John Adeyefa: A Visionary Leader and Trailblazer in Ottawa’s African Canadian Community
Tuesday 18 February 2025
MP Chandra Arya pins the medal on John’s robe
John Adeyefa with his award
John Adeyefa stands as a prominent figure and visionary leader within Ottawa’s vibrant African Canadian community. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to community development, he has been a driving force in fostering unity, growth, and empowerment since 2010.
Through his tireless efforts and leadership, John has left an indelible mark on the cultural and social landscape of the Canada National Capital Region.
Born in Nigeria, John’s journey is one defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for excellence. His academic pursuits led him to Canada on a scholarship, where he earned a diploma in Building Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York.
These achievements laid the foundation for his future success and set the stage for his impactful contributions to both his professional field and his community.
John’s commitment to community development is unparalleled. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles in various associations, dedicating himself to initiatives that uplift and empower others.
His crowning achievement came in 2015 when he co-founded the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) alongside three other distinguished African community leaders.
As the President and Chair of the Board of Directors, John’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in establishing ACAO as the umbrella organization for all African community associations in the region.
Under his guidance, ACAO has flourished, becoming a beacon of unity and progress.
In recognition of his lifetime of service and dedication, John was recently honored with the title of President Emeritus of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa. His outstanding contributions have also been celebrated through numerous prestigious awards, including:
King Charles III Coronation Medal Award
Global Community Alliance Community Builder Award
Council of Nigerian Professionals Power of Inclusion Community Award
ACAO Lifetime Achievement Award
Isokan Yoruba Community Award
Professionally, John Adeyefa is a highly accomplished Cybersecurity Consultant, serving various Government of Canada departments and private businesses since 2016. His expertise lies in securing, monitoring, assessing, and analyzing cyber intrusion events and malicious incidents from across the globe.
A man of innovation and research, John is constantly seeking new solutions to complex challenges. His career spans five continents, where he has worked with some of the world’s most renowned corporations, including Nortel, Ciena, Ericsson, and the Government of Canada.
Beyond his professional and community achievements, John is a devoted family man. He is happily married and the proud father of four sons and a daughter.
John Adeyefa’s life and work exemplify the power of vision, dedication, and service. His legacy as a leader, innovator, and community builder continues to inspire and uplift those around him, making him a true trailblazer in every sense of the word.
John Adeyefa with MP Chandra Arya at the award ceremony
L-R: John Adeyefa, ACAO Executive member and fellow award winner Godlove Nwafusi