25 UNDER 25 2021
The 25under25 Award winners are simply overwhelmed and overjoyed by their nomination and eventual awards. They were going about their functions with no expectation from anybody or even to hope that someone would notice. Their joy knew no bounds after the Award ceremony took place at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island.
This year, 25 entrepreneurs in 25 categories were nominated for the final recognition awards, by which the winners were awarded with #100,000 each as a show of encouragement.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
OLALEKAN SAMUEL AJAYI
Olalekan Samuel Ajayi’s work surrounds the uncovering and utmost utilization of Africa’s most potent resource; her young people. As a big believer in young people and their capacity to deliver transformative change, he founded Project Africa Now (PAN) a youth-led organization using media among other tools to drive and inspire young Africans towards creating positive change.
He is a graduate of Law from the University of Lagos and a United People Global Sustainability Leader. Olalekan is a continental bridge builder with his works recording impact across 6 African countries.
A multi-award winning public speaker, he was the only African delegate at the 2021 United People Global Sustainability Leadership Programme at the Hurricane Island Centre for Science and Leadership, Maine, United States.
He is committed to building a youth-focused media space gathering voices and connecting brands with youths and converting target markets into long term admirers.
AGRICULTURE
AKANDE FEYISAYO
Feyisayo Priscilla Akande founder of Cillabel, an Agri-food tech company in Nigeria, from Inputs to table. Cillabel is into supplying agricultural Input to Farmers especially the rural farmers who find it difficult to get improved seeds, this has been done digitally and it has also helped in reaching large targeted farmers. We are also into crop production, processing and packaging of organic vegetables, dried Ewedu, plantain flour and Okra.
My aim is to solve several problems found in the Agricultural value chain which includes post harvesting loss, pricing, low yield, farmers education and many more, with the use of technology. I’m an advocate for Agriculture by focusing my efforts towards solving problems in the agricultural industry for real change and attaining Zero hunger (SDG2).
ARTS, CRAFT & CULTURE
AGALI DEBORAH CHINONSO
Deborah chinomso Agali, popularly known as DEBBIE’S ART is a 19 year old pencil sketch artist from ukala okpunor, Delta state, Nigeria.
Debbie’s love for arts started as a child when it was discovered that she was always the best in fine art in school. It was with great difficulty she was allowed to pursue a career in fine arts, being that it’s basically a male dominated one.
Pencil sketch has made Debbie meet notable celebrities in Nigeria and even the popular Cardi B when she visited Nigeria.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
OVO DERBY ESE
A graduate of Covenant university (Bsc. Psychology , 2017). She is the Creative director of Aces & Dabs creatives. This business is sub branched into an urban fashion /streetwear brand plus a beauty brand. (Rujee by Aces & dabs). The collective focus is affordability of beauty products & clothing without compromising on quality , safety, texture etc… She is a volunteer therapist @mybeautifulmng ,Also a Real estate consultant at oxford international group.
She is passionate about mental health, business development & branding, personnel management , Real Estate.
She has been nominated for the 25 under 25 awards in these categories; Beauty & make up , Fashion , manufacturing & logistics.
CREATIVE WRITING & CONTENT CREATION
TOKE ADENIYI
Adeniyi Adetoke, CEO Toke Suave Company is a passionate and syndicated writer who earned a living through writing. She is inspired by people and problems and uses her analytical and problem solving skills to solve them. Because of this, she often describe herself as a business baddie. Asides that, she describes herself as a colorful mess because she reminds people that their quirks and flaws are what makes them divine and successful entrepreneurs.
E-COMMERCE
VINCENT DAVIDS
EDUCATION
SHINA AJOYE
Shina Ajoye is a certified project manager, certified product manager, personal brand strategist, leadership coach and business consultant. He has gained enormous experience from management of several high impact community projects and active volunteering and consulting for several businesses, social enterprises and Non-Governmental Organizations.
He is the MD/CEO of Difference Makers Centre. Difference Makers Centre is a personal development training centre established to inspire, train and equip responsible, effective and accountable leaders to make a significant difference in societies, corporate bodies and nations. Her services include Branding, Professional Trainings, Corporate strategy sessions,
Product Management, Project Management, Business Development and Analytics, Financial Analysis.
Innovation Management and Value Innovation in products.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
OMOLAJA EMMANUEL
Emmanuel is an impact-oriented renewable energy enthusiast who is also passionate about nature preservation. His desire to proffer clean and affordable electricity supply across Nigeria led him to establish a clean energy company called RENERWORLD GLOBAL LIMITED with a great team passionate about impact. His team achieved a major feat with the launch of Renerlite Classic, a compact solar energy system that currently provides reliable electricity supply to remote workers and tech guys across Nigeria.
ENVIRONMENT & INTERIOR DECOR
PRISCILLA UZERO
Priscilla Uzero Is the founder and creative director of Marie-p creations, a social enterprise that uses waste, old or discarded items to create beautiful, custom made furniture and decorative products for interior spaces. she is a passionate environmentalist, intrigued by culture and loves to creatively design, beautify and use her products to add the final/missing piece in any space. At the end, her aim is not only to beautify spaces, but to find creative solutions to curb environmental pollution and also help people earn a living via waste upcycling.
EVENT PLANNING
ESTHER OYEKUNLE
Esther IbukunOluwa Oyekunle is a serial entrepreneur with over five years experience in Event and Project Management. She is the founder and creative director of E-Beracah Events. E-Beracah Events is a company that offers full professional event planning, decoration and business mentorship services. The company was established out of passion to take stress off people and the drive to bring clients’ preconceived ideas into actualisation. Like our motto says: “You imagine it, we actualise it!”
FASHION
DOYINMOLA OLAJOYE
She is the Founder, and Lead Textile Designer, Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria. She is an experienced, and award-winning fashion model, African culture enthusiast, and advocate of Recycling through African arts and culture. Her dream is to see a world that embraces African Adire, while curbing the harm throwing out old clothes can cause to humans. Doyinmola is a female visibility advocate and lover of girl-child development. Her interest in helping young adults (emphasis on girls) find their feet early in life led her to start the Orange Humanity project, aimed at empowering young girls to improve the quality of their lives, and ultimately birth an economically viable society.
FINANCE & FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
PRECIOUS OKEREKE
Precious Okereke is a Business Trainer and the Founder of AccountHub Global Institute(AGI). Precious is a global Changemaker and he is passionate about promoting financial inclusion amongst SMEs in Africa. Having contributed towards the growth of SMEs owners in Nigeria and across Africa, Precious has gain several global recognition and awards both for himself and brand.
FOOD & DRINKS
BUSAYO DAMILOLA
Busayo damilola Egbetokun. CEO of TOKY CAKES AND MORE , In 2020 she won a seed invest grant from Biodun & ibikunle Foundation and also won The startup of the year award organized by The Entrepreneur Africa. A graduate of Business administration from The polytechnic ilaro, currently running my 2nd degree with the university of Lagos. I have bagged 4 professional certificate in Entrepreneurship.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
JUMOKE MONSURAT
Jumoke is a flourishing entrepreneur dedicated to health and wellness that aims to enhance well-being. Monsurat is a managing director of Wholesome Naturals previously known as Azeemouhaa Enterprise which has been in existence for the past 5 years. She is a student of Entrepreneur at National Open University of Nigeria.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
MARYAM ARAMIDE
My name is Atolagbe Maryam, i am 21 years old and i am the founder of Machoice Integrated Services. I am a 500 level undergraduate student of university of ilorin, department of Agriculture. I am currently the president of Agbelere Practical Oriented Club(APOC) and the Vice president of Nigerian association of agricultural economics students (NAAES UNILORIN CHAPTER), I was the Public Relations officer for APOC unilorin chapter 2019/2020. I am from kwara state and my hobbies are meeting new people, travelling, writing and sewing. My favorite color is Ash. I am from a Family of 7. My 7 years working experience including working at Yaali Foods Nigeria limited and Lankhaff L. Nigeria enterprises, has made me an expert in structuring and organizing business plans, sales, pallet arrangements and marketing.
MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS
CHIOMA UKPABI
Chioma Ukpabi is a Communication Arts graduate of Bowen University. The young creative is a Shoemaker and the Founder and Creative Director of Kahdsole Designs; a leather-works brand that deals in crafting quality & durable footwear for both male and female.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
GLORIA OLUFEKO
Gloria Olufeko is a radio presenter per excellence with over 2 years in radio presenting and media related fields. She has hosted several conferences, exhibitions, weddings and parties and she currently hosts the Afternoon belt on Africa Tech Radio which is Africa’s First Technology centered radio. Her love to impact knowledge informed her Instagram series as a diction coach called “Sounding Right with DocGlo” which airs every Monday. She is the Founder and Creative Director of “What is Radio”- a conference for Up and Coming Radio Presenters.
MUSIC
RUGER
Michael Adebayo was Born in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is a Perfect musician, rapper, and songwriter. He made many songs and record producer.
PERFORMING ARTS
FOLASHADE AYINDE
My name is Folashade Ayinde, a graduate of leadcity university where I read Performing arts and film studies.
I am from Ogun state
Ijebu ife.
I am the CEO of Ef’her Art Management, we manage theatre artiste. I am also the convener of the Theatre Students awards (TSA) which is nationally recognized amongst all students in Nigeria.
Theatre Students Awards
(TSA) awards is an annual event poised at showcasing and rewarding excellence in creative, extracurricular and leadership qualities of students in the Department of Theatre Arts in Nigerian higher institutions. TSA is conceptualized as an annual celebration of the brightest and the best in the practical aspect of Theatre art. It’s is about style, talent, creativity.
PHOTOGRAPHY
SOBOLA DEMOLA ANDREW
Ademola is a professional photographer with over 3 years experience in capturing captivating memories and ensuring client satisfaction. His professionalism and ability to learn and serve on the go has set him aside from peers in the same industry and the world at large.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ADEDEJI FALETO
Ayodeji Faleto is a multifaceted experienced professional versed in the areas of Corporate Finance, Credit Risk Management, Anti Money Laundering, Economic Analysis, Due Diligence, Financial Modeling & Valuation, Industry Analysis and Personal Branding. He is passionate about human capital development and how it can reduce unemployment levels across Nigeria and beyond, hence he founded “Careers and Business Everything” One of Nigeria’s fast emerging human capital development businesses focusing on career development & everything business. Ayodeji holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Lagos and he currently works as a Risk Management Analyst.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
HAOMA WORGWU
Haoma Worgwu is the founder of Envisage hub, Africa’s first career clinic. Envisage hub is an innovative career development hub, born out of the desire of Miss Haoma to enhance the career progression of youths in Africa and beyond. The social enterprise works tirelessly to bridge three major gaps, responsible for the slow career progression of young individuals. They include; -Skills and knowledge gap -Information gap (concerning available developmental opportunities) and – The gap between industry experts and youths. She is also the community development coordinator at Covenant University, a student manager at Hebron Startup Lab and the founder of Envisage foundation, an organization instilling the entrepreneurial mindset in youths, whilst engaging in philanthropy. Furthermore, Haoma has been recognized by other reputable organizations such as the United Nations, UNDP and Goldman Sachs, for her exceptional inputs into the social enterprise sector. Haoma is one passionate young lady that desires to see a rejuvenated Africa and will devote her resources, time and network to see this actualized. She is also passionate about God, career development and social entrepreneurship.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
OLAMIDE OJO
Mide is a graduate of Computer Science and a young entrepreneur in Nigeria. Due to his passion for tech, He ventured into Website design and Branding after which he founded Friztech, a remote company dedicated to the same course. Via the brand, He has worked with different organizations and individuals. Based on his entrepreneurial prowess and love for Agriculture, he established Oaksfarm. Since inception, the company has embarked on massive Agric projects.
SPORTS
ESE BRUME
Brume represented Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games where she placed 5th in the Long Jump final with a leap of[6]6.81m[7] Brume won the bronze medal in the Long Jump event at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, with a jump of 6.91 m and at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, with a jump of 6.97 m
TECHNOLOGY
OPEMIPO DISU
Opemipo Disu is a 15-year-old Developer who is passionate about making technology more accessible to everyone. He’s currently an IBM Champion, and a Developer Advocate for Muse Inc. Opemipo is currently a world-class teenage developer.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
FOLORUNSHO OLUFUNKE RUTH
Olufunke Folorunsho is an Author, Dream Coach, Global Influencer, Civil Engagement Advocate, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Alumna and Mentor at Evolve mentorship program. Olufunke Folorunsho has over 7 years of experience in the community development sector, specifically focusing on school campaign and scholarship, community reach-out program and restoring hope to the hopeless. Founder at Hopespring To Africa where she focuses on initiating, designing, and implementing strategic activities and vision vehicle to impact life especially the less privileged and eradicating poverty She is driven by her commitment and passion in seeing people fulfilling their dreams; During her NYSC she Authored a book called MOTEMI – A Story of hope and determination which 150 copies was distributed to students in secondary schools for free. Upon completion of her NYSC in July 2019, she joined Polaris Bank Limited (formal Skye Bank) as a relationship officer in August 2019. She holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State and currently 300 level student at Bowen University Iwo Osun State. Olufunke plans to continue her work in reaching-out to her community with a focus on helping the less privileged and eradicating poverty.
AGRICULTURE
OLADEPO ELIZABETH - 07 FOODS
Elizabeth Oladepo is an Agro-preneur and the founder of 07 Foods, an indigenous company established to ensure the sustainable production, addition of value, sales and distribution of agricultural produce. Their products, the Yam and Unripe Plantain Flour which is NAFDAC certified, is sourced directly from small scale farmers in the local communities thereby contributing to the socio-economic improvement and fostering of a better lifestyle for especially the farmers. The raw materials are hygienically processed into easy to prepare, nutritious, and wholesome packaged products which can be accessed in over 15 stores in Lagos and also through their social media handles, @07Foods. 07 Foods has helped families stay healthy and happy over 1000 times by providing them CONVENIENCE in using and accessing their products. They have also engaged over 15 amazing individuals in their value chain in the pursuit of the goal- impact creation.
ARTS & CULTURE
OLOWOKUDEJO OLASUNMBO AYOTOMIDE (TANNA CRAFTS)
I am Olowokudejo Olasunmbo Ayotomide, a graduate of Accounting from the University of Lagos. I am the creative director of Tannacraft. I am a lady with the passion of redefining the true essence of beauty by embracing our African culture through our locally sourced African prints which are used to make the handcrafted bags, footwear, accessories and souvenirs. Tanna crafts started as a result of my love for the African prints and also wanting to do more and explore with the African prints which has led to the creativity of the brand. I believe our African prints can do much more than just sewing it into different styles of outfits and this is seen in our beautiful collections of Ankara bags, footwears and even notepads. We delight in absolute customer satisfaction with our neatly finished crafted items. We are located in Lagos, Nigeria and our vision is embracing the African culture with the aim of creating beautiful handcrafted items with the African prints thereby moving the African prints globally.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
OJOMO OMOSEYITAN CYNTHIA - POSE BY PONMI ENTERPRISES
POSE by Ponmi Enterprises is a registered, growing Nigerian beauty brand that produces originally formulated cosmetics which includes skincare products and bespoke perfumes. POSE by Ponmi was founded by Cynthia Omoseyitan Ojomo who was born on 7th of March 1996, an indigene of Owo, Ondo state and a Master’s degree holder in Communication and Media Studies from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. POSE by Ponmi was established in 2016 and later ventured into the beauty industry in 2018 as a result of passion and the desire to restore the confidence of women in their complexions and embrace the use of natural products to reduce the rate of bleaching and application of harsh and harmful chemicals on the skin, most especially by women. We operate on the values of Passion(P), Originality(O), Skillfulness(S) and Elegance(E). We aim to be a world class brand recognized for embracing, restoring and promoting lost confidence in quality natural products; the natural beauty in the complexion of people of color while creating quality products and maintaining customer relationships. Thanks to this platform provided by the SME 100 Africa 25UNDER25 Awards, we are steady getting recognition that will help achieve our goal and help represent Nigeria in the continental and global market.
CREATIVE WRITING
OGHENETEGA ENYOYI
Oghenetega Enyoyi. a Graduate of Sociology from Covenant University, I am 21 years old. I am a full time Banker and Content Creator, also a Make up Artist and Natural hair Enthusiast/ Brand Ambassador for a Hair Brand. I am an advocate for self love and self confidence, I believe in owning your beauty, loving yourself irrespective of your flaws and insecurities. I am the last born and the only girl out of three. I also own a youtube channel called Tega Clifford; which is my Brand Name. I love watching movies, shooting and editing videos, being in front of a camera, listening to music and creating content. I officially started my brand in 2018 as a Content Creator, Self-love Advocate and a Youtuber. I decided to create a youtube channel with the aim of building a strong online community with a sense of Belonging and Truth. My Brand focuses on Lifestyle, Beauty, Natural hair, Family, Self-Love and Confidence, Drama and Fun. TEGA CLIFFORD was born from a painful life experience of being bullied and humiliated for my Body Figure and my Dentition. I decided to create a channel to reach and build a community of strong and beautiful people who can speak their truth and be proud of who they are irrespective of imperfections. I have over 2,300 subscribers and over 165,000 views on my channel. My unique selling point is ME. I AM MY BRAND AND MY BRAND IS ME.
EDUCATION
DEPEJU LASAKI - LEADERS READ NETWORK
Leaders Read Network is a platform where we help kids who may dislike reading become massive booklovers and adults who want to incorporate reading the books on their shelves into their daily activities. The reading culture is slowly fading away in our society, many individuals do not know how to stick with good habits anymore (like reading quality books). Attention is about the scarcest commodity today. Reading helps children and adults improve their creativity, consume information in a constructive way and improve learning in other areas. In Young Readers’ Academy (a subset of Leaders Read Network), we teach and engage kids by giving them well selected books that interest them, help them tell stories, twist story lines and engage them in daily reading. We also have a business book club where we read biographies of great entrepreneurs. Here, we help adults create reading plans that suit their daily activities, action plans for execution and accountability programs. Our society needs more productive individuals who can learn the strategies that will make our country a better place to live. Leaders Read Network was founded by Depeju LASAKI who is also known as The Effective Reading Coach.
ENVIRONMENTAL & INTERIOR DECOR
SALLY OGBONNA - INHAUS DESIGN ARCHITECTS
Sally Ogbonna is a master’s degree holder from the University of Lagos (Master of Environmental Design), with an eye for detail and a spirit of excellence. She is also a certified Happiness Coach from Transformation Academy. The young entrepreneur is the founder and Creative Director of one of Inhaus Design Architects; A design studio that specializes in Architectural design, interior design, graphics and art consultation for the hospitality, retail, commercial and residential industries. Our design style is true modern contemporary, taking the basic elements of design: color, light, texture and pattern while carefully applying more calculating principles: balance, proportion, scale, rhythm and contrast to create a harmonious functional space. Our mission is simple, working with people to create beautiful homes and environments through inspiration and design. We aim to positively influence the lives of our clients leaving a lasting impression. At Inhaus Design Architects, we have created smart, flexible and affordable services that work for all of our clients. No matter what your needs are, our team of design experts will go out of their way to customize our offerings to your demands. From start to finish, we will take you through every step of the process, and all the way to a stunning result. Our services include: Design Consultation, Space Planning, Custom furniture, Procurements and Project Management. We are Driven to create a better world through design. With Inhaus Design Architects, Live your dream.
EVENTS PLANNING
OLUWAJIMI TEMITOPE
INDIGOCRYSTAL CONCEPT is a full Event Management Company that offers event Consultancy, Planning/Management and Design for both Corporate and Social Events. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their dream events by giving expression to the kind of events they dream of. With our dynamic ways of operation, we give the extra touch that goes beyond the conventional, and create for them an unforgettable experience we include our professional skills based on creativity and innovation. We make imaginations real
FASHION
AKINOLA ADERINSOLA - QUINTESSENTIAL COUTURE
Akinola Aderinsola, a fashion designer and a 4th year Medical student in the University of Ibadan. I started a fashion brand, Quintessential Couture in 2018, because I had not found my perfect dress. Quintessential Couture, is an emerging fashion brand that caters to middle-class Nigerian ladies between the ages of 16 and 50, by bridging the gap between yearning for affordable luxurious outfits and obtaining them. As such, affordable fabrics are sourced for, worked on through intricate detailing, sewn to fit the unique figure of the African woman, all within Nigeria, hence reducing the need and cost of importing equivalents of such outfits. Presently, Quintessential Couture is a sole proprietor business, located in Oyo state, Nigeria, with 80% of its clientele being female University students. I design and sew from home, however, in coming years, there will be expansion by acquiring a building, so as to employ tailors, delegate and eventually proceed to cater for the Nigerian male population as well.
FINTECH
JIL TOKENS
JIL was “birthed” in late August of 2018. It was created because we recognized the many issues associated with traditional cryptocurrency and at the same time, we saw that the world of crypto had not yet achieved mainstream acceptance. Upon examining the possible reasons as to why, such as volatility, confusing terminology, and complex acquisitions, this set us on a mission to solve these problems and our J1 token is destined to be the answer.
FOOD & DRINKS
HEPHZIBAH FREGENE - ZEELICIOUS CAKESS
I am a nominee in the Food and Drink Category and my name is Hephzibah Fregene CEO of Zeeliciouscakess. I am 19 years old, also from Delta state and I am currently in my second year studying Theatre Arts in the University of Benin. I believe in the Bible and in Jesus Christ. I enjoy reading books, because it enables me learn new things. I’m a strong believer that all work without play just isn’t right, so I like to hang out with friends and have a good time. I dislike noisy environments, simply because it just isn’t me. At the age of 16, I developed a passion for cakes and after graduating from Secondary School, I fully entered the Confectionery World to explore my passion for sweets and treats and that was how my brand Zeelicious cakes came to be. Zeeliciouscakess is an innovative brand aimed at providing a variety of mouth-watering cakes, donuts, small chops and desserts for events. My cakes are made from the highest quality ingredients and love. One of the reasons I started Zeeliciouscakess was to provide affordable cakes to people my age bracket seeing how challenging it could be as a student to purchase a cake. Our products appeal to all teens and adults who are given the opportunity to make a choice concerning the design and flavor of cake they would prefer. In 5 years, I envision that Zeelicious Cakes would have become a large company that makes a huge impact in the Confectionery World and does a lot to give back to society through empowerment and training.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
DR. OLUWANANUMI - HEALTHDRIVENG
HealthDrive Nigeria (HDN) was founded with a transformational goal; Help save lives of millions living with Hepatitis and those at risk of getting infected, in the developing world. HealthDrive Nigeria (HDN) serves to tackle this menace of Hepatitis by creating rigorous awareness about it through the conduction of Health talks to the general public and secondary schools, public seminars and conferences, screening and vaccinating people and also referring Hepatitis B positive people to the nearest specialist or Teaching Hospitals in the community or state.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
ADEBIMPE OLAJIGA - TV PRESENTER
Olajiga Adebimpe aka Erin is a multimedia personality, spontaneous Red-carpet host, digital content creator at punch Newspaper, photo journalist and entrepreneur who has worked in a number of broadcast media platforms in Nigeria. Adebimpe is a proud alumnus and graduate of Ekiti State University . As an undergraduate, she was part of the student entrepreneurial body called Enactus and several other media and press outfits within and outside her department. While networking, discovering herself and carrying out her responsibilities in these societies, she was exposed to public speaking and events planning. Her journey into media started in 2014 when she became a presenter at Ekiti Television (EKTV). Subsequently, she was able to hone her skills in writing, content creation and production, voice over artistry, and event hosting. She has graced quite a number of media platforms and now currently works with punch newspaper as a presenter, video and picture journalist as well as digital content creator. Apart from her love for presentation and content creation, she is also a lover of art, nature, good music and movies. She is an Incurable Optimist, very down to earth, easy going by nature and blunt too. She looks forward to becoming an internationally acclaimed journalist/broadcaster, TV personality, media mogul and a great mum.
PERFORMING ART
APAOKAGI ADEDOYIN MARYAM
Apaokagi Adedoyin Maryam (born February 28, 1999) is a Nigerian comedian, content creator and cinematographer. In 2019, she gained notability for an acting duo role and rose to prominence. Same year, she won Best Online Comedian at The Gage Awards 2019. She is the founder of “Chop Tao”, a food company and a director at “The Greenade company”, a Cinematography firm.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
VICTORIA OSUNKOYA - CAREER HIVE
Victoria Osunkoya’s work explores the future of human capital and its impact on business, people, and the future of work. She is the founder and Managing Partner of Career Hive, a consulting firm committed to usher young professionals into the era of digital transformation and help graduates prepare for the rapidly changing future of work by bridging the gap between education and employment which in turn will result in increase in human and social capital accumulation, productivity, employability, as well as increased earnings. She has several years of experience in HR and specializes in creating employee experiences that mirror best customer experiences with people at the heart and powered by technology and data. Previously, Victoria has worked for Chicken Republic a subsidiary of Food Concepts Plc, one of the largest QSR in Nigeria and Africa as a whole where she took on key HR role. She currently works as the Human Resource Manager with Manuchar Trading House Int’l Ltd with head office in Belgium and presence in over 150 countries. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and a Master’s degree in Management Science both from the University of Lagos. Till date, Victoria has helped over 1000 graduates gain critical job readiness skills as well as land their first employment opportunity. In addition, Victoria has been privileged to be recognized by Pan Atlantic-University as one of the top rising 50 Young Talents Professionals in Nigeria in 2019.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
OLUWADAMILOLA SOYOMBO - CREATIVE KIDS ZONE
I am Oluwadamilola Soyombo, a 23-year-old UI/UX Designer in Lagos, Nigeria. I have vast experience in UI/UX design working in that capacity across several industries in 3 continents. I love transforming complex issues into straightforward interface designs and building products that people love. I also speak and mentor those interested in learning Design and I look forward to sharing my knowledge through speaking at conferences around the world. In 2019, I started “The Creative Kids Zone”, a fully registered not-for-profit organization set up to train kids in technology; we are on a mission to expand creativity in as many kids as possible by training and empowering them with the technological skill set, thereby increasing the number of young minds in Tech and preparing for the Future. TCKZone reaches out to thousands of kids in African communities and makes them ambassadors for technology, by organizing free training to introduce your kids to technology, coding, design, robotics, AI, game development amongst others. In the last One year, TCKZone has been involved in training over 1000 kids between the ages of 5 -16 in Primary and Secondary Schools for free. Our objectives are simple: * To make kids enthusiastic about learning technology. * To introduce kids to the world of information technology. * To educate kids with the skills they need for the jobs of the future. * To create young ambassadors for technology (STEM). * To assist the less privileged kids in the society through the provision of an enabling environment to learn information technology.
SPORTS
ADELOWO SHOKUNBI - PRIME SPORTS NG
Adelowo Shokunbi, the Founder Prime Sports ( @primesportsng ) and Kick Off Nigeria ( @kickoff_ng ) that is focused on building the standard of sports in Nigeria, whilst granting home-based athletes with a platform as well as its audience with a complete entertaining experience Prime Sports has hosted 2 headlining athletics event in 2016 & 2018 and 2 headlining Football event tagged ‘Kick Off Lagos’ in 2018 & 2019 as well as other events in collaboration with brands They were recognized as the first to sell tickets to an athletics event in Lagos and still have a great number of audience turnout.
TECHNOLOGY
OLADOKUN OLUWASEGUN - ALI EMPRESA
Oladokun Oluwasegun is passionate about the development of African society. He is a Nigerian serial Internet entrepreneur, computer programmer, and the winner of the Hackvote Hackathon 2018 when he provided technology solution to reduce voter apathy. His efficiency and abilities have landed him contracts with many companies as representative/ ambassador. Companies like: Unilever Nigeria, Ingressive LLC, and a facilitator for Andela in Imo State. Oluwasegun has competency in android development, web development, UI/UX design, and project management. Oluwasegun has been featured on several national and international media publications, like Techpoint Africa, Techeconomy, 4kreport, Voplink, Thefuture, and many others for his strides in the tech ecosystem. ABOUT ALI EMPRESA ALI Empresa is a company that provides technological solutions to problems in different sectors. ALI Empresa is the proud owner of the African Leadership Institute, one of the fastest-growing massive open online course (MOOC) platforms in Africa with over 6,000 users/learners. An Optimal utilization of AI and interactive peer-to-peer environment for the new learning of the 21st century, providing an alternative perspective aimed at increasing the e-learning completion rate by 30%. Our solution allows for learners to learn from industry experts to update their knowledge to industry-standard thereby breeding Job-ready individuals who can solve complex social problems and create value for their stakeholders. A.L.I is the national winner of the #OneHack Hackathon by IncubateIND and proceeded to compete with 20 countries on the world stage and came out 3rd. Follow our activities on social media platforms with #LearnWithALI Africanleadershipinstitution.com
ENVIRONMENTAL, HOUSING & INTERIOR DECOR
CHINEMEREM SUCCESS (YOUSPLASH DECOR)
Success Chinemerem Onuoha is a young creative artist. She is the owner :Yousplashdecors. Yousplashdecors is an Interior decor hand-craft brand with an aim to attain sustainable development goal 8- Decent work and Economic growth through creativity. Yousplashdecors also encourages posterity of handmade art. Success believes Happiness is Handmade. Each piece of art is crafted with thought and care to ensure uniqueness and effortless results. Yousplashdecors products are made using wool(yarns) and are eco-friendly. Within one year of launch, Yousplashdecors has trained over 30 women on skill acquisition program to create a sustainable means of livelihood from their immediate environment. Success aims to create direct impact in her immediate community, offering a source of income through artistic skills, adding warmth and smiles to homes and fostering appreciation of handmade art.
EVENTS PLANNING
JUMOKE AKINBORO (JUMIE PLANNED IT)
Olajumoke Akinboro is the Head Planner of Jummieplannedit Events, a budding event company based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is an Event planner/ Coordinator/ Manager who strives to stand out and curate excellently planned, well coordinated events on different budgets while leaving the celebrants and guests with wonderful and forever lasting memories. She was first exposed to the beautiful world of events at a very young age of 6 by her mother. Jummieplannedit Events went into full operation in 2018, She recently co-started tour (individual and groups) management this year. She’s a graduate of Medical Laboratory Sciences from Babcock University as well as been licensed to practice in Nigeria by The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. She is glad to have found clarity, purpose and passion under 25 years with the help of God by recognizing and providing available resources and opportunities. She looks forward to encouraging, mentoring and telling how She found this path by speaking to great young minds about purpose and making hay while the sun shines as the term “catch them young” was of great help in her present life. When Jummie is not planning events, she can be found providing health.
FASHION
ADEDOYIN ADELAKUN (SHOP ADEDOYIN BY ADE)
Dedoyin Adel A fashion Designer- ShopadedoyinAde A chartered Administrator I appreciate hand skills and the art of manipulating fabrics. I have always enjoyed doing fashion. We make all sorts of dresses, wrap dresses, bridesmaids, ready to wear and custom made. Our designs are strictly sketched by us. I decided to be a fashion designer/ entrepreneur because it gives a lot of exposure, you get to meet with new people(clients) and I’m passionate about learning. I want to be assigned to tasks never handled before. What makes my business unique is my marketing strategy, my customer relationship, my prints and design.
FINANCIAL LITERACY ADVOCATE
CHIDINMA OKOLI
Chidinma is a holder of the Diana Awards 2019,she is a speaker and investor, also a nominee of the now awards 2019, some of her works has been published on bella naija to mention a few.
FOOD & DRINKS
KELECHI OHIRI (PEARL PERFECT)
Kelechi is the founder of pearl perfect cakes where she makes deserts, pastries, cakes, cupcakes and banana bread, she best describes art practice as art you can eat, love made edible.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
ADEJOKE ADETUTU LABAKE (YOUGLOW NATURALS)
Adegoke Adetutu is a certified Human Resource personnel from the University of Ilorin and an accountant from Lagos State Polytechnic, she is also a beneficiary of the Cherrie Blair Foundation for Entrepreneur Development Center (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University. Her journey into skincare began during her schooling days with the passion to make available affordable yet effective skincare products and services for all class and to ensure good skin is achievable hence she founded YouGlow Naturals with the mission to provide solutions to skin challenges and to give the skin that soft, clear, even, smooth, doting look and natural GLOW. We are currently in 6 states of Nigeria which includes; Lagos, Oyo, Kwara and Abuja, Kano, Our products contain Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (Acid), Betacarotene, Hydraulic acid and several Botanical ingredients that REJUVENATE the skin and then gives it a better look.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
ETI-INYENE GODWIN AKPAN - (PHOTO WAKA AFRICA)
ETI-INYENE GODWIN AKPAN, popularly known as SIR Inyene, is a documentary photographer with a difference, and one who is very passionate about capacity building for budding photographers. He is the Chief Executive Officer at the SIR Inyene Company. This is a media house located in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of PhotoWaka Africa, which is a social enterprise focused on youth empowerment, creativity, job creation and creating a sustainable value chain in the photography and creative space. The vision of PhotoWaka Africa is to develop professionally inclined, engaging and highly creative community of visual storytellers around Africa, with the bodacious mission of telling African stories through photography thereby using photography as a tool for social change. He is presently serving as the Lead Photographer for Social Good Lagos; a sub-community of the United Nations Foundation. He is also a member of the African Photo Journalism Database (APJD) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Sir INYENE is also the winner of the 2019 #MyNaijaMyCanon competition.
MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS
TEMITAYO JOHNSON LALEYE (TJL SIGNATURE)
Temitayo JOHNSON-LALEYE Temitayo, (popularly known as TJL) is the Creative Director of TJL Signature, a brand that produces fashion accessories such as bags, unique jewellery pieces and lots more. In 2017, she founded TJL Signature, a leading Student Bag Making brand in Nigeria. With several years of experience as a student herself, she has learned the intricacies of durability and aesthetics in bag making, especially for school students. TJL Signature products are used all over Nigeria and countless customers can attest to the excellence of their products. A recipient of the Girl Courageous Award for Exemplary Leadership (2017), TJL is passionate about inspiring the girl child and empowering young people like herself with creative craft skills by training them at various youth empowerment forums across the city of Ibadan. Temitayo is a 300L student of the University of Ibadan. She is also the founding President of Unibadan Entrepreneurs Network, an organization poised to equip students on campus with entrepreneurial skills to turn them into 21st century wealth creators.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
NORA AWOLOWO (RIXEL STUDIOS)
NORA AWOLOWO is a visual creator and drone pilot who has work on numerous projects which includes Symphony , ladibs, route and the bay.
MUSIC
ROZ SAEED
Saeed, a nominee in the category of Music. Saeed Roz is an Artist, writer, basketball player and a dancer. Music has been a major form of expression for him from a really young age and he has managed to blend different style of music from rock to RnB to Hip Hop and even Afro pop to create his own unique Vibe. He uses his writing and singing to translate his emotions and that of people around him into Rhythm. He’s a passionate individual and this leaves its distinctive mark on all he does. Music is more than art to him…it’s his whole life. He has so far only put out short clips of his music on Instagram that a decent number of people resonate to. He intends to put out more of his music and hopes the whole world gets to hear him someday.
PERFORMING ARTS
DAMILOLA OLUWAYEMI
Damilola Emmanuel Oluwayemi a.k.a. Daminator is a 22-year-old Choreographer/Dancer and Cinematographer from Ekiti state. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Covenant University, and started to take dance seriously in 2013 when he joined Reflections Global Dance Ministry. In 2015, Daminator began to build video editing skills with the help of online aids and internet tutorials and In 2018, he worked on a dance project to support the Super Eagles in their ambitious quest for glory during the 2018 Fifa World Cup. In 2019, he was nominated for an award in the best performing artists category during the Wings Awards Ceremony in Covenant University and he is currently working on a #Dance4Charity project, using dance as a driving force to reach out to the less privileged. Daminator hopes to build a dance empire that will impact the dance industry in Nigeria positively and prove that people can make a good living out of dance.
PHOTOGRAPHY
SAMUEL OGUNDIRAN
Ogundiran Samuel is a 21yrs old Nigeria professional photographer who currently works as a photographer for Nigeria’s First Agricultural Technology Company. Currently he has over 3yrs of photography experience and shoots portrait, fashion, event, beauty, abstract and event photography. He currently assists TY Bello occasionally on professional shoots.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
EJIRO AGAMBI (JEOVIL CLEANING SERVICES)
Ejiro Agambi is the founder of JEOVIL CLEANING SERVICES a janitor supply,post construction, home office cleaning, fumigation and training company, with presence in Abuja and Lagos.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
JOSHUA OKODUWA (RESTRUCTURE AFRICA)
Joshua Okoduwa is the founder of RESTRUCTURE AFRICA. A youth led nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, improving educational resources, and improving the quality of lives in Africa indigenous communities. Restructure Africa is addressing the number of out of school children in low-income communities in Nigeria through education for sustainable development (ESD) & Global Citizenship Education (GCED). With an ambition to improve the access to blood products at the hospital level to combat blood shortage in Nigeria, he founded Love and Pint which supports patients in need of blood and encourages youth participation in voluntary blood donation. He is a Global Schools Advocate UN SDSN Youth, Young Professional Fellow – The Platform 2018, Reflex Media – Top 10 Community Development Persons for 2017 in Nigeria, YNaija 2019 New Establishment, & a nominee for the Creative Faith Academy Awards 2018. He is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, CivicUS and Open Source Leadership by Common Purpose UK. He believes education and health are the backbone of sustainable development of a country. It gives room for economic prosperity, peace, empowerment and opportunity for people to achieve their dreams and maximum potential.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
DAMILARE & LEWA (EVOLVE AGENCY)
Dare and Lewa are partners who founded Evolve agency, a software design Company
SPORT
ESE OGUMA (ATHLETIC HEAT LTD)
Ese Oguma is a 21 year old CEO of Athletic Heat Ltd. One of Nigeria’s foremost Athletics news site. The pioneers of Athletic Heat Track and Field Awards, the first track and field awards in Nigeria. As well as the founders of Athletic Heat Secondary school tour, first of its kind in Nigeria. Ese Oguma is a Professional Athlete and final year Business Management student of the University of Port Harcourt. He is also the sprint double champion (100m/200m) of the maiden edition of Lagos Secondary school sports game (Ibile), he then won a bronze medal at the National Junior Champions (200m). He has also racked up a bronze medal at the West African University Games as well as a silver at the Nigerian University Games for his school.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
DARE ASOBELE (EXECUTIVES HELPING INITIATIVE)
He started the Executives Helping Initiative in 2013 as a Law student at the University of Lagos. The idea was to help make a difference in the society. He just wants to make a difference and he is opened to partnerships. He is currently passionate about mental health hence why they started a special project called Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad, hoping to make a difference in the mental health space.
AGRICULTURE
GOODNEWS EKWUEME (HONEY DYNASTY)
Honey Dynasty is a registered commercial Bee farm and honey production company in Nigeria. They are into production, packaging and sales of honey and other bee farm products such as royal jelly, bee’s wax, propolis, pollen, venom and life bees. They have been in operation since 2016, purchasing quality and unadulterated honey from local bee keepers, packaging and selling to retail outlets and end users. They are focused on leveraging on the vast opportunities available in the agric industry to contribute their quota in growing the Nigerian economy; to create employment opportunities, to tackle the unfortunate issue of honey adulteration, to create quality awareness of the benefits of honey and it’s by-products to the human health, industries and the society at large, to export to other countries and to make profit.
ARTS & CULTURE
YETUNDE SALIMON-AKANDE (BEADORNED BY YETTIE)
Be adorned by Yettie is a fast growing fashion brand. “BeAdorned” (for short), which started in 2014 and was incorporated in 2017 focuses on the creation of handmade ready to wear, bespoke, afro centric, and urban African pieces made out of passion and creativity. Contemporary fashion fused with modern African trends describes the brand better. The brand is solely aimed at promoting African culture through fashion and design.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
GRACE OKOLI (SHANYI ORGANICS)
She is a serial entrepreneur, God lover, inspirational speaker, organic enthusiast, modest fashionista, lifestyle blogger amongst others. Her journey to self discovery and entrepreneurship started in 2015 from a seemingly bad situation or delay in being mobilized for the compulsory national youth service corps. The one year delay led her to self discovery and later the identification of a problem/vacuum in the organic beauty industry in Nigeria. After much research, formulations and testings, she launched her first business Shanyi organics in January 2016, an organic beauty brand that focuses in the formulation and sales of hair and beauty care products targeted at the afro textured woman and her family.
CREATIVE WRITING & CONTENT CREATION
FEMI BABBS (SCION MAGAZINE)
He is a pharmacist, writer, publisher and author. He is the CEO/founder of Scion Magazine Nigeria, one of the most widely recognised youth based magazines in the south-west. He is also the author of the book; “Beyond the Grades”, a book focused mainly on the creativity of youths and their diverse abilities to make a name for themselves.
E-COMMERCE
PRECIOUS ENIAYEKAN (SPARKLE GLOBAL)
Sparkle Global is a Nigerian Fashion Company. It started in 2013 as an online retail company with the mission to help people get high quality fashion items and accessories at affordable prices. Soon, it grew into a multifaceted brand offering fashion related services and items to a diversified clientele from high end luxury brands to high quality affordable fashion items and accessories. Their vision is to make all customers look and feel good about themselves regardless of their fashion budget.
EDUCATION
IBIYINKA AMOKEODO (PROJECT 17)
She is the co-founder of Project17, an organisation that sets to teach the Sustainable Development Goals at all levels because of her vision to help achieve the goals in Nigeria by 2030. She also wants everyone everywhere to be aware of the global goals and she’s doing that through several projects. She is also a member of the Oxfam Youth Advisory Board. She is passionate about humanity and the development of her country, Nigeria.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
RITA IDEHAI (ECOBARTER)
She is a conscientious young lady who is always striving to gain better knowledge and information. She founded Ecobarter, a waste resource recovery and repurposing enterprise, out of the zeal to proffer sustainable solutions to socioeconomic and environmental problems. She is a Tony Elumelu Foundation 2017 Alumni.
ENVIRONMENT & INTERIOR DECORATION
TIANA TOLORUNLOJU
She is a creative, young and smart individual who puts her creativity into designing signature furniture and home interiors. Her content for social media is also highly educational and she shows that she isn’t just in the business for herself, but also to share knowledge and encourage new designers.
EVENT PLANNING
IFEOLUWA IBIYEMI
She is a young girl who learnt the art of decoration and event planning from her university days. She had always dreamt of setting up her own event company, thus Estib events was birthed right from school. Estib events offers professional event services for birthdays, weddings, etc and also provides clients with vendors who provide exceptional event services. The goal is to create long lasting, beautiful memories and change the notion that “there is nothing like a perfect event”, while also creating job opportunities for professionals as well as side jobs for young people.
FASHION
BLESSING ODOEMENA (ZIKORAH AFRICA)
She is a 24 year old graduate of physics from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. She is the founder, designer and creative director of Zikorah, an African inspired women’s wear clothing brand that focuses on bringing innovation to African fashion and beyond through its unique, versatile and affordable fashion pieces. Zikorah which is an indigenous Ibo name meaning “show the world” was established in 2017 and currently caters to the wardrobe of young and middle-aged women in Africa and beyond who seek to embrace the African culture. Zikorah currently has its headquarters in Lagos and is currently expanding beyond Nigeria, Africa and globally as well.
FINANCE & FINTECH
SYLVIA UDEMEH (BRIDGEBOOKS)
She is the founder and managing partner at Bridgebooks, a smart accounting and payroll solution for SMEs in Africa. By championing financial literacy and inclusion in Africa, she is helping SMEs build financial structures that can enable them to accelerate business growth and become channels for economic sustainability in Africa. Since the launch of Bridgebooks in April 2018, it has over 300 subscribers with more than 45% in their first month subscription. Bridgebooks is building a community of financially literate business owners and closing the financial inclusion gap for SMEs in Africa.
FOOD & DRINKS
OYINKANSOLA MAKINDE (SWEET TINGLE LTD)
She is the Chief Executive Officer of Sweet Tingle Limited, a fast rising finger foods, grills and cocktails catering outfit which she started in 2013. An enterprising individual, she has been involved in business management since 2005 recording modest strides. She enjoys cooking and everything about the kitchen and she does it without stress. Sweet Tingle has comfortably handled finger foods and cocktails catering at events for both corporate and individual customers including banks, educational institutions, high net worth individuals and many more. When she isn’t catering, Oyinkansola enjoys seeing movies and playing monopoly.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
AMANDA AFOLABI ( DARA NATURALS)
She is a TV Presenter at Ebonylife TV and the founder of Dara Naturals, an organic skincare company. She studied Computer Information Systems at Babcock University, but on graduation decided to follow her passion in the media industry and started off her career at 19 on Rave TV Channel. She then moved to work at Ebonylife TV co-hosting Moments Z, a pan African TV show for millenials. At 21, she decided to veer into another passion of hers which is Organic skin care and she started off her business called Dara Naturals. She is a go getter and believes the only limitation we have as humans is in our mind.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
TOMIWA TALABI (LAGOS LIFE)
He is a social media influencer and the CEO of Lagos Life, an online platform that showcases the true essence of Lagos. He is also the brain behind “Explore Lagos Tours”, a tourism company under the Lagos Life umbrella with the main focus to help people experience and explore the city of Lagos.
MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS
OREOLUWA SHONIBARE (WII CREATE)
He is the Co-founder of Wii CREATE, a content, design and print company that provides its services to corporate and individual clients. He and his cofounder, Donald Onwochei have since then pushed the limits of prints and design opening new markets from Universities to start ups and Non-Governmental Organizations. He is a value driven entrepreneur with an eye for gaps in markets and industries. He holds a strong belief that Nigerian millennials will play a big part in the development of the country. He is also the founder of Amb Designs – a graphic design agency which was set up while he was at University.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
FIYIN GAMBO (CLIQ MEDIA)
He is the CEO of Cliq Media and co-founder of White space. His mission is simple, “to give you never seen before images on the big screen.” He does this with his company, Cliq media by honing spectacular technologies like visual effects (popularly known as film tricks) to tell African stories differently. His films have been recognised nationally and internationally with features on BBC, Ebony life TV, Channels, Punch Newspapers and many more. He’s been dubbed “Africa’s youngest Action Film director” by many with appraisals for industry experts in Nollywood and Hollywood alike, with a recent private screening of his film preview to Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Fiyin Gambo is almost done obtaining a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering at Covenant University. He dreams that very soon there would be long queues in Chinese and American cinemas for Nigerian movies.
MUSIC
OSWALD OKOJIE
He owns a record label that has successfully made an impact in the entertainment industry over the years. The label is changing the face of the Nigerian music industry and is a leader in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
PHOTOGRAPHY
UMAR FARUQ (THE UNPUBLISHED GALLERY)
He is a self taught street and fashion photographer whose work revolves around documenting reality through everyday images of people, places and aesthetics. Documentary using mostly monochrome as his preferred palette, his works include “Once upon a night in Lagos,” “100 men & what they wear” as well as “Ibadan: A narrative under construction” which is an ongoing project dedicated to changing the brown roof narrative ascribed to Ibadan where he’s presently schooling. He is also a published photographer, having shot both cover photos and editorial content for The Lens Magazine in 2017. Al-Faruq curates his works on Instagram @theunpublishedgallery and he’s , the Founder & Lead strategist of The Rookie Club, an arts non-profit dedicated to encouraging a conversation-driven arts community.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CHIAMAKA OBIAGBAOSO (PEN-IMPACT WRITING AND PUBLISHING ENTERPRISE)
She is a trained biomedical scientist in the field of Anatomy and a professional health systems and programs strategist. Over the past two years, she has served as a Health Systems Planning consultant to various organisations including UNICEF Nigeria, various state ministries of health, as well as the Federal Ministry of Health in the ongoing National Strategic Health Development Planning for 2018-2022.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
REGAL SET (BOOK DRIVE, CU)
The BookDrive CU is hinged on Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals; Quality Education. The goal is aimed at achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all which will require increasing efforts, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia and for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, indigenous people, refugee children and poor children in rural areas by 2030. In a bid to be a part of this World-change movement and promote Nation building, the Regal set saw the need to take up the project and enact it in Nigeria. The vision is to ensure that all Nigerian boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes in line with target 4.1 of the Goal 4.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
ANTHONY ONIGBOGU (ORBIT BROTHERS COMMUNICATION)
He has a B.Eng. in Electronic and Computer Engineering with experience directly relevant to Consumer IT/Engineering Space. He is a serial entrepreneur and currently the MD/Principal Consultant, OBC Group. He co founded OBC in 2016 with the motive to utilize and publicize Nigeria’s indigenous designs and local expertise in the development of world class technological and engineering solutions in an effort to help build a sustainable digital future for the nation. He has been involved in other successful start up businesses and intends to create a Chinese driven Economy with OBC by spiking an increased awareness and patronage of African/IT Engineering designs and solutions with respect to innovation, technology and Engineering.
SPORTS
MARYLOVE EDWARDS
She is a 13 year old girl who started playing tennis at the age of 4. She has become the youth star of Nigerian tennis.
TECHNOLOGY
FRED OYETAYO (FRESIBLE)
He is the CEO of Fresible and serves on its Board of Directors. He is responsible for setting the overall direction and product strategy for the company. He leads the design of Fresible’s service and development of its core technology and departments. He is credited with an Artificial Intelligence powered legal software for the enhancement of legal practice in Nigeria. Prior to resuming full duties as the CEO, he was an Associate at Probitas Partners LLP in Lagos and the Law Firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP & GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
MARYAM LAUSHI - NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN
Maryam Laushi is a communications specialist who has over the years championed gender equality. She began her professional life at Leadership Newspapers Group immediately after being on the campaign trail in Kaduna State for the 2015 elections. She is a pioneer member of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ campaign which has gone global and had recent victories in Nigeria. She volunteers for different causes and has over the years championed the plight of Nigerian women through social media and other avenues. She currently works at an international organization. Maryam believes in a future where Nigeria becomes greater and that young men and women will play critical roles in building a bright future for the country. She has degrees in Advertising, Marketing and Media.
AGRICULTURE
CHIBUZO ALOZIEUWA - ACE PALACE FARMS
ACE Palace Farms and Agro-Allied Products duly registered in 2016 practically started in 2014 in Plateau State to produce, process and sell mature poultry birds at affordable prices. They only use the best poultry breeds that allow us to provide our customers with delicious, natural and tender chicken. Although small in nature, they strive to provide customers with a high quality product, along with an unequalled commitment to service. They supply to the open markets, roasted meat outlets and families/individuals but have in plan to supply eateries, hotel chains, supermarkets, and retail outlets with frozen whole chicken and chicken parts like chicken laps, chicken fillets, gizzards and other intestines, minced, oven-smoked chicken etc via the purchase of our modern processing and cold room equipment.
ARTS, CRAFT & CULTURE
JEKEIN LATO-UNAH
Jekein Lato-Unah is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant paintings celebrate women, and frown upon society’s maltreatment of women. Her primary interest is the monstrosity of social constructs in our society. By breaking down her pieces into patterns and fragments of both color and monochrome, Jekein aims to tackle and break chains of patriarchy and entitlement that dominate the Nigerian state. Jekein trains female artists aged between 6 and 21, thereby developing a new age of female Nigerian artists.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
GAROS BOT- BOT’Z PRETTY LOOKS
Bot’z pretty looks is a fashion based company situated in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. It began operations in 2014. The company provides a wide range of beauty services including bridal makeovers, makeup training for students (we have trained over fifteen students), traditional hamman (body wash mostly common among northerners especially brides to be), Henna application, sales of makeup products which runs alongside a boutique. They produce scented candles in different fragrances and retail to their clients who seek to beautify their homes or wish to gift it to a loved one.
CREATIVE WRITING AND CONTENT CREATION
GEORGETTE MONNOU
Georgette is a writer driven solely by passion. She started scribbling pen to paper as a grade schooler, starting with short stories and graduating to plays by the age of 14. Through her teens she experimented with poetry and by the time she was at University, she was encouraged to share her poems – simple, honest and uncontrived. However as her passion and verve for her country grew within her, she decided to set up a blog at 19 – TheUnspokenWords93 where she could create a platform for the youth of Nigeria to engage in meaningful discussions on how to be an agent of change. Before long TheUnspokenWords93 grew into a multifaceted blog that was filled with a host of interviews of fellow creatives such as Bemyoda and DJ Cuppy, album reviews and a wide range of lifestyle articles. Now, TheUnspokenWords93 has metamorphosed into a website called #RealTalkwithGeorgie where each visitor can enjoy varied content in the form of poetry or prose. Georgette’s articles focus on challenging the invisible glass ceiling that society places on both men and women with particular focus on self-worth and developing meaningful relationships. Her passion for writing thought provoking articles has given her the opportunity to write for Bella Naija, Thought Catalog and other online platforms. Check out her work at: www.realtalkwithgeorgie.com
E-COMMERCE
ABIOLA CHRIS-AMUSAN- RINGSNG
Rings Nigeria is one of the leading ONLINE retailers of wedding rings in Nigeria. Her aim is to help couples make an educated purchase of their dream wedding rings with a seamless online shopping experience. Over two (2) years ago, she started out as a full-scale bridal accessory retailer and later pivoted into strictly wedding rings in August 2016. She is based in the city of Lagos, has agents across four (4) other major states in Nigeria, and has delivered happiness in tiny little boxes to clients all around the world.
EDUCATION
OMOZINO EGUH- YUDIMY
Omozino Eguh is passionately committed to redefining education in Africa through career guidance and educational psychology; a mission she discovered after realizing she had picked the wrong university course to study: like many children and teens still grappling with the concept of self-awareness, identity and little knowledge of viable career options that match their talents. This stirred her curiosity to set up “Yudimy” a career guidance solution adapted for the African context but globally relevant. Yudimy works with children and teenagers to discover their talents and match same to viable career options and courses to study. Each child is taken through a process of career assessment, exploration, planning and counselling to discover their career best-fit and make smart decisions in a fast changing world. Yudimy impacts the lives of hundreds of students collaborating with parents and learning institutions.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
JENNIFER UCHENDU- SUSTY VIBES
Jennifer Uchendu has developed herself as a sustainability analyst passionate about improving the lives of African youth and women via innovative features and project. She is the founder of SustyVibes, an organisation driving the cause for greener environment in Africa. SustyVibes is just a cool way of saying “Sustainability Vibes”. We are a Nigerian enterprise positioned to deliver trends and engagements on sustainability and development in Africa.
ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING & INTERIOR DÉCOR
BUOGO OBI- WOODDESIGNES
Buogo Obi, the 25 year old managing director of Wooddesignes, a furniture manufacturing enterprise situated in state, Nigeria. Wood Designs is a Lagos based furniture company that is dominating the digital space with their platform – www.wooddesignes.com Wooddesignes.com is the online platform that enables customers across Nigeria to shop over 170 different furniture products in over 20 categories ranging from sofas, dining sets, entertainment consoles, shelves, office desks and every other furniture item directly from your phone or computer. Customers can also get creative with the custom design feature where they can upload their original designs and have them made at the Wooddesignes factory.
EVENT PLANNING
CHINYERE UZUH- QWINT PERFECT
Qwint Perfect Company Limited is a boutique event planning and management company incorporated in December 2016 to deliver premier event management services in Nigeria. They aim to become the foremost event management company in Africa and a significant leading player in the global sphere of event planning. To this end, they pride ourselves with not only having the relevant knowledge and expertise but also the highest degree of passion, dedication, creativity and excellent working relationships with reputable service providers to ensure that each client has a unique Qwint Perfect experience from project briefing to project execution.
FASHION
DESIREE IYAMA
Desiree Iyama is a fashion entrepreneur, she is the founder, designer and creative director of Desiree Iyama, a contemporary womenswear brand. After attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Covenant University, She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Fashion. Designing for her runs in her blood, as both are Mother and Grandmother are designers. She has been designing from a tender age. WDV was established in 2010 by sisters Wilma, Desiree, and Victoria, which later on changed to Desiree Iyama as she was the only one with the passion for fashion. She officially started her business in 2012 (a fashion blog where she also sold her diy outfits) but had a re-launch in 2016 (where she focused majorly on fashion design). While in the university, she designed clothes for friends and received the overall best designer award at Redefinition Fashion Week, and Best Designer of the Class of 2017 set.
FINANCE & FINTECH
JOSHUA CHIBUEZE- PIGGYBANKNG
Joshua Chibueze is a co-founder at piggybank.ng, a Fintech service that helps millennials curb their spending habits while improving their savings culture by automating deposits periodically towards a specific savings target. With over 5 years’ experience in business development, digital marketing and customer experience, Joshua manages business development and marketing at piggybank.ng. In his free time, he loves to play football and video games. Previously, he co-founded pushcv.com, one of the largest job platforms in Nigeria. He studied Computer science from Covenant University and is passionate about helping millennials achieve financial freedom.
FOOD & DRINKS
ALIYU ABUBAKAR- QUICKSHAKE
Aliyu Abubakar is the C.E.O and Managing Director of Quickshake Ltd. Aliyu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from The University of Reading, UK and a Masters in Management and International Business from Birmingham City University, UK. Aliyu is the Managing Director and Founder of Quickshake Limited, a food and beverages company with 3 operational outlets in the F.C.T, with the vision to grow it as a franchise across the African continent. He is also the founder of Quicktech Global Solutions, an innovative IT firm previously partnered with ETISALAT Nigeria, Quicktech focuses on the development of educational and health technology. Aliyu at the age of 23 attended the 2014 Africa Taiwan Economic Forum as one of four delegates to represent Nigeria in Taiwan. He is also engaged in voluntary activities for community development, notably a charity focused on combatting drug abuse in young people called Parents Against Drug Abuse Initiative in Nigeria and also a founding board member of the Nigeria-Taiwan Business Association (NTBA). Aliyu is currently part of the Abuja Global Shapers Community, an initiative of The World Economic Forum; he manages the Entrepreneurship and Employability sector.
HEALTH & SKINCARE
PRECIOUS OBIAKO- SPOTLIGHT SKINCARE
Spotlight Skincare is an online retail company which specializes in making and rendering customized skin care products and services, including consultation, to suit individual needs and skin types. Our aim is to make every client look and feel beautiful outside as much as they are on the inside.
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
SIKEMI IFEDERU- TAMBOLLO
Sikemi Ifederu is the Founder and CEO of TAMBOLLO. TAMBOLLO was founded with the aim of inspiring Young Africans to travel more, leave their comfort zone and immerse themselves in new cultures. It has grown from a travel blog to a travel company that creates authentic and life changing experiences through personalised private, group trips and retreats in Nigeria and across Africa. TAMBOLLO is committed to making a positive impact through travel by giving back and supporting local communities. This philanthropic aspect has made their trips very unique. Sikemi’s ultimate goal is to expose and encourage people to appreciate the various cultures and destinations in Africa rather than limiting yourself to the familiar. She is at the forefront of creating a community of people that Travel with a Purpose.
MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS
NATALIE OBI - ETHEREAL OLORES CO
Natalie Obi is the founder/chandler of Ethereal Olores Co., a home fragrance company which produces best high quality, nontoxic, natural and clean burning luxury scented candles, Reed Diffusers, Incense Sticks, Scent sacks (natural sea salt granules), Wax melts, Fragrance oils, Personalized curated gift boxes and Oil burners. She’s a graduate of Delta state University where she majored in computer Science. She started her business Ethereal Olores Co. officially in April 2017, and the business has grown immensely and is currently expanding with the addition of new home fragrance products. The company is aimed at providing their customers with the best quality, natural and nontoxic home fragrance products that are not harmful to consumers. Proceeds from sales will be occasionally donated to beneficiaries of the Lagos food bank Initiative programme.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATION
GIDADO SHUAIB- YOUTHS’ DIGEST
Gidado Shuaib a serving corps member is the editor of Youths Digest, He is a graduate of Mass communication and has served as an intern in Daily Trust, Premium Times and BBC london. He has completed a Masters Degree from the University of Westminster in Media, Campaigning and Social Change.
MUSIC
TUKE MORGAN
Adetuke Morgan is a Vivacious Nigerian Lady with a keen interest in the Arts. With a BSc in Economics from the Prestigious University of Nottingham, UK, she is paving a name for herself in the Creative World by expressing her talents through various outlets. She is a Saxophonist, Lifestyle Blogger, Award Winning Food Photographer, Content Creator, Aspiring Actor, Natural Hair Enthusiast, Afro Rocker, Food & Theatre Lover with a Bad Case of Wanderlust especially for African Countries. She wants her life to inspire people and show them that it is possible to live your dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
PERFORMING ARTS
EBIYE VICTOR IMEOBONG
Ebiye Victor Imeobong is a 23 year old graduate of Electrical Electronics Engineering from Covenant University Nigeria. He is an online comedian and also a stand-up act. He is popularly known as “ComedianEbiye” on Instagram and was brought to limelight with his skit about popular blogger Linda Ikeji that went viral
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROTIMI OKUNGBAYE
Rotimi Okungbaye; a photographer, digital media strategist, baby writer and a humorous person. He started photography fresh out of University in 2015, studied Biochemistry at Covenant University. He work as a Media Associate at Andela, where he is involved in content creation and online presence management. He has been involved in photography projects focusing on different aspect of photography but loves to refer to himself as an Event Photographer.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
STEPHANIE EZE- MINTVILLE
Stephanie is the CEO of Mintville – A boutique cleaning company, which she founded after finding a gap in the market. Over the course of 3 years, she has built a prestigious client portfolio which includes homes, offices, bars and lounges across Lagos. Stephanie has trained and created jobs for over 30 Cleaning Specialists with utmost integrity, who love what they do.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ZAYYAD NASIDI- ZNM FOUNDATION
A graduate of Economics and Criminology from the University of Manchester, Zayyad went on to pursue a Masters degree in the University of Coventry with the knowledge and experience from both degrees, he went on and started ZNM ASSET a food processing/ real estate company. He founded ZNM Foundation, an NGO identifying the needs and gaps within communities and working towards a workable solution. ZNM FOUNDATION aims to effect and inspire positive changes within less privileged communities, focusing on 3 areas: EDUCATION, WATER SUPPLY AND HEALTH.
SOFTWARE & DESIGN
OMIMI OKERE- QONTENT
Omimi Okere is a 16 year old graphic designer. Qontent.co is a social media platform solely for creative work. It’s a platform where all creatives can host their portfolios for free without getting drowned out. The aim in the near future is to start paying the top content providers. He conceptualised and begun the journey of creating Qontent mid-2016 when he was 15. The main reason for the concept was, he was starting to produce more designs and I didn’t have anywhere to display them online other than my social media accounts, but of course, his social media accounts had other things on them as well and he felt my work would be drowned out and go unnoticed. The other option was to set up a portfolio site, which he saw a lot of other people doing. The problem was with setting up a whole website just for his portfolio was that, he felt it won’t get enough attention, so, he begun working on a social media platform solely for creative work that was free to use.
SPORTS
GEORGIA OBOH
Only 16 years old, the impressive Georgia Oboh has proved that success can come at any age – especially if you work hard enough for it. Oboh, who started playing golf when she was 6 years old, is already one of the most highly rated female golfers out of Africa – and she shows no signs of slowing down. Two years ago, Oboh won the US Kids Golf Teen World Championship; She was placed 13th out of 105 players in the Women’s Amateur Championship in Georgia last June; and she emerged as the third best player in the European Junior Open Championship in Spain.
TECHNOLOGY
ADEOLA SHASANYA - AFRO-TECH GIRLS
The African Girls in Science and Technology Initiative, popularly known as “Afro-Tech Girls”, is a private non-profit initiative for the advancement of young African women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We aim to break down barriers facing women in Africa in these fields including gender stereotypes, social anxiety and a lack of regional female role models. Our mission is to encourage, educate and empower African girls of secondary and university levels interested in the STEM fields through mentorship, teamwork, creativity and innovation. We envision a world where there is a gradual but consistent reduction in the gender gap in the STEM industries and there are increased numbers of women actively involved and attaining top positions in these industries, whilst being recognized for their achievements.
CHIBUNDU ONUZO
Chibundu Onuzo (born 1991) is a Nigerian novelist. Her first novel, The Spider King’s Daughter, won a Betty Trask Award, was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Commonwealth Book Prize, and was long listed for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Etisalat Prize for Literature. Her second novel, “Welcome to Lagos” was recently published in January 2017.She made the headlines, from BBC to CNN, after signing a two-novel deal with revered British publisher of literary fiction, Faber & Faber, making her its youngest ever female author. She started writing The Spider King’s Daughter when she was 17, got an agent at 18, signed with Faber at 19, finished editing while 20 and got published at 21. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from King’s College London, and a master’s degree in public policy from University College London. As of 2017, she is studying for a PhD at King’s College London.
OMONIKE FOWOWE
Omonike Fowowe is easily one of the best symbols of relentless optimism you would find. She is the founder and president of EMR Group, a group of companies comprising of EmrMarketing, Emr PR & Media, EMR Properties, Theos Luxury and more. She has built a plethora of marketing communications and humanitarian brands under the holding company which she founded in 2011. She has worked with clients like Access Bank, Zaron, Mall for Africa and CoolWorldPZ Cussons, Marcopolo Hotels & Suites, Marcopolo Properties, among so many other large and small brands.
KEHINDE SMITH
Kehinde Smith is the CEO of My Extensionz My Lash Extensionz, My Celebrity Teeth, HerBlings, & Taste My Fashion. Her brand is well known for supplying the highest quality of virgin hair to everyday working class women, hair salons and celebrities worldwide. My Extensionz was established in 2012 by sisters Kehinde and Tawio Smith, who were driven by the lack of affordable, quality extensions available on the market. As avid extensions users, the sisters channeled this frustration and set out on a mission to not only find high quality and affordable extensions for themselves, but for all women experiencing similar issues. After several months of research, traveling overseas and using themselves as testers, My Extensionz was born. Through social media promotions and word of mouth, the sisters gradually gained a small, yet loyal client base. By 2013, MY Extensionz was operating two retail locations in Chicago and a thriving online boutique. My Extensionz accomplished something special; high quality hair extensions at a competitive price. Due to social media, excellent customer service, strategic branding and insightful marketing, My Extensionz has placed itself in the top-tier of the market and is currently regarded as one of the go-to companies for the highest quality virgin hair extension.
ZURIEL ELISE ODUWOLE
Zuriel Elise Oduwole is a girl education advocate and filmmaker best known for her works on the advocacy for the education of girls in Africa. Her advocacy has since made her the youngest person to be profiled by Forbes. In November 2014, at age 12, Zuriel became the world’s youngest filmmaker to have a self-produced and self-edited work after her film showed in two movie chains, and then went on to screen in Ghana, England, South Africa, and Japan. Oduwole has met with 24 Presidents and Prime Ministers in line with her education advocacy work. She has also appeared in popular television stations including CNBC, Bloomberg TV, BBC and CNN. In 2013, Oduwole was listed in the New African Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People in Africa”. Earlier in January 2017, she was honored in Washington DC by the US Secretary of State – The Rt Hon John Kerry, for her work in the area of Girls Education Development in Africa, and her new idea of skill transfer to unemployed youths on the continent. She launched her foundation, DUSUSU (Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up), and its first partner was African billionaire Aliko Dangote of the Dangote Foundation. DUSUSU initially started off as a project that Oduwole had launched when she was 10 years old. She was recently honoured by UNESCO at the “Soft Power” Global Conference for her continuous work in speaking for Girls Education.
ORODE UDUAGHAN
Orode Uduaghan is the personification of strength, courage and compassion. She is the CEO of Exclusive Brands Africa, a group of companies comprising of Otres Restaurant, Gigs Rental, Pink Pearl Foundation and Rubies vocational school. As a teenager, the tragic loss of her aunt to Breast Cancer pushed her to find ways to help other women battling with the disease. Despite getting limited support and even discouragements, she forged ahead and today is the brain behind one of Nigeria’s most relevant cancer organisations – the Pink Pearl Foundation (PPF). The foundation has successfully helped treat hundreds of women diagnosed with cancer and provides awareness and various forms of support to women living with cancer. It has also recorded several achievements including the production of a Breast Cancer awareness movie titled “Living Funeral“.
SOPHIA IKE-ONU
Sophia Ike – Onu is the founder of the5kshop.com – an e-commerce platform that stocks high quality Nigerian products. “The Nigerian fashion scene lacked quality and affordable fashion brands within the purchasing power of the average population,” said Sophia. Not only are all products on the5kshop made locally, they do not cost more than five thousand naira (the namesake for Sophia’s business). Sophia started her business at home with a local tailor and launched her brand at a local fashion exhibition. Her items sold out during the two-day event. This reinforced her business idea and that the demand existed for indigenous products. She now employs three tailors who make over 400 fashion pieces a month for the business.
BIDEMI ZAKARIYAU
Bidemi is the founder and CEO of LSF|PR – a full service public relations consultancy with a core focus on corporate communications and consumer brands. She is the Publicist for one of Nigeria’s top retail fashion store- Grey Velvet. She has worked for high profile clients such as Jack Daniel, Remy Martin, Nissan and a host of celebrities. She won The Future Awards Africa Prize For Media Enterprise 2016.
OZINNA ANUMUDU
Ozinna Anumudu is passionate about two things – fashion & branding. Having secured a bachelor’s degree in Economics in The United States, she pursued a masters in a field she was more passionate about, Communication, in Paris. There after, she relocated to Nigeria and has created a niche market for herself with branding & the Nigerian Fashion Industry in under three years. Zina recently founded a brand management company, The Style Concierge,which caters to creatives & businesses in the fashion & lifestyle industry. Ozinna.com serves as a medium for Zina to share her work, her fashion, her life and everything in between.
DERIN FABIKUN
Derin Fabikun started her clothing outfit in 2009, at the age of 19. She’s a graduate of management from Covenant University. Designing for her started as a hobby. She has always had a passion for Fashion. Back in university she made outfits for herself, adding to already made dresses she had. Then it graduated to making tunics for her sisters, then friends and friends of friends. Since her entry into the scene with her elegant, unique and stylish pieces, her designs have been worn by a number of celebrities like Mimi Onalaja, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Zina Anumudu, Bolanle Olukanni, Ini Dinma Okoji, Dodos Uvieghara and more. She won the ELOY awards for female designer of the year in 2016. Derin is known for her aesthetic designs that feature droopy arms, lace and unique mermaid gowns.
VERA OBIELUMANI
Vera Obielumani is a Creative Director and CEO of VeraNora Couture (VNC), an Urban African Fashion Label based in Warri, Delta State. She started VeraNora in 2009, inspired by her mother, Nora, who is a retiree, at the age of 18 while still in the University of Port Harcourt majoring in Biochemistry. VeraNora started out as a hobby with just one tailor in her employment and two dresses a week, four years later, it is now a full fashion house which specializes in both men and women wears. Her creations have been showcased on runways and red carpets across the country worn by celebrities and beauty queens like the Miss Nigeria and MBGN Winners for 2012. She runs a fashion and design academy where she organizes sewing classes in Port Harcourt and Warri. Vera runs a project where she gives back to the community by running free design training programs for young girls in Warri, and craft making for secondary school students during the summer holidays. She also runs skills acquisition training for NYSC members.
FLORENCE IFEOLUWA OTEDOLA
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, famously known as DJ Cuppy, is a musician and entrepreneur. Cuppy’s musical endeavors began at a young age. By the time she turned 18, whilst obtaining a BSc Economics at King’s College London, she was already producing her own tracks and DJing around the world. To this date, Cuppy’s DJ skills have taken her to over 25 countries and she continues to fill dance floors across the globe. In 2014, Cuppy released her first compilation House of Cuppy, which saw her pioneer a fresh new sound she dubbed “Neo-Afrobeats” -an electric blend of Tropical House and Afrobeats music. The compilation was launched successfully in London, New York and Lagos, and the following year was succeeded by an 8-country tour, Cuppy Takes Africa, now a TV show on FOX. Having been featured by the likes of Forbes, Vogue, and the Financial Times, Cuppy has worked with some of the biggest and most exciting international organizations. Jumpstarting her US invasion in 2015 with an internship at Roc Nation, she performed at SXSW Festival and starred as the resident DJ on MTV’s ‘Uncommon Sense’ Show; all whilst attaining a Masters in Music at New York University.
YASMIN BELO-OSAGIE
As a big believer in female entrepreneurship and empowerment on the African continent, Yasmin Belo-Osagie (26) saw a gap to create a space for young women to become movers and shakers on the continent. In 2014, on her return to Nigeria after completing her studies in the US, Belo-Osagie seized the opportunity to form her own start-up, together with Afua Osei. They called it She Leads Africa. The business serves as a platform on which young women across Africa can create and share entrepreneurial ideas. It provides support for their ideas and access to professionals who can assist with advice and funding to turn start-ups into major business enterprises.
ESEOGHENE ODIETE
Ese is the founder and creative director of Hesey Designs, a fashion accessory outfit that produces one of the finest handcrafted Afrocentric fashion accessories. Right after graduating from Covenant University in 2013, she started her business with $60 savings and little experience. Today, the millennial has been able to raise $60,000 (60,000) dollars equity free funds to further grow her business. She has won various awards like Google Africa connected, British council enterprise challenge amongst others and has designed sneakers for Virgin Boss, Sir Richard Branson.
THEODORA MOGO
Theodora Anne Mogo the CEO of Doranne Beauty, a make-‐up and skin care company that offers make-up and hairstyling services for all events and occasions. She attended Babcock University and graduated with a Bachelors of Art in Mass communication. This young entrepreneur found herself entangled in the world of beauty after completing a beginners makeup training program. As her passion for beauty continued to grow, she dedicated the bulk of her time-when not neck deep in her academics- to learning more about hair, makeup and beauty in general. Theodora being the hardworking young lady that she is, began dealing in the sales of quality human hair and offering part time makeup services to a couple of her friends and family in her second year in the university. After years of juggling between her miniature entrepreneurship and school, she practiced as a public relations officer at West African Eclipse. Miss Mogo finally found her strength and went into full time Makeup. Theodora, who is a strong believer in her faith, has never stopped enforcing the mantra that beauty comes from within; however, makeup only defines a woman’s physical appearance. With hard work, God and the most supportive family and friends on her side, the sophisticated Theodora Anne Mogo has been able to break many barriers with her talent in makeup artistry.