The President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), Obinna Iwuno, has faced recent challenges and criticisms regarding his leadership. Despite the ongoing distractions from a few individuals within the organization, Iwuno remains steadfast in his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s blockchain industry. His vision, driven by innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, continues to shape SiBAN’s future, even as opposition attempts to slow down progress.
In the past weeks, Iwuno has addressed negative blog posts and internal power struggles, which he refers to as distractions. These attempts to undermine his leadership, according to Iwuno, come from a few “entitled elements” within SiBAN who are resistant to the new direction he is leading the organization toward. These individuals, Iwuno claims, are clinging to outdated systems of control and are unwilling to embrace the necessary changes needed to keep SiBAN relevant in the fast-evolving blockchain space.
SiBAN, under Iwuno’s administration, has been working towards a more decentralized and transparent governance system—values that align with the core principles of blockchain technology. His leadership team includes respected thought leaders and practitioners such as Rabiu Abdulhameed Jibia, Dania Oluwaseun Narudeen, Emeka Ezike, and Mela Claude Ake. Together, they are pushing for reforms that would promote inclusivity and innovation within SiBAN.
Much of the criticism Iwuno has received comes from individuals with vested interests in the old ways of running SiBAN. He specifically points to former leaders, including Senator Ihenyen, the previous SiBAN president, whom Iwuno defeated in the last elections. According to Iwuno, some of these individuals have refused to concede defeat gracefully and are instead working to destabilize the organization from within.
Further, Iwuno called out certain people, such as Chris Ani, who is not even a registered SiBAN member, for attempting to reduce the organization to a mere WhatsApp group. He also highlighted the lack of involvement from former key figures like Paul Ezeafulukwe and Emmanuel Babalola, who have been absent from industry events and discussions. Iwuno criticized these individuals for trying to hijack SiBAN’s leadership and maintain control over the association, despite their limited contribution to its growth.
“These attacks are not a reflection of the hard work we’ve done but rather the handiwork of a few individuals who refuse to embrace the change and innovation we represent,” Iwuno explained in a statement.
Despite these distractions, Iwuno remains focused on the larger goal—positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global blockchain industry. His administration has made significant strides in achieving this by working with regulators, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to ensure proper regulation and growth of the blockchain space in Nigeria.
SiBAN is also actively engaging with international partners to foster greater collaboration in the blockchain industry. The organization has been working on increasing Nigeria’s participation in the global blockchain conversation by building networks, providing educational resources, and promoting blockchain’s potential in areas like finance, logistics, and governance.
Iwuno’s administration has a strong emphasis on community-driven efforts and transparency in decision-making. They are dedicated to ensuring that SiBAN remains inclusive and forward-thinking, focusing on the long-term benefits of blockchain technology for the country.
The internal struggles within SiBAN reflect a broader challenge in many Nigerian organizations where progress is often met with resistance from conservative forces. These forces are keen to maintain power and control, even when it comes at the cost of innovation and development. In the blockchain industry, which thrives on decentralization and disruption, overcoming these internal battles is essential.
Iwuno’s push for modernization, inclusivity, and transparency has earned him both praise and criticism. However, he remains resolute in his belief that SiBAN’s mission is too important to be sidelined by a few disgruntled individuals. His leadership has been crucial in bringing SiBAN to its current level of influence, and his vision for the future is clear: SiBAN will continue to lead the charge in promoting blockchain adoption and innovation in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, Iwuno is optimistic about the future. SiBAN’s progress in engaging with regulators, forming international partnerships, and increasing local participation in blockchain development are key indicators of the organization’s growing influence.
The internal opposition, according to Iwuno, is simply an attempt to slow down this progress. However, his administration remains focused on its goals. With continued support from key stakeholders and the blockchain community, SiBAN is poised to become a major hub for blockchain innovation in Africa.
As Iwuno puts it, “The work we are doing at SiBAN is too important to be sidetracked by a few disgruntled individuals who prefer the old way of doing things. We are here to innovate, to push Nigeria forward in the blockchain space, and no amount of negative press or internal opposition will stop us from achieving our goals.”
SiBAN’s future, under Iwuno’s leadership, remains bright, and the organization is only just getting started on its journey to transform Nigeria’s blockchain landscape.
Obinna Iwuno faces opposition from individuals resistant to changes in SiBAN.SiBAN’s leadership is focused on decentralization, transparency, and blockchain adoption.Despite internal conflicts, SiBAN is making progress in positioning Nigeria as a global blockchain leader.Iwuno remains committed to innovation and will not let distractions derail SiBAN’s mission.
