In an age where data fuels economies and powers innovation, the importance of safeguarding personal information has never been greater. At the helm of this critical mission within Alberta’s Ministry of Technology and Innovation stands Odunayo Oyasiji, a dynamic Senior Privacy Advisor whose work is reshaping how government approaches privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical technology use.

With over a decade of cross-jurisdictional legal experience and bar admissions spanning New York, Alberta, Ontario, and Nigeria, Odunayo brings to the table a rare blend of global perspective and local insight. But it’s not just his credentials that make him a game changer; it’s the bold, strategic, and innovative ways he’s weaving privacy into the fabric of Alberta’s digital governance.

Since joining the Ministry in 2022, Odunayo has been instrumental in embedding privacy principles at the heart of Alberta’s technology transformation. Far from treating privacy as an afterthought or regulatory checkbox, he’s championed a “privacy by design” philosophy, ensuring that data protection is considered from the earliest stages of every government technology project.

Whether advising on the province’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy Development or overseeing the negotiation of high-stakes contracts with global tech giants, Odunayo’s approach is marked by rigor, foresight, and creativity. His work on agreements has ensured that the privacy rights of Albertans are safeguarded without stifling innovation.

Odunayo isn’t afraid to push boundaries. He’s shown that government can embrace cutting-edge technology, cloud computing, AI, and automation, while still upholding the highest standards of data stewardship.

In the complex world of public sector technology procurement, Odunayo has emerged as a trusted advisor and strategist. His legal expertise and commercial acumen have been pivotal in ensuring that Alberta secures technological solutions that are not only cost-effective but also privacy-compliant and future-proof.

Take, for example, his role in reviewing the terms of cloud services deal. Rather than accept boilerplate agreements, Odunayo meticulously ensured the data protection clauses align with Alberta’s privacy laws, cybersecurity policies, and risk frameworks. The result? A contract that delivers value for taxpayers while protecting sensitive data against misuse or unauthorized access.

His work on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions further illustrates his impact. By bridging legal, technical, and operational perspectives, Odunayo helps ensure that technology procurement decisions serve both immediate and long-term public interests.

As governments increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to improve services and operations, concerns about ethics, bias, and privacy loom large. Odunayo’s leadership has been critical in helping Alberta navigate these uncharted waters.

By developing and delivering training on privacy law, data security, and ethical AI, he’s equipping public servants with the knowledge they need to make responsible decisions. His involvement in shaping policies around AI and data analytics demonstrates a keen awareness of both opportunity and risk, ensuring that Alberta can harness the power of AI without compromising its citizens’ rights.

Odunayo’s ability to drive change in Alberta’s government is no accident. It reflects a career marked by versatility, integrity, and results. From representing the Central Bank of Nigeria in high-stakes litigation, to advising multinational corporations on complex data-sharing agreements, to publishing thought leadership on international trade law, he’s repeatedly demonstrated his capacity to tackle legal challenges at the highest levels.

What sets him apart is his commitment to solution-oriented lawyering. Whether drafting data processing agreements, negotiating SaaS contracts, or conducting privacy impact assessments, Odunayo focuses on creating pathways that align legal compliance with business and policy goals.

His work at the Ministry of Technology and Innovation exemplifies this approach. Every privacy breach investigation he leads, every cross-government matter he coordinates, reflects a deep dedication to protecting public trust.

A Vision for the Future
Odunayo’s work is more than just a response to today’s challenge. it’s a blueprint for the future of public sector privacy leadership. He envisions an Alberta where privacy is not just protected but celebrated as a cornerstone of good governance and innovation. Where technological procurement processes are models of transparency, accountability, and ethics. Where data-driven initiatives earn public confidence because they are built on a foundation of respect for individual rights.

His ongoing engagement with international privacy frameworks, including CIPP/C, CIPP/E,CIPP/US, CIPM and AIGP certifications, ensures that Alberta benefits from global best practices. In an era where data has no borders, this global outlook is not just valuable, it’s essential.

Odunayo Oyasiji is not just Alberta’s Senior Privacy Advisor, he’s a catalyst for change, a guardian of digital rights, and an architect of a smarter, safer, and more ethical public sector. His work at the Ministry of Technology and Innovation is redefining what it means for the government to lead in privacy and data protection.

As Alberta continues its digital transformation, Odunayo’s leadership ensures that privacy and innovation go hand in hand, not as competing priorities, but as partners in progress. For citizens, businesses, and policymakers alike, that’s a future worth celebrating.