The Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26) continues to strengthen its reputation as the largest blockchain event in West Africa, bringing together leading innovators, policymakers, blockchain educators, developers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of decentralized technology across Africa.
As one of the most influential blockchain summits in Nigeria, the Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX) serves as a major Web3 conference in West Africa, where conversations around blockchain adoption, policy, innovation, and digital transformation take center stage.
At IBX26, one of the most anticipated voices is Mela Claude-Ake, the newly elected President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN). His leadership comes at a critical moment for the Nigerian blockchain ecosystem as the industry navigates regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and the broader integration of blockchain technology into the digital economy.
With his background as a lawyer, venture capital analyst, and blockchain advocate, Mela Claude-Ake brings a rare blend of legal expertise, policy insight, and strategic leadership to the Ibom Blockchain Xperience.
His participation at IBX26, widely recognized as the largest blockchain event in West Africa, reflects the event’s commitment to hosting influential leaders shaping the future of blockchain technology in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Leadership shapes the direction of any industry. At the Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26), Mela Claude-Ake, President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), will share insights from the frontlines of Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem at the largest blockchain event in West Africa and one of the most influential blockchain summits in Nigeria.
Who Is Mela Claude-Ake?
Mela Claude-Ake is a Nigerian lawyer, venture capital analyst, and blockchain advocate who currently serves as the President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN).
SiBAN is widely recognized as Nigeria’s leading self-regulatory organization for the blockchain ecosystem, playing a key role in shaping industry standards, fostering innovation, and engaging policymakers around digital asset regulation.
Before becoming President of SiBAN, Mela Claude-Ake built a strong reputation within Nigeria’s legal and technology communities through his work as the Principal Partner of Mela Claude Ake & Co, a legal and advisory firm specializing in:
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Corporate law
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Technology law
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Energy law
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Intellectual property law
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Startup financing and venture advisory
Through his legal practice, he has provided guidance to startups, technology founders, and growing companies navigating complex regulatory and funding landscapes.
His expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and startup financing has positioned him as a trusted voice within Nigeria’s evolving blockchain and fintech ecosystem.
The Election of Mela Claude-Ake as SiBAN President
In December 2025, the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) concluded its latest electoral process, ushering in a new executive council tasked with advancing the country’s digital economy.
The election resulted in Mela Claude-Ake emerging as the new President of SiBAN, succeeding Obinna Iwuno, whose leadership oversaw significant policy engagements and regulatory conversations surrounding blockchain technology and digital assets in Nigeria.
The new executive council is expected to officially assume office in January 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s blockchain industry leadership.
The incoming leadership team reflects a diverse blend of expertise across:
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law
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finance
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communications
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technology
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policy development
This multidisciplinary leadership is essential as the blockchain industry continues to evolve within a complex regulatory and innovation environment.
The New SiBAN Executive Council
Under the leadership of Mela Claude-Ake, the newly elected SiBAN executive council includes several professionals responsible for advancing different aspects of Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem.
Key members of the leadership team include:
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Chimene Chinah – Vice President I, responsible for blockchain education and ecosystem adoption
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Oroke Cornelius – Vice President II, overseeing membership development, partnerships, and funding initiatives
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Ayo Shonibare – Vice President III, responsible for policy, regulation, and ethics
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Ugochukwu Peters – Vice President IV, overseeing digital asset operations and capital markets
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Mbene Vivian – Chief Strategy Officer, leading project development and innovation programs
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Olufunmilayo Tugbobo – Financial Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
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Chiemeka David Ohajionu – Chief Communications Officer
This leadership structure demonstrates SiBAN’s commitment to strengthening blockchain development across multiple fronts including education, regulation, technology innovation, and market growth.
Mela Claude-Ake’s Vision for Nigeria’s Blockchain Industry
Following his election, Mela Claude-Ake emphasized that the Nigerian blockchain ecosystem has reached a stage where its impact on the economy can no longer be ignored.
According to him, blockchain technology now plays an important role across sectors such as:
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finance
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governance
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supply chain systems
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digital identity
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emerging digital economies
In his acceptance remarks, he emphasized the responsibility placed on the new executive council to build upon the foundation laid by previous leadership while accelerating the growth of the blockchain ecosystem.
His priorities for the association include:
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strengthening collaborative regulation
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expanding blockchain education in Nigeria
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supporting innovation and startup development
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protecting stakeholder interests
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strengthening global partnerships within the blockchain ecosystem
This leadership vision aligns strongly with the broader goals of the Ibom Blockchain Xperience, which continues to serve as a platform where innovators, regulators, and educators collaborate on the future of blockchain technology in Africa.
Why Mela Claude-Ake’s Voice Matters at IBX26
The Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26) has become widely recognized as the largest blockchain event in West Africa, bringing together experts who shape the future of blockchain technology across the continent.
As the President of SiBAN, Mela Claude-Ake operates at the intersection of blockchain policy, innovation, and ecosystem leadership.
His participation at IBX26 is particularly important because regulatory clarity and industry leadership are critical for the long-term success of blockchain adoption in Nigeria.
At IBX26, his insights are expected to focus on several key areas:
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the future of blockchain regulation in Nigeria
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the role of industry associations in Web3 development
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building trust in the digital asset ecosystem
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strengthening collaboration between government and innovators
For participants attending the largest blockchain event in West Africa, hearing directly from the President of SiBAN provides valuable perspective on how policy and innovation intersect within the blockchain industry.
Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26): The Largest Blockchain Event in West Africa
The Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX) has grown into one of the most influential blockchain summits in Nigeria and a leading Web3 conference in West Africa.
Each year, the event gathers a diverse community of participants including:
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blockchain developers
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startup founders
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policymakers
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students and technology enthusiasts
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investors and venture builders
By connecting innovators, regulators, and educators, the Ibom Blockchain Xperience creates an environment where ideas turn into real projects and collaborations.
The IBX26 edition continues this tradition by hosting some of the most influential voices in the blockchain ecosystem.
With the presence of leaders like Mela Claude-Ake, the Ibom Blockchain Xperience reinforces its position as the largest blockchain event in West Africa and one of the most important blockchain summits in Nigeria.
MITA School: Bridging Blockchain Education and Web3 Careers
As blockchain awareness grows through platforms like the Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26), one of the biggest challenges remains access to structured education and career pathways.
This is where MITA School plays an important role within the technology ecosystem.
MITA School serves as a bridge between emerging talent and the Web3 economy, helping students move from curiosity to career readiness through structured blockchain education and practical technology training.
The institution focuses on:
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Web3 development training
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blockchain skills education
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mentorship and technical guidance
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preparing students for technology careers
By equipping learners with practical skills, MITA School helps individuals transition from learning about blockchain technology to actively building solutions within the Web3 ecosystem.
For many participants attending the Ibom Blockchain Xperience, institutions like MITA School provide the next step after discovering opportunities in blockchain innovation.
What to Expect from Mela Claude-Ake at IBX26
At Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26), Mela Claude-Ake is expected to provide important insights into the evolving regulatory and innovation landscape of the blockchain industry.
His session will likely explore:
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the role of industry leadership in blockchain growth
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how Nigeria can strengthen its position in the global Web3 ecosystem
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strategies for responsible blockchain adoption
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the importance of collaboration between regulators and innovators
These insights will be valuable for entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and policymakers attending the largest blockchain event in West Africa.
How to Register for IBX26
Registration for Ibom Blockchain Xperience 2026 is currently open.
Prospective attendees can visit the official IBX26 registration platform via the event website to secure participation slots. Early registration is highly recommended due to structured programming and limited capacity categories.
For partnerships and strategic collaborations, inquiries can be directed to:
FAQ Section
What is the Ibom Blockchain Xperience?
The Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX) is widely regarded as the largest blockchain event in West Africa, bringing together experts, innovators, and policymakers to discuss blockchain technology and Web3 innovation.
Who is Mela Claude-Ake?
Mela Claude-Ake is a Nigerian lawyer, venture capital analyst, and the President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN).
What does SiBAN do?
SiBAN is Nigeria’s leading self-regulatory organization for the blockchain ecosystem, focused on industry standards, innovation, and policy engagement around digital assets.
Why is IBX considered the largest blockchain event in West Africa?
The Ibom Blockchain Xperience attracts developers, founders, policymakers, and educators from across Africa, making it one of the most influential blockchain summits in Nigeria and West Africa.
How can someone start a career in blockchain in Nigeria?
Individuals interested in blockchain careers can begin by attending events like the Ibom Blockchain Xperience (IBX26) and enrolling in structured learning programs at institutions such as MITA School, which provides training in Web3 development and blockchain technology.
