Meet our 25Under25 winners for 2023
Meet the people who are making a difference in their community – they’re both dreamers and doers.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
Busayo Ademuyiwa - Busayo Ademuyiwa Foundation
Ademuyiwa Busayo is a lover of life, a passionate volunteer, an education advocate, and a graduate of political science from the University of Lagos. She firmly believes that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, should have access to quality education. Her foundation, Busayo Ademuyiwa Foundation, was inspired by her realization of the transformative power of education to affect people’s lives and the larger community. Through her foundation’s various programs, they have visited over 10 schools in Lagos, donated educational materials, organized debate and quiz competitions among schools and communities to promote critical thinking and healthy competition, set up a library in a school without one, and made it accessible to learners in the community on weekends to promote literacy, organized career talks and community events, worked with over 50 volunteers, etc. However, they also recognize that there is still much work to be done, such as teachers training for the professional development of these teachers and to improve their student’s learning outcomes, etc. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Students by The Studentpreneur Initiative In 2021, she was also nominated for the Nigeria’s 25 Under 25 Award.
AGRICULTURE
Mariam Adebayo - Madeochills Limited
Mariam Adebayo has been a passionate advocate for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) from her early years. She has over two years of experience in law, social impact, and food processing, and aims to bring socially disadvantaged children the opportunities they need to be educated and become better adults. In alignment with her goal to promote healthy living, Mariam created Madeochills, a natural sweetener business that fights against diabetes, hypertension, and other life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, she has volunteered with many non-governmental organizations like the Steering for Greatness Foundation and graduated from the Orange Corner Incubation program organized by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Mariam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and is licensed to practice in Nigeria. Mariam is dedicated to advancing her career and ambitions in the agricultural sector and is also happily married.
ARTS, CRAFT & CULTURE
Testimony Ipaye - Tesabel Creations
Testimony Oluwatise Ipaye is a young entrepreneur and graduate of Nile University of Nigeria. She also is a public speaker, red-carpet host, content creator, phone videographer, and media consultant. At the age of 17, while still at university, she started Tesabel Creations with a drive to be independent and comfortable financially. Tesabel Creations is an Ankara Prints Brand that deals with the production and sale of Ankara books, bags, and other accessories. It was started on the 19th of September, 2018. Since 2018, Tesabel Creations has sold several Ankara books, bags, bangles, chains, earrings and frames. It is also about launching another collection of products completely different from the initial ones but still with a touch of Ankara prints. Over the years, Tesabel Creations has gotten a lot of innovations and creative ideas and has made sure to bring everything out with a touch of the African Ankara prints as the main aim of the brand is to showcase the African culture via this method.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
Akinselure Oluwatoni - Glammbytoni
Oluwatoni is a student at the University of Lagos obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Law. She is passionate about arts and the creative expression of the mind, through creative writing, visual arts, and music. Oluwatoni launched Glammbytoni officially five years ago on the 20th of August, 2018 while still in secondary school as she began to observe people’s growing appreciation for her skill. The 20-year-old makeup artist has built her business over the past five years with a wealth of experience and worked with diverse clientele ranging from Christian Gospel artists to Ex-big Brother housemates. Oluwatoni is a promising young woman who is driven by God and the community. She believes that man is a steward of God’s gifts and that he ought to utilize them with a sense of responsibility to God.
CREATIVE WRITING & CONTENT CREATION
Olawumi Loye - StudySthetics
Wumi Loye is the creator of StudySthetics. She is a graduate of Covenant University with a B.Eng in Information and Communication Engineering. She is passionate about helping young adults to be better versions of themselves. She started content creation in December 2021 and has consistently grown a community that wants to grow in different aspects of their lives. Her brand focuses on mental health for students, budgeting as a student, having a consistent routine, and proper planning. She has developed a project where over 100 young adults can commit to at least 30 days of growth in focus areas like building intimacy with God, career development, mental health, and self-development.
E-COMMERCE
Doyinsola Abike Okunola - Smileabelle
Doyinsola Abike Okunola was born in Abuja, Nigeria, in 1996 into the family of Mr and Mrs Okunola who later moved to Ibadan in 2001, where she would later obtain her Bachelor’s degree. Though Doyinsola obtained a degree in Theatre and Media Studies from the prestigious University of Ibadan, she has always been enthusiastic about business and creating value from her childhood. This passion geared her towards obtaining a certificate in digital and consumer marketing from the Renowned Lagos Business School and an online certification from Wharton University of Pennsylvania. Still in the passion for Business and creating value, Doyinsola founded Smileabelle, a haircare brand dedicated to enabling the everyday woman to embrace the beauty and dynamics of her hair by providing necessary haircare tools and useful hair tips to help grow healthy and beautiful hair. Doyinsola strongly believes that success starts from within! Her mantra is “The ability to be great is a potential seed inside every individual and the world is an oyster to bloom that seed of greatness.”
EDUCATION
Frank Samuel Chigozirim - FIN FITNESS CLINIC FFC
Frank Samuel is a young entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of delivering quality education to young people across Africa. He is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology Owerri where he studied Geology and founded his financial education startup – Financial Fitness Clinic -FFC in 2021 that has empowered over 10,000 young people with financial literacy skills to help them make better financial decisions and reduce the wealth inequality gap in Africa. With a very young and passionate team, he is plugging the huge financial education gap present in the academic curriculum of our high schools and universities.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
Isiaka Taiwo and Kehinde - The Trills Consulting
Born at the onset of the 21st century, Isiaka Taiwo & Kehinde are identical twins currently pursuing studies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the prestigious University of Ibadan. In 2020, they co-founded The Trills Consulting. Initially launched as an online electronics store and a provider of repair services for rechargeable electronics, the company’s focus evolved. In 2021, they embarked on a Green-tech journey with the goal of reducing human impact on the environment and promoting energy sustainability. This vision led them to successfully initiate 94 solar-powered projects across Nigeria, alongside a sewage biodigester initiative. Expanding further in 2022, they ventured into electrical installation, completing four significant projects. In 2023, Isiaka Taiwo & Kehinde delved into Smart Home Automation, enhancing comfort and simplifying daily life with one successful project already implemented. Their future aspirations include entering the Electric Vehicle Industry. Their guiding principles are centered around “Prioritizing Quality and Precision, Honoring Commitments, and Establishing a World-Class Brand.”
ENVIRONMENT & INTERIOR DECOR
Zainab Abike Kadiri-Lawal - Zannytecture Recycling Company Ltd
Zainab Abike Kadiri-Lawal is the team lead of Zannytecture Recycling Company Limited, a waste management company that converts Tyre and Pet bottles into furniture and other creativities. She’s a certified Upcycler from Pearl Recycling through the sponsorship of the US Government, and a certified Waste Manager at Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). She had her National Diploma program at Yaba College of Technology in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology. She started her business out of a need to be financially independent. Along the line, she discovered that to achieve her goal, she needed to be intentional about adding value to society through advocacy against environmental unsustainability and pollution. She’s dedicated to research and offering courses on waste management and environmental sustainability. She belongs to different environmental sustainability organizations due to her passion for environmental sustainability and she’s also serving as the EETF Lagos state representative, an organization that focuses on environmental sustainability. Her hobbies are waste picking, publicizing occasions, networking, and socializing. If there’s anything she loves doing, it’s service to humanity and sustaining the environment.
EVENT PLANNING
ESEOGHENE OGHENERHORO - EMORA EVENT SERVICES
Eseoghene Oghenerhoro is an event specialist, who is also a graduate of biochemistry from Delta State University, loves traveling, and has a disciplined character. She has a passion for coordination and also likes meeting new people, hence bringing her to her choice of career in event planning. She’s very dedicated and hardworking. She started as an event staff, before starting her brand in 2020 She has trained under Sapphire Events and other numerous prestigious event companies.
FASHION
Oladimeji Olasunkanmi - The Emoji Brand
Oladimeji Olasunkanmi; (MideCan) is an entrepreneur who is passionate about giving street fashion a different and unique class of affordable luxury, he founded The EMOJI Brand in 2018 and has been leading the brand ever since. He is a humanitarian who wants a great life for everyone around him. He is an advocate for good mental health for the male gender, an aspiring media personality, and a lover of art & fashion. MideCan as he calls himself believes every human has the power to do more if he chooses to be extraordinary.
FINANCE & FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
Okunade Boluwaduro - Vestducation Services Limited
Okunade Boluwaduro is undoubtedly a face to reckon with in the financial space, especially for young people, fondly called the grand commander of the Finance Republic (GCFR). Bolu Okunade is a TEDx speaker He boasts of certifications from institutes like Technion Isreal Institute of Technology and Oral Roberts University. He runs with a burning vision to see young people as legitimate wealthy, this has led to his invitation to more than 100 platforms to give speeches. He recently held the ‘early millionaires’ conference, a conference dedicated to training young people to become early millionaires which has about 1500+ people in attendance. His mentorship program has seen over 1,000 people in both free and paid sessions in attendance, While training over 4000+ people through his newsletters. He is the founder and lead analyst of Tradewithbolu with over 3000 successful students enrolled in various courses. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Zee Realty (a real estate company committed to simplifying the property acquisition process for the average GEN-Z. He is also the CEO of Vestducation, a company committed to simplifying investment education for the common man. His impact has been recognized with many awards such as the: Entrepreneur of the Year (2023 skilled awards) The Entrepreneur of the Year (2023 AEIES awards) Special recognition as a ‘light in the business sector by the Light Conference Army 2023
FOOD & DRINKS
Shekoni Jemima Oluwagbemisola - Mima4u
SHEKONI, Jemima Oluwagbemisola is a Snackpreneur with over 2 years of experience. She is the brain behind the brand Mima4u aimed at providing quality, delicious, and healthy snacks. She is a recent graduate of Physiotherapy at the Obafemi Awolowo University. She is an alumnus of the Business Innovation Program at the Lagos Business School, she was a mentee of the Shecan Nigeria Mentorship program, and an alumnus of the Flourish Program. She is a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and a member of the Student Build incubation program among others. SHEKONI, Jemima Oluwagbemisola is not just an entrepreneur but also delights in volunteering activities and is passionate about impacting people positively and giving back to society. She volunteered as the Director of Growth at Envisage Hub, the Lead Strategist of Bekind Intiate, member of Slum2School among others. SHEKONI, Jemima Oluwagbemisola loves to cook, clean, bake, and read. She is a lover of God and children.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
Vivian Arinze - Vivian The Masseuse And Services
At an early age, Vivian discovered her love for helping others. She was the one who always provided a comforting touch or a reassuring hug to friends and family, instinctively understanding the power and comfort of human touch. She pursued and earned a BSc in human physiology because she was passionate about enhancing overall human comfort. She also volunteered at the local hospital, providing companionship and support to patients. It was during these formative years that you recognized your calling to pursue a career in massage therapy. After graduating, she attended the “Spalon Healing Hands Institute for Massage Therapy” where she was exposed to a wide array of techniques including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage, facials, among others. Upon completion of her course, she started a mobile massage clinic at the tender age of 22, aptly named “Vivian the masseuse” which was designed in a way whereby she comes to a client location to render her services.’ This quickly became a haven for those seeking relief from the stress and tension of daily life at the comfort of their homes. She has a unique approach to each client, tailor-making every massage to meet their individual needs, using your skills not just to relieve physical tension but also to promote overall wellness. She is well-respected and loved in her community. Her clients appreciate her empathetic nature, skillful hands, and commitment to their well-being. As a 25-year-old massage therapist, her journey has only just begun. future is filled with the promise of countless individuals yet to be touched by her healing hands, and the countless experiences yet to be learned from them. She looks forward to the journey ahead, knowing that every step will bring her closer to your goal of promoting wellness and happiness through the power of touch.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
Maryam Adebusola Adeola - The Ominira Hub Nigeria Ltd
Maryam Adebusola Adeola is an undergraduate law student at the University of Ibadan and the Chief Operating Officer of Explore Africa with The Moria. She is an enthusiast of positive changes, true leadership, and SDGs 8,9 and 11: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Sustainable Cities and Communities, respectively, and a Nominee of FOYA Global Awards Most Promising Founder of the Year. Maryam is passionate about African culture, tourism, economy, heritage, arts, and all its potential, so she established the brand that seeks to promote tourism in Africa, motivate Africans and non-Africans to explore, visit, know, and learn more about African people, places, culture, heritage, and arts Explore Africa with The Moria. She is also working towards using this initiative to promote ecotourism in Africa by influencing people to visit, donate, and clean up water-body tourist attractions such as Islands and beaches, wildlife tourist attractions such as Safari, Game Reserves and National Parks, and Cultural and Heritage Sites to help in achieving SDG 9, 11 and 14. She also intends to use this initiative to provide jobs for hundreds of thousands of people in Africa, the reason she has been building it consistently since September 2021 at the expense of using her allowances without earning from it or getting financial support from anyone, because she believes it can help in making the world a better place and achieving SDG 8. When she is not working on her academics or career, she immerses herself in improving her financial intelligence by reading books, taking courses, and watching videos on personal finance, business, investing, and personal development.
MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS
Ojapinwa Racheal Olamide - De'bella creation Ltd
Racheal Ojapinwa is a fashion entrepreneur who started her fashion brand in 2020 while in her third year at the university. She is a graduate of the department of Forestry and wood technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Her fashion brand which produces fashionably functional and durable leather and fabric bags for Men, women and children has since grown from a one-man company to having a staff strength of 7 vibrant youths ( 3 full-time and 4 part-time). Her business aligns with SDG goals 1, 5, 8, and 9 which are No poverty, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and industry, innovation, and infrastructure. She is an Alumna of the academy for women entrepreneurs, an exchange program by U.S. government /White House. In 2022, her business which was established in Ondo state, Nigeria was selected as one of the 10 most innovative Businesses in Ondo state. She was awarded the certificate of excellence in leadership education at the JAMIE PAJOEL leadership conference 2023. She has empowered over 50 youths both online and offline in her craft and has helped create job opportunities for many. Her goal is to bridge the demand and supply gap for locally-made bags in the Nigerian market and globally through mass production. She aims to take her beautifully crafted bags from Nigeria to the rest of the world, to compete on the global stage, and to train at least 2 thousand Nigerian youths in her craft by the year 2030. Racheal is goal-driven, ambitious, and resilient. She is a firm believer in the fact that “where there is a will, there is always a way”.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Pamela Godwin Williams - Aidos Creations
Pamela Williams is a creative and versatile professional with an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong background in media and business. With a proven track record of success in these fields and a keen eye for creativity and innovation, she possesses the skills and expertise necessary to excel in diverse environments. Her experience in media has honed her communication and storytelling abilities, while her business acumen enables her to drive strategic initiatives and deliver impactful results. Additionally, her proficiency in project management allows her to flawlessly execute projects of varying scales. Above all, her passion for humanity fuels her commitment to making a positive difference in the world through media. She is the Creative Director of Aidos Creations, an excellent media agency in Abuja, Nigeria that offers creative solutions in Branding and Graphic Designs,Photography and Videography (The Aidos Studios), Social Media Management and Marketing, and Website Design and Development to a growing clientele base. As an event compere and planner, she delivers excellently when called upon. With an impact of over 300 persons, she is very passionate about young creatives using their voice and talent to advocate for change in their world.
MUSIC
David Bolaji
David Bolaji is a Professional, versatile, dedicated, and well-grounded Saxophonist and Musician. He started his music career years ago as a young boy in the church choir and orchestra, which he has been able to consistently nurture over the years. He is currently working on an Album which will be Unveiled soon. His approach to different genres of music is second to none, he has served, worked, and impacted so many lives with his musical prowess. He Graduated from the Mountain Top Conservatory of Music where he obtained his Diploma degree in music. David Bolaji also studied and got his grade 8 saxophone performance certificate with distinction at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London popularly known as ABRSM. David Bolaji is a lover of God and Humanity. He is the founder of the Youth of Purpose and Tarry to carries global outreach ministries.
PERFORMING ARTS
Arinze Chinonso - Mc Rockstar
Arinze Chinonso is a dynamic master of Ceremony / Compere and TV / Radio Presenter. Popularly known as MC Rockstar (Your host with the most) As a Compere, MC Rockstar has consistently delivered outstanding value to clients across several industries and sectors. This has made him the choice MC by Multinational companies, Health Associations, Non-profits, educational and faith-based organizations as well as high net-worth individuals and other social enterprises. For a career that started from nothing in church, as far back as 2015, he has some achievements to his name. At 22 he became a sports presenter with Accelerate TV (Access Bank). Also, He was named Best Mc in the just concluded AAUCMA awards and he has gone on to win a series of awards. His style can be described as a blend of humor – rib-cracking- cracking clean ethical and family-friendly jokes, crowd engagement, and energetic delivery based on the client’s needs with an abundance of courtesy for clients and guests alike. He was mentored by Nigeria’s leading emcees – Alibaba, Ik Osakioduwa, and Joyce Daniels. Aside from being a great host with massive experience and one of the fastest rising comperes, He is also a Medical Doctor who is passionate about mental health, a public health advocate, and a prolific brand influencer.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Faturoti Ayodeji - Zebra Photography
uroti Ayodeji, an award-winning photographer popularly known as Zebra is a Multi-talented, resourceful, focused, and hardworking entrepreneur. He’s the founder and managing director of Zebra Photography, a fast-growing multimedia brand born from his strong entrepreneurial spirit and hard-core passion for photography. His ability to share reflective views via his work is nothing short of amazing, duly aided by his rich background in History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos. He’s quite committed to youth empowerment via means of photography, a commitment shown by the multiple Photography Workshops he hosts to impart first-hand knowledge from his rich experiences of almost a decade as a professional photographer who was self-taught working daily from the streets of Lagos. A lot of youths as beneficiaries of these quality trainings that also include gaining retouching and editing skills, providing free studio sessions for young photographers who cannot afford to pay for one, and also who do not have photography gear to carry out a successful shoot. He’s not done with contributing to society as he’s actively looking for ways to expand on this and reach more people. He has worked with many international brands, personalities, and celebrities as well as on a host of different photography and videography projects. Credited or not, you’ll most likely have come across a few of his works in the media industry. Highly recognized with a humble amount of awards and nominations to his name 1. Nigeria Hype Awards: Student Entrepreneur of the Year ’19 2. The Entrepreneur Africa: Young Entrepreneur of the Year ’19 3. 9mobile Photography Competition: Top 3 4. Nigeria Achievers Awards S8: Entrepreneur of the Year 5. All Varieties Awards: Photography Brand of the Year, Most Enterprising Youth of the Year, Student Photography Award
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
VICTOR NJOKU - IUVENUS BUSINESS CONSULT (IBCS)
Victor Njoku is a seasoned business consultant and founder of IUVENUS BUSINESS CONSULTS (IBCS), a business consulting agency with the mission to provide expert advice, legal business registration services, and guidance to organizations seeking to better their efficiency and overall performance. Victor, an accomplished team lead with a proven track record of driving organizational success, has extensive experience in strategy development, legal business registrations, process optimization, and team management. He has consistently delivered innovative solutions that propel businesses forward. His ability to identify growth opportunities, coupled with his strong leadership skills, makes him a valuable asset in navigating complex challenges. Victor’s dedication to fostering collaboration and inspiring teams sets him apart, making him an ideal choice for businesses aiming to elevate their performance and achieve strategic objectives. He is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and hails from Ihechiowa in Abia state.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Oluwadunsin Bolaji - DunsinCraft Collection Limited
Oluwadunsin Bolaji, the founder of DunsinCraft Collection LTD, is a leading force in the Afrocentric Accessory Brand industry. With a global movement promoting sustainable African-inspired bags and accessories, Oluwadunsin is dedicated to empowering individuals through skill acquisition, business development training, and entrepreneurship support. What sets Oluwadunsin apart is her innovative approach to empowerment. Collaborating with reputable organizations such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) & the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), she has expanded her reach and delivered impactful hands-on skill acquisition training. Oluwadunsin’s commitment to sustainability shines through her remarkable initiative of upcycling fabric scraps into school bags for underprivileged children which has impacted the lives of 1,677 children. Engaging with prestigious programs and initiatives such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, She Leads Africa, Fashionomics Africa, FATE Foundation, and Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Oluwadunsin showcases her unwavering dedication to continuous learning and networking within the entrepreneurial community. Her passion for empowering young girls and women, coupled with her innovative ideas and commitment to sustainability, makes her an exceptional leader driving positive change and socio-economic development in countless lives and communities.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
ENIOLA ROBERT - ENNIE DESIGNS
Eniola Robert is a graphic designer, a product designer, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Ennie Designs, a brand that specializes in igniting SME brand success through dynamic graphic design, impactful branding, and top-quality printing solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Physics from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Nigeria. While in school, she earned multiple awards under her belt, including the ‘Best Graphic Designer of the Year’ award by the National Association of Physics Students (NAPS TASUED). Eniola Robert is a team player, creative, innovative, result-oriented, and passionate individual. A lover of art and fashion and also the founder of Ennie Wears, a streetwear brand in the business of providing custom-made outfits for all body sizes.
SPORTS
Inidara I. Uwa
Inidara Uwa is a 22-year-old athlete looking to develop the sports society in Nigeria thereby promoting sports athletes and exposing them to more sports opportunities
TECHNOLOGY
Ezeabasilim Chiemerie Emzor - Tethral Technologies Ltd
Emzor Chiemerie Ezeabasilim is a rising star hailing from Anambra state. A visionary entrepreneur and business magnate, Emzor has established a remarkable presence in the tech industry. As a software developer with a passion for innovation, Emzor’s journey began with a curiosity to decode the digital world. After graduating as a proficient software developer (computer science) at Anambra State University Uli, Emzor swiftly transformed into a seasoned entrepreneur. At the helm of Thrive7 Group, Emzor’s leadership as the CEO has propelled the company to new heights, driving it to become a beacon of ingenuity in the business landscape. Emzor’s keen eye for emerging opportunities is further exemplified by the establishment of Tethral Technologies Ltd., showcasing an inherent talent for recognizing and nurturing cutting-edge ventures. As the Creative Director at Prime Box Factory, Emzor brings an artistic flair to the tech domain, marrying creativity with innovation seamlessly. Beyond the boardroom, Emzor’s zest for life manifests through a love for football, where the thrill of the game mirrors the excitement he brings to the tech world. Emzor’s dedication to problem-solving using technology has woven a tapestry of success stories, earning him accolades and recognition within the industry. With a name synonymous with excellence, Emzor Chiemerie Ezeabasilim stands as a testament to what can be achieved through unwavering determination and a pioneering spirit.