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EKITI UNLEASHED: IGNITING THE NEXT WAVE OF LEADERS

Is an inspiring event designed to empower young university students and recent graduates in Ekiti State. The event will bring together leading experts and successful professionals from various fields. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from those who have paved the way in these sectors, gaining valuable insights and skills to help them become the next generation of leaders.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Akin Oluwadare Jnr is a seasoned banker, life coach, leadership trainer, and relationship strategist. With over two decades of banking experience, Akin has served in various roles ranging from core operations to corporate and retail banking. He is currently part of the senior management team of a leading bank in Nigeria. Alongside his banking career, he is the principal consultant at T4 Legacy Consulting Limited and the leadership coach at Akinjnr Leadership Academy, an organization dedicated to raising and developing future leaders.

Akin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom, underscoring his expertise in human capital development.

Akin’s passion for community development is evident in his role as the convener of the Aramoko Socio-Economic Summit and trustee of the Aramoko Socio-Economic Empowerment Initiative, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering the youth in Aramoko Ekiti, his hometown in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

A prolific author, public speaker, and social media influencer, Akin has published three books: My Thoughts, Winning Strategies, and Feathers of Hope. He has also written over 350 unpublished articles on leadership, self-discovery, goal setting, and relationship building. He uses his social media platforms to promote value orientation, self-development, and relationship management, impacting many lives through his daily teachings.

Akin is a devout Christian, married to his best friend, Ayorinde, and they are blessed with children. His life’s mission is to inspire and equip people to unlock their full potential.

Iyabo Titilola Ola-Olorun is a seasoned legal professional and advocate for disability rights and environmental sustainability. She earned her LL.B (Hons) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1985 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. During her NYSC service, she initiated the NYSC Legal Aid Clinic at the Nigerian Army Military Police, a project that earned her a Lagos State Certificate of Commendation and was later adopted as part of the NYSC community development initiatives.

After a period in private legal practice, Iyabo transitioned to public service, joining the Ekiti State Judiciary, where she served as a Chief Magistrate for nearly two decades. She played a key role in the establishment of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal and became the pioneer Chief Registrar. Her extensive legal career includes being an examiner and assessor for both the Nigerian Law School and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She is also an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

Now retired from public service, Iyabo is the Executive Director of the Olaolorun Initiative, an NGO dedicated to promoting disability rights through innovative recycling and upcycling. Iyabo is also committed to environmental sustainability, community development, and education. She has authored several books, including My Walk Through the Valley of Justice, Keys to a Successful Life, and Stewards Devotional, using her writing to inspire and empower others.

Ayo Ogunro is a documentary photographer, graphic artist, and filmmaker with a passion for human-interest stories that raise awareness about social issues. His work explores the formation of human cultures and their influence on our perception of the world. Ayo trained in documentary photography at the New York Film Academy in 2016 and storytelling through the Canon Miraisha programme in 2018. He is a member of the African Photojournalism Database (APJD), a joint initiative of the World Press Photo Foundation and Everyday Africa, and a part of Unabashed Africa, a collective focused on documentary media across Africa. He is also a fellow at the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Ayo’s work has been showcased at the Abuja International Photo Festival in 2017 and the Canon Africa Alumni Exhibition and African Artists Foundation in Lagos in 2018. He was the second runner-up in the 9mobile Photography Competition in 2019. He has completed assignments for major organizations, both locally and internationally, while working on personal projects such as The Untold Story of the Fulani, Nigerian Tribal Marks, Lifestyle in IDP Camps, and The Plight of People Living with Disabilities in Nigeria.

As the author of two books, Ayo has documented political and social change, particularly through Fayemi: Restoring Ekiti Values and Common Ground: Leading Change at the Subnational Level. Ayo served as the Senior Special Assistant on Photography to the Governor of Ekiti State from 2018-2022 and is currently the Creative Director of CredsHill Studios and the Convener of Ekiti Creative Hangout.

Prof. Yemisi Rufina Alli Smith is a distinguished Professor of Biochemistry, specializing in Plant Biochemistry and Toxicology. She began her education at St. Gregory Catholic Primary School in Ire Ekiti and completed it at St. Peter’s Demonstration School, Akure. She attended Unity Secondary School, Ado Ekiti, from 1988 to 1993. In 2000, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ado Ekiti as the Faculty of Science’s best graduating student. Due to her outstanding performance, she was appointed as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Ado Ekiti in 2002, beginning her academic career.

Prof. Alli Smith earned her M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan in 2004 and her PhD from Ekiti State University in 2015. She rose through the ranks and became a Professor of Biochemistry in 2021. With over 50 scholarly articles published in reputable journals locally and internationally, she has made significant contributions to her field.

She is an active member of several professional organizations and has attended numerous national and international conferences. A passionate educator, Prof. Alli Smith is deeply committed to mentoring students, guiding them in their academic journeys, and providing support whenever needed.

She is happily married and blessed with two children.

Omolola Ayeni is the CEO of Wheekanza Investment Limited, a company that specializes in transforming agricultural farm waste into NAFDAC-certified organic hair and skincare products. With a passion for sustainable innovation, her business merges environmental consciousness with beauty and wellness.

Omolola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ado Ekiti and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Ibadan. She is also a proud member of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. Consulate exchange program that empowers women entrepreneurs.

Her expertise has earned her both local and international recognition, including features on platforms such as BBC Yoruba, Fresh FM Ado, and Progress FM Ado. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Omolola has impacted the lives of more than 30 unemployed young women by training them in the art of black soap production and equipping them with valuable skills to become self-reliant.

Omolola’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. She recently received an award for having one of the most visible products on the Ekiti online platform, solidifying her reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur committed to both social impact and business growth.

Chidinma Eze, as an Agrifood Social Innovator, focuses on capacity building, rural development, and youth empowerment to advance sustainable food systems. With a strong background as a vegetable crop farmer, trainer, and consultant, she has trained over 2,500 farmers in horticulture, covering both greenhouse and open-field methods. Her efforts align with her deep passion for empowering communities.

Currently, Chidinma leads farmCAS, where she leverages technology to address agricultural employment challenges in Nigeria, connecting, training, and managing agricultural talents. Through her leadership, farmCAS ensures equitable access to opportunities and improves livelihoods across the sector.

In her additional role as Program and Membership Officer for YPARD Nigeria, she coordinates initiatives that empower over 3,000 young agricultural enthusiasts through education and skill development, fostering the next generation of agrifood leaders.

Chidinma’s dedication to social change and business strategy has earned her accolades, including being named Africa’s Agriculture Influencer at the Bayern Youth Agric Summit 2021 and receiving the prestigious British American Tobacco Foundation’s Farmers for the Future award.

Her work reflects a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development, much like the vision of promoting creative and impactful solutions through community-driven projects.

Titilayo Obileye is a dynamic and accomplished professional currently serving as the Technical Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. With a background in Communications and Language Arts from Ekiti State University and a degree in Accounting, she has carved out a remarkable career in communications strategy and content creation.

Obileye’s journey began as an intern at the Ekiti State government at the young age of 22. Her dedication and skill quickly propelled her through the ranks, leading to her roles as Technical Assistant and Senior Technical Assistant on Communications and Strategy. Her ability to navigate the complexities of government communications earned her the distinction of being the first non-indigenous person to be recognized as Ekiti State’s Outstanding Young Person in 2022.

In addition to her government work, Obileye is an accomplished multimedia journalist. She has received several accolades, including the Journalist of the Year 2022 award at the International Youth Diplomacy Award in Ghana. This honor was bestowed upon her for her impactful reporting on youth participation in sustainable development and climate change, topics she is passionate about. Her expertise in these areas also led to her selection as a TEDx speaker and an advocate for climate justice. In 2022, she covered the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt, further solidifying her reputation in the field.

Obileye’s influence extends beyond journalism. She serves on the advisory boards of various regional, national, and international development organizations, contributing her insights and expertise to a range of initiatives. Recently, she was appointed to oversee communications activities for the International Community for Education Technology in West Africa. In this role, she focuses on educating and certifying schools and teachers in the effective use of classroom technology.

Balancing her professional responsibilities with her entrepreneurial endeavors, Obileye runs her own fashion business, KooraWoman. This venture, along with her leadership of The Youth Opportunity Community Forum—a platform dedicated to connecting young Africans with opportunities for success—showcases her commitment to empowering the next generation. Her efforts in public service and community engagement were recognized by She Leads Africa in 2023, naming her one of the 50 Under 30 Motherland Moguls for her exceptional contributions.

Throughout her career, Titilayo Obileye has demonstrated a relentless drive to make a positive impact. Her multifaceted roles in government, journalism, and business highlight her dedication to fostering development and innovation across various sectors. By championing causes such as climate justice, sustainable development, and education technology, she continues to inspire and lead, setting an example for young Africans and beyond. Her work at The Youth Opportunity Community Forum further underscores her commitment to nurturing future leaders and creating pathways for success.

Event Schedule

Time Activity Details
10:00 – 10:30 AM Arrival & Registration Check-in.
10:30 – 11:00 AM Keynote Address Inspiring keynote speech.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM First Round of Panel Talks Followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Moderated discussions.
12:00 – 12:30 PM Networking & Light Refreshments Light snacks and beverages.
12:30 – 1:00 PM Break-out Session 1 Small group activities with mentors for deeper learning.
1:00 – 1:30 PM Second Round of Panel Talks Followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Moderated discussions.
1:30 – 2:00 PM Networking & Light Refreshments More networking opportunities. Complete post-event survey.
2:00 – 2:30 PM Break-out Session 2 Small group activities with mentors for deeper learning.
3:00 PM Closing Remarks Wrap-up and key takeaways.

PARTNERS

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