Sir Ademola Aladekomo is a Nigerian computer engineer and entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in the development of technology in his home country. Born in 1957, he holds degrees in computer engineering and business administration.
His most notable accomplishment is founding Chams Plc, the first indigenous computer maintenance company in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Chams grew significantly and became a publicly traded company. The company also shifted its focus to identity management solutions, differentiating itself in the market. He further solidified his reputation as a pioneer by contributing to the development of Nigeria's first e-payment card, the Valucard.
Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Sir Ademola Aladekomo is a dedicated philanthropist. He established the DATA Foundation and Volunteer Corps, organizations focused on improving public education in Nigeria. These groups have provided scholarships to students, demonstrating his commitment to empowering the next generation.
Sir Ademola Aladekomo's combined achievements in engineering, business, and social responsibility have earned him widespread respect in Nigeria.
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Toke Makinwa
Toke Makinwa, a multi-talented Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur. Born in 1984, she overcame a difficult childhood, losing her parents at a young age. Despite this, she obtained a degree in English and Literature from the University of Lagos.
Her career exploded in 2010 when she co-hosted a popular radio show. She quickly transitioned to television, hosting prestigious events and co-anchoring various shows. Recognizing the growing influence of online platforms, Toke launched her successful YouTube vlog "Toke Moments" in 2012. Her talent and hard work were acknowledged with an award for "Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year."
Beyond radio and television, Toke is a successful author, sharing her personal story in the memoir "On Becoming." She's also a businesswoman, launching her own handbag line and skincare brand. In addition, Toke is a sought-after brand ambassador, partnering with major companies like Nestle and Ciroc. Despite personal challenges, including a public marital breakdown, Toke remains a strong and independent woman.
She continues to be a force in Nigerian media, recently venturing into acting with roles in films like "Glamour Girls" and "Sugar Rush."
Ifeoma B. Nwobu
Ifeoma Nwobu is the co-founder of Sendstack, a mobility-tech startup focused on building digital infrastructure for last-mile logistics starting within Africa. She is an entrepreneur with over 5 years of experience across industries like fashion and technology.
Currently the COO of Sendstack, she has led the adoption and growth of the product to over 5,000 users and has overseen the processing of over 30,000 deliveries and counting. With her unique background and skillset, she is passionate about creating new approaches to solving problems for SMEs across Africa as well as driving innovation and growth within the logistics-tech space.
She is passionate about building high-functioning teams and plans to build more strategic businesses for Africans globally.
Temilade Aduroja
Temilade Aduroja, Head of Investor relations at Dangote Industries Ltd. She is an experienced Infrastructure and Oil & Gas Analyst with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry.
She was rated 3rd and 2nd in 2018 and 2019 Finance Mail Sub-Saharan Africa Analyst of the year. She is also a finance professional with over ten years of experience with a demonstrated history of working in the investment banking industry.
Temilade also has expertise in Africa Infrastructure and Oil & Gas sectors, skilled in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Capital Markets, Corporate Finance, Business Strategy, Equity Research, and Equities.
She has worked at Standard Chartered Bank, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Renaissance Capital, and is joining DCP from Standard Bank Group where she was the Senior Africa Infrastructure and Oil & Gas Equity Analyst.
Chisom Nwokwu
Chisom Nwokwu is a skilled Software Engineer based in Lagos, Nigeria, working with the sustainability team at Microsoft. She plays a critical role in helping Microsoft achieve its goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030. With a strong background in data engineering, she collaborates with product teams to build sustainable systems and leverages big data platforms to drive eco-friendly initiatives.
Chisom's journey in technology began with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, followed by an internship at the Bank of America as a Technology Analyst. Her career has since taken off, marked by her authorship of a popular book, “A Techie’s Guide into Big Tech Companies,” designed to help aspiring tech professionals navigate the job market.
Beyond her work, Chisom is a rising star in the tech community. She was nominated as "RISING STAR OF THE YEAR" by the Women Tech Network and is recognized for her engaging YouTube channel, where she shares tech and career-related content. Her passion for supporting others is evident in her approach to mentorship and sharing job opportunities through her social media channels.
In her spare time, Chisom enjoys experimenting with new recipes and playing the violin, showcasing her diverse interests and vibrant personality.
Sola Adesakin
Sola Adesakin is a finance coach and chartered accountant with over two decades of experience. She founded Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited, operating in Nigeria and the USA, and has transformed the financial lives of clients across 40 countries.
Her expertise in "make-manage-multiply money" has helped many move from financial stress to stability and success. Sola is a strong advocate for gender equality and reducing inequality, supporting SDG 5 and 10 through various programs and mentorship initiatives.
Sola's academic credentials include degrees from Oxford Brookes University and Edinburgh Business School, and she holds fellowships with key accounting institutes in Nigeria and the UK. Sola has authored eight books and contributes regularly to national newspapers, offering financial guidance to a broad audience.
Recognized as one of Nigeria's 100 most inspiring women in 2020, her work has also been featured in Forbes and Yahoo. As a member of the Forbes Coaching Council, Sola continues to inspire and educate individuals on achieving financial success.
