sector, his career spans leadership roles at Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent and Telecom Italia. Before assuming his current post in mid-2023, he managed Nokia’s business in Ghana and was deeply involved in operations, customer delivery and network engineering.
He holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, equipping him with strong technical and managerial expertise.
Bankole Oloruntoba
Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center
Bankole Oloruntoba is the CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), a World Bank and Government of Nigeria initiative supporting the growth of a sustainable green economy.
A leading voice in entrepreneurship and climate innovation, he previously managed Enspire Business Incubator and founded the Network of Incubators and Innovators in Nigeria (NINe). He serves as Honorary Consul of Finland in Nigeria and was a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Technology and Creativity.
With expertise in business model development, incubation management, and ecosystem strategy, Bankole drives innovation, sustainability, and climate-focused entrepreneurship across Nigeria and West Africa.
Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack
Moderator of NNC 2025
Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack is an international broadcast journalist, strategic communications expert, and leading advocate for inclusive governance.
She anchors Kaakaki The African Voice and hosts Gender Agenda on AIT, focusing on current affairs and public policy. Adaora has served in key public roles, including as Mission Envoy on Peace for the National Orientation Agency and advisor to the former Governor of Imo State.
A UN Peace Ambassador and one of WAFA’s 100 most influential African women, she chaired the AU’s Women and Gender Cluster Committee (2020–2022). She is also a columnist and author of the bestselling book Politics X and Power.
- Address: Refer to invitation
- Date: 21 October 2025
- Time: 09:00 - 17:00
