Meet The 2023 Speakers

Abiola Bashorun

Abiola Bashorun widely known as "Abiola Nurtures" is a trained Psychologist, having graduated from the University of Lagos where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Human Development Psychology. As a counsellor, speaker, researcher and an advocate for youth development, Abiola nurtures to enlighten, encourage and empower young people. She has worked with many children, adolescents and young adults across Nigeria, through private and public nurture engagements, recording immense success and significant contributions along the way for over a decade.
Abiola’s vision for Global Education is to help improve the learning experience, academic performance and the quality of life of many students in schools across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
She is the author of the book titled "Learning How to Learn in A to Z Ways", a transformative educational guide that teaches students how to make significant improvements in their learning experience. She is also the convener of the "Learning How to Learn Educational Workshop", a student-centred interactive training session hosted in primary, secondary and tertiary schools across the nation.

Topic:

I Am Remarkable: Super Special Me! — 10:00am

Adejumoke Sangolana

Adejumoke Sangolana is a safety professional with over 10 years industry experience and over 15 years in early years education.
With a background in Petroleum Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria, she has gained professional certifications in International Health and safety at work by NEBOSH; various ISO Management Sustems as a Lead Auditor and is locally certified by the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) since 2011.
A mother of two, her passion for the wellbeing of children and professional authority gave birth to her first children's book titled "Sam Learns Safety".

Topic:

The ABCs of Safety — 08:00am

Awaita Atebor

Awaita Atebor is a Nigerian and humbly the founder of A-Kania Chronicles- a writing firm that prides itself on telling riveting moralistic stories to positively touch the lives of its audience. Awaita is a screenwriter, an aspiring filmmaker, and the author of "Tale of Bayajidda: The Forebearer. She is simply a kind-hearted, determined, proficient, animated, and God-fearing disciplinarian who believes that everyone has God-given gifts which can greatly impact the world. She is passionate about making a difference in her lifetime.

Topic:

Tale of Bayajidda: The Forebearer — 11:30am

Busola Dakolo

Busola Dakolo is a strong supporter of lifelong learning for personal development and adaptability. She has taught photography to students in high school, middle school, and college as a professional photographer with over 6 years of experience in brand and portrait photography. She enjoys teaching photography to elementary school students as an artistic way for them to learn about the world.

Topic:

Picture Perfect Tips For Young Photographers — 12:00pm

Chigozie Mbadugha

Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha is a Nigerian ophthalmologist and a multiple award-winning author, poet, playwright, artist, and songwriter. She is versatile and has excelled as an ophthalmic surgeon, researcher, and author. Chigozie wrote her first unpublished novel at the age of six and has been writing poems, scripts, short stories, and songs since then, mainly for leisure. One of her poems, “The New Yam Festival,” won second prize in a nationwide poetry competition in 1983. She was the recipient of the silver prize at the Kanagawa World Biennial Children’s art competition in Japan in 1987.
Her flash fiction titled “I’m Not the Girl I Used to Be” made top ten in a Christian Writing Competition organized by SATAYAA Africa Foundation in August 2023. Her short story “Marry Me When I am Older” was in the longlist of the International Human Rights Arts Festival (IHRAF) Short Story Competition in June 2023. Her short story titled “I only See a Friend” which highlights the need for integration, love, and tolerance among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria was published in an anthology titled ‘From Africa with Love: Voices of a Creative Continent’ by the IHRAF New York USA.
Her debut publication titled ‘Beyond the Trial,’ a collection of three standalone novellas: Rude Awakening, Erased Reproach and Shadows from the Past, has won two awards. Chigozie was adjudged the Best Author in the Young Adult Category for Beyond the Trial in the African Christian Fiction Writers Award (ACFWA) in December 2021. Beyond the Trial also won the Samuel Ajayi Crowther Prize in 2017 for Christian fiction. Rude Awakening: a Beyond the Trial novella was selected by the United Nations SDG Book Club (African Chapter) as a recommended or selected book for African libraries for exploring SDG 5 (Gender Equality) of the United Nations SDG programme. Shadows from the Past: a Beyond the Trial novella was shortlisted for the 2020 Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Best Prose Fiction.
Her colour-illustrated middle grade readers book ‘A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa’ was a finalist in 2020 in the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Best Children’s Book. A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa has been translated to French. Her short play “I Should Have Been Enough” was shortlisted in the International Human Rights Arts Festival (IHRAF) Short Play Competition in December 2021. This short play has been expanded and published as a full drama. Her free verse poem “A Senseless War” won a monetary prize in a widely advertised and keenly contested online poetry competition conducted by the Online Book Club. “A Senseless War” explored a post war reflection on the losses and furtiveness of war and the preference for negotiation and nonviolent resolution of conflicts.
Chigozie has written eight children’s books to date and hopes to write more books before her hyperactive muses grow up. Some of her children’s books have been translated to Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, French, German, and Portuguese. When Chigozie is not performing eye surgeries, she tries to write “eye-popping” fiction, listen to music, and spend quality time with her family. She draws her inspiration from God and the love of her family.

Topic:

Finding Kitty — 10:30am

Chimdindu Peace Ugwuanyi

Chimdindu Peace Ugwuanyi is a medical doctor who is greatly passionate about Child and Adolescent Health. With over 8 years’ experience working with children, her goal is to keep innovating different health strategies to help children in sub-Saharan Africa grow wholesomely. She is equally a member of Society for Adolescents and Young People’s Health Nigeria (SAYPHIN). She is the Executive Director of ‘Speak out for Children Development Initiative’, an organization dedicated to preventing and protecting children from being sexually abused, currently operating in Nigeria and Cameroon (in partnership with Needful Children Organization).
She has led several social media campaigns to raise awareness and teach on the importance of protecting children and ensuring they enjoy a safe childhood. Consistently with her team, they focus on researching and working on more ways to create more awareness in every nook and cranny and prevent this plague. Chimdindu is the author of ‘My Body Safety Story Book’, a book for children that emphasizes on body safety rules.
She is a member of different prestigious fellowships and has been recognized as one of the 60 young Global Change Makers from different countries in 2019. Her works have been featured severally on BBCbiz100 experts and in other media in Nigeria.

Topic:

No: You Can't Invade My Space! Body Safety 101 For Children — 12:30pm

Chinyere Ifediora

Chinyere thinks a lot about children's books and is super thankful that she gets to write and publish them. She is the author of the well-loved Adventures of Mister Sweet Potato, Mma Made, Mma Powered and so on. Chinyere is also a lawyer of over 15 years standing at the Nigeria Bar and has solid experience in civil litigation, and corporate-commercial law.
She is trained in child protection systems and supports community causes for children through her work.

Topic:

Mma Powered — 09:30am

Chioma Fakorede

Chioma Fakorede is a holistic wellness consultant, author, speaker and entrepreneur. She founded Olamma Cares Foundation, an NGO focused on creating awareness and supporting people with mental health conditions. Through her NGO, she has impacted over 20,000 individuals directly through outreach and intervention programs, carried out free mental health screening to over 2000 individuals, and attended above 1500 virtual crisis support.
Chioma is an author and recently published a self-identity affirmation book for children ‘Osinachi - The Boy Sent By God'. Chioma is a certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor and is the creative director for Flow with Chi. She teaches yoga, meditation and mindfulness to kids and adults, a platform which helps individuals become mentally aware and live a more wholesome and fulfilling life. She runs a weekly YouTube Yoga for Kids channel.
As an advocate for disability inclusion, focusing on intellectual and developmental disabilities, Chioma has also received training in Applied Behaviour Analysis and is a certified ABA tutor. She hosts an annual intellectual and disabilities workshop for professionals and caregivers. A graduate of Petroleum Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria, Chioma has taken a lifelong pledge to continue serving people in her community and positively impacting humanity.
She writes a weekly column in a national newspaper titled “Mind Body and Soul”; she is also a TEDx Speaker and has spoken on over 200 stages and platforms. She launched a mental health live TV show through her organisation, Unbroken, in partnership with a national TV station. In collaboration with Joy Inc., her NGO operates an outpatient therapy centre called The Joy Hub. She also owns a Luxury, Intimate Event Space in Ibadan called BlackNILE.
Her most recent achievements include; the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship, the 2022 Eloy Awards Nominee for Humanitarian (NGO), Lord’s Achievers Awards 2021 for Community Service, the 2021 Royal African Young Leadership Awards by HRH Ooni of Ife, The Future Awards Africa 2020 - Prize for Health and Wellness and the Avance Media 2020 - 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians.
Through her NGO, she signed a partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Organisation (FCDO) Digital Access Programme and has provided Telemedicine and Mental Health support to over 5000 at-risk persons in 11 digitally underserved rural clusters across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria during COVID-19.
Chioma is married to Seun Fakorede, erstwhile Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, and they have a son.

Topic:

Osinachi: The Boy Sent By God — 08:30am

Damilola Agboola

Damilola has a background and extensive experience in the Dubbing and Localization industry as a Translator, Dubbing Voice Actor, Dubbing Coordinator,and Sound engineer. Having featured in over 2000 Dubbed movies, and 5 series as a Voice actor, and having produces a considerable number of high profile BBC Documentaries and Dubbing projects featured on platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, he brings a wealth of experience in helping African authors tell their compelling stories through the creation of Audiobooks.

Topic:

Books That Speak: Creating A Bestselling Audiobook — 10:00am

Damilola Solesi

Damilola Solesi is an accomplished Animation Director and Producer, the CEO and Creative Director of SMIDS Animation Studios, which she founded in 2010. Under her leadership, SMIDS has become one of the leading animation companies in Africa, earning recognition as one of the top two animation companies in Nigeria according to the EY Industry Report 2019.
With a focus on 2D & 3D animation, SMIDS has successfully completed numerous projects for various clients and is currently working on creating children's content for television and the web. Their TV series, "The Makerbolts," made history as the first Nigerian animation studio to be selected as a finalist at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival's "Animation du monde" category, after successfully progressing through regional and continental stages. In addition, they have produced several animated series for clients and are currently in production for their highly anticipated premier animated series, "UYI." One of their notable productions is the critically acclaimed series "BOXED," which is currently airing on YouTube.
Damilola's expertise and achievements have garnered international recognition. She has served as a Juror for the 2020-2022 International Emmy Awards, appointed by the esteemed International Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences. In 2020 and 2022, she was also selected as MIPTV's "Producer To Watch." Her exceptional leadership and strategic management have played a crucial role in the success of SMIDS Animation Studios.

Topic:

The Great Wall Of The Benin Kingdom — 11:00am

Dara Oluwatoye

Dara Oluwatoye is a media personality, writer and voice-over artist. Over 6 years in the media industry, Dara has created, written, filmed and communicated content. While with ID Africa, as a staff writer and social media manager, she worked on brands such as MTN, ALAT, Dettol, Jumia, MultiChoice Nigeria, Showmax, Livespot and more. She's worked on several campaigns including Big Brother Naija Season 5 & 6, Gulder Ultimate Search, Livespot X Festival, NET Honours, and ALAT Talk Series to name a few.
As a voiceover artiste, she has worked with brands such as Honeywell Group, Hawaii Soap Nigeria, Google, Netng, Clout Africa and many more.
She is currently a presenter at Cool FM Lagos hosting The Midday Oasis on weekdays from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Topic:

Picture101 — 11:00am

David Adegboyega

David Adegboyega, B.Eng Civil, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. With about 20 years’ experience spanning marketing & corporate communications, training, customer acquisition, retail products management and corporate responsibility & sustainability in banking.
David is a Sound Character Coach and Nation Builder and his passion for sound character has led him to author several materials with over 40,000 copies printed and distributed. He loves training, where he shares time-tested knowledge, soft skills and attitude that has made him a sought-after personality.
He drives the Sound Character movement which seeks to provide the tools to foster productive and meaningful lives. The initiative seeks to empower a critical mass of purposeful future leaders, demonstrating values to contribute positively globally. He seeks to raise a critical mass of young people to whom corruption is not an option in everything they do.

Topic:

Success Secrets For Children — 04:00pm

David Ogunshola

Author, Early Coding for Kids
Founder, EarlyFounders Labs
Co-Founder, Brainy Hive Schools

Topic:

Not Too Young To Code — 05:00pm

Elizabeth Okeyele

Okeyele Elizabeth is a knitting teacher for children certified by the craft yarn council of america. A graduate of textile technology from yaba college of technology and the author of a children knitting book titled knitting ABC book, 20 inspired patterns for the young to explore.
She is a passionate entreprenuer and the founder of tunnizze creation, an organization that is passionate about passing on needle craft skills to the younger generation. To their credit is the following programmes. Kids knit classes, the knit and crochet contest, tiny hats for tiny babies Nigeria and train the trainer workshop.
In Feb 2019, her knitting group was featured in the best knitting book in UK tilted let's knit magazine under charity when she organized children from Lagos, abuja and Kaduna to knit and crochet 155 hats for premature babies across Nigeria.
In 2021, she was featured in BBC pidgin interview. Where her tiny hats for tiny babies project.
She strongly believes that the will to think must be integrated into education via handwork skills and she along side her team have set a goal to reach 20,000 children across Africa with their knitting and crochet skill by 2025.
She is happy wife to her husband and a wonderful mother to her 2 sons.

Topic:

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Enimien Inegbedion

Enimien Inegbedion is an accomplished educator, the visionary founder of Arcadia School, and a dynamic serial entrepreneur. With a profound dedication to revolutionising education, Enimien has established Arcadia School as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. With a passion for nurturing future leaders, she brings a wealth of experience in progressive education and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Topic:

Identifying & Correcting Maladaptive Behaviour: An Anti-Bullying Session — 03:00pm

Fokanferanmi Okojie

Feranmi is a seasoned professional and innovator, boasting an extensive track record in the realms of HR, Talent Management and Development, and Design Thinking. Over the course of her 13-year career, she has consistently showcased her mastery in leveraging strategic initiatives to fuel tangible business outcomes across diverse industries. Renowned for her unparalleled creativity, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to fostering organizational growth, she brings a unique blend of innovative thinking and strategic acumen to every endeavor. She is currently the Vice Chancellor of Purple Academy, leading learning and development at the corporate university for Wema Bank and Alat.
Outside work, she is an avid reader, writer and child educator, who reads, teaches and organizes gamified initiatives to help children learn creativity and innovation. She has actively partnered with organisations and bodies responsible for youth development, engages in storytelling and works as a voice over artist to help bring stories to life. She is a mother of two and a huge advocate for inspiring the young mind.
She is an active member of the YoungO Youth Constituency at the UNFCCC and has partnered to train youth and support education projects in communities across Africa. She is a certified Consultant, Design Thinker, HR/Talent Development Expert and Coach who seeks to fuel the future of work, transform education, inspire lifelong learners and create a more connected world through innovation.

Topic:

Raising A Reader: Inspiring A Love of Reading in Children — 02:00pm

Foluso Gbadamosi

Foluso Gbadamosi is a Business and Technology Professional who currently works at Junior Achievement Nigeria as the Executive Director. She is an Author, Speaker, Trainer, and also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who helps individuals leverage their talents to achieve greater performance in different areas of their lives. She serves on the Board of Directors of Swift Networks, Cousant Technologies, Intense Digital, the Advisory Board of Skool Media, and a member of the Advisory group for the Lagos SDGs Voluntary Local Review. She is also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.
In 2013, she co-founded a non-profit organization, Serving with Love (SWL) where she currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from George Washington University. Foluso is also a Certified Management Consultant and holds Certificates from the Yale CEO College, IE Business School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Foluso lives in Lagos and is married with two children.

Topic:

The Impact Of Social Media on Your Children — 12:00pm

Ifedolapo Peter-Ajakaiye

Topic:

Smarter Finance: Investing Tips For Children — 09:00am

Ingressive For Good

Ingressive For Good is a non-profit organization with the mission to create and increase the earning power of African youth through tech training and resources for the growth of the African startup ecosystems.
Ingressive for Good exists to equip young Africans in need with tech skills to help them impact and contribute to the development of Africa, socially and economically. The non-profit organization was created to address the glaring inequities that exist within African tech ecosystems. They do this through 3 core channels: Microscholarships, Technical Training, and Talent Placement. Read more.
Ingressive For Good has been featured on Forbes, Ventures Africa, Tech Cabal, Disrupt Africa, The Guardian, and so many other global platforms.

Topic:

Hanzzy & Fawzzy — 05:30pm

Irene Omiunu

Irene Yéga Omiunu is a British-Nigerian author and illustrator who over the last decade has garnered an enviable client roster from the likes of British Vogue, the Victoria & Albert Museum and The Dubai Mall. As a mother of two young avid readers, she was inspired to create culturally diverse picture books which celebrate and foster cultural pride. Yéga's approach to writing is purposefully humorous and is greatly influenced by her own personal experiences growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. Puff Puff is her first self-published story, with several others in development.

Topic:

Puff Puff — 08:00am

Joseph Oserehme Oboh

Joseph Oserehme Oboh, a dance artist, Fashion model and fitness coach. A member of dancerapy, CEO joevinfitworld. As a fit coach I have led event like Access Bank Dance Marathon 2022, Dancerapy Dance Marathon, Nestle chi moment, Oworonshoki community fitness event etc.

Topic:

Mummy, Daddy, Me: Let's Dance! AfroBeat Edition with Joseph — 11:30am

Kehinde Ayeni

Ms Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director, LEAP Africa, is a 13-year LEAP veteran who, in the last three years, has also served as the Chief Operating Officer - responsible for developing and driving operational strategy, optimising resources, processes and people improvement, translating strategy into actionable goals for optimal performance, growth and sustainability.
Ms. Ayeni’s passion, commitment, drive, and excellence have contributed greatly to the growth of LEAP Africa. She has built a career in the non-profit and works for an organisation that nurtures young Africans by creating and enabling opportunities for them to fulfil their potential. She is a skilled facilitator and has led impact-driven sessions in LEAP Africa’s core leadership programmes within Nigeria and across Africa. In 2020, Kehinde was recognized among 50 African Women Making a Difference in Development by Donors for Africa and a 2021 Praxis Non-profit Accelerator Fellow.
Kehinde is an advocate for social good and promotes debates and causes related to leadership development, social entrepreneurship, and economic and youth development. Her personal and professional goal is to continue creating the environment, opportunities, and solutions to profit, empower, and enable self- and organizational sustainability.
Kehinde Ayeni has her first degree in Geography and Education from the University of Ilorin and a certificate in Advanced Skills Programme from the School of Media and Communications, Pan African University (now Pan Atlantic University) and a Certificate in Sustainability Workshop for NGOs and Corporate Organizations from the same University. She is a Global Affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, UK and is currently studying for an executive MBA at Lagos Business School.

Topic:

Navigating Your Teenage Years — 03:00pm

Kosisochukwu Ugboh

Kosisochukwu Chukwuoma Ugboh is a lovely young lady who believes the competition is not among others but herself, she loves to read, write, dance, sing, crochet, etc. She is a very open-minded and perfectionist person. She strives for the absolute best and nothing less.

Topic:

Left Alone — 11:00am

Lara Akinwolere

Mrs Omolara Akinwolere, is the founder of Lara Craft Toys, the 1st environmentally friendly toy and learning resources manufacturing company based in Abuja, Nigeria. She is also the Director at Judy's Preparatory School, an innovative school dedicated to providing exceptional educational services to children.
Prior to being an entrepreneur, she gathered several years of work experience in the corporate environment with reputable companies such as Nigerian Breweries Plc, Airtel Networks Limited and Access Bank Plc.
She is an alumni of The University of Manchester, where she completed her M.Sc in Management and Information Systems: Change & Development as well as the University of Lagos, where she obtained her B.sc in Business Administration. She is passionate about improving the quality of education in Nigeria, through quality teaching and learning aids.
She has held several training sessions for parents and teachers, educating them on how to engage children through a multi-sensory approach in teaching. She is a very creative individual and is constantly seeking knowledge on how to create innovative products, that will boost the Nigerian economy. She hopes that her innovations will be utilized by the African continent as a whole.

Topic:

Meet Lara Craft — 02:00pm

Louisa Olafuyi

Louisa Olafuyi is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, an award-winning children's publishing and media company, She is responsible for driving creative and strategic development. With experience in consumer insight and marketing from her time at Cambridge University Press and Unilever, She has been able to lead Kunda Kids to become a world-leading provider of fun and diverse children's content.
She has a background as a journalist and researcher and this has also helped her to develop her natural storytelling abilities, which she also used to lead marketing for TEDxEuston and previously ran a successful podcast and blog. Her passion for creative entrepreneurship, parenting, and improving diversity in children's media has driven her to share her thoughts and insights on these topics through my writing. She is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation through engaging and culturally rich content.

Topic:

A Is For Africa — 10:00am

Namse Udosen

Namse is the author of Amang Goes to the Village, Fundamental Etiquette for Young Nigerians and School Plant Management in Nigeria. He also has two free eBooks for children one of which is Silly Sally which has been translated to Hausa language.
He is a 2023/24 Chevening Scholarship recipient. His essays have been published in esteemed publications such as Writers Space Africa Magazine, Ake Review-Journal, Daily Trust Newspaper, Qwenu Magazine, and Curriculum Studies Journal among other notable outlets. He has been invited as a distinguished guest on various broadcast and social media to discuss education and literacy development. He has also served as a panellist and facilitator at numerous literary events. In recognition of his exceptional talent, he was awarded the title of Artist of the Month for 2020 by the Yasmine El Rufai Literary Foundation. Furthermore, he served as a mentor for the foundation's Teen Creative Writing Mentorship Program in 2021.
Annually, Namse orchestrates an event known as Tanar Kaduna Bookathon which aims to create culturally relevant books for Nigerian children through volunteer efforts. He conducts workshops that aid artists and writers in mastering the fundamentals necessary to craft engaging children's literature works with ease. He was recognized as one of the 500 World Literacy Advocates for 2020 by the World Literacy Foundation. Namse has held leadership positions in various organizations such as Writers Space Africa and serves on the board of the Jury for the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children's Literature. Additionally, he hosts a monthly podcast where he reads stories to children on Ayambalitcast.
On September 8th, 2021, he organized the first Walk for Literacy in Northern Nigeria in Kaduna and conducted teacher training in various schools there.

Topic:

Amang Goes To The Village — 10:30am

Nike Kuti

Adenike is the founder and CEO of OAKHeirs Limited, an advisory & investments firm in Lagos, which supports companies in implementing their corporate objectives and growth plans. She is a seasoned sector-agnostic finance professional with 16+ years pan-African experience spanning investment banking, consulting, infrastructure investments and private equity. She is passionate about learning and self development and recently completed an executive EMBA at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. She is a happily married with three beautiful children.

Topic:

My Child's Got Talent: Now What? — 04:00pm

Noma Sodipo

Noma Sodipo, a.k.a. Auntie Noma, writes extensively for children. She is author of A PRE-SCHOOL ALPHABET BOOK AND A TREASURY OF AFRICAN NAMES, with a foreword by Professor Grace Alele-Williams, and an acknowledgement by Queen Elizabeth II. She has hosted a number of TV, radio and YouTube programmes including the award-winning STORYTIME WITH AUNTIE NOMA on AFRICAMAGIC, Channels, BEN TV Europe and other channels as well as Wazobia’s Storytime With Paint and Bake.
Through the daily radio programmes, TWO MINUTE ALPHABET AND AFRICAN NAMES and STORYTIME WITH AUNTIE NOMA as well as a Saturday live show on Nigeria info FM, she brings over twenty years’ experience of nursery education and consulting for the Early Years to preschoolers and young children all around. Her latest release, NIGERIA HOTCHPOTCH, is a must-read for all young and young at heart! Her recent Alphabet Activity series is set to transform the culture of African learning too!
Noma Sodipo is a recipient of the GWIIN and PAWIIN Awards. She is a blessed wife and mother of three.

Topic:

A Treasury of African Names — 01:00pm

Oladele Olafuyi

Oladele Olafuyi is the co-founder of Kunda Kids, an experienced business manager with a strong ability to think outside of the box and simplify complex business challenges. He possesses a deep understanding of global marketing and excels in responsive strategies to address changing customer and consumer needs.
His extensive experience encompasses strategy and planning, business development, brand marketing, trade marketing, digital marketing, sales, and conducting business in Africa. His mission is to contribute to a world where all children of African descent are represented in the books they read, the music they listen to, and the animations they watch through Kunda Kids.

Topic:

A Is For Africa — 10:00am

Olamidotun Votu-Obada

Olamidotun is a successful entrepreneur, a best-selling children's book author, a podcast host and a prolific speaker. As a child, she read several books about great people and this motivated her to be more than she ever dreamt of. Her childrens’ love for stories about historic people inspired her journey into writing.
In 2019, an international business publication named her on the list of 50 most inspiring women in celebration of International Women's Day. Olamidotun’s books have been celebrated in schools internationally for its diversity and inclusion. She resides in North America and doubles in her role as a successful entrepreneur and author.

Topic:

Be Inspired by MKO Abiola — 02:30pm

Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi

Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi is an author; the founder of IweMi (formerly Clever Clogs Books); the convener of the Akada Children's Book Festival and the Chairperson of the Association of Children's Authors & Illustrators of Nigeria. She is passionate about creating visually-engaging, culturally-relevant content for children, and has a desire to see steadily increasing literacy rates within her community.
Olubunmi has written a number of articles in the areas of commerce, agriculture, resource maximization, sanitation and land use in Nigeria. Her articles have been published in several national daily newspapers, such as PUNCH, BusinessDay, Guardian, Nation, Vanguard, New Telegraph, Sun, This Day and others. Olubunmi's passion for writing developed into collaborating with talented artists to create beautifully-illustrated children's picture books designed to make reading attractive, inspire innovation and excite children, parents and teachers.
Her published works include: Tobi Visits the Conservatory; Kob the Antelope; Diary of a Toddler; Tobi Bakes A Cake; Tobi Learns To Swim; Tobi And The Kid's Marathon; Tobi At The Art Gallery; On The Water; Mummy, Can I ...? and Why Do You Wash Your Hands?
Olubunmi has read her books and given keynote speeches at numerous conferences; schools; book clubs; and events in various parts of Nigeria and internationally. Olubunmi, has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from City University London, an honorary doctorate in Media & Communication and has also completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School as well as the Advanced Management & Leadership Program at Oxford University Said Business School.

Topic:

Tobi And The Kid's Marathon; Tobi At The Art Gallery; On The Water

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze was born in Kaduna, Nigeria. She writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for both children and adults. She set up "The Melanin Djali Project" to educate children about Africa's diverse cultures and history through great stories. Her work includes 4 bilingual children's books, An African Christmas; A Nigerian Christmas Experience (2023), Un Noël Africain; Une Expérience de Noël Nigériane (2023),The Best Party Jollof Rice; A Journey of Indigenous African Recipes (2023), Le Meilleur Riz Jollof Pour les fête; Un voyage de recettes autochtones africaines (2023),The African Safari; An Introduction to Africa's Indigenous Animals (2022), Le Safari Africain; Une Introduction aux Animaux Autochtones en Afrique (2022), Crowning Glory; A History of African Hair Tradition (2022), Couronne De Gloire; Une Histoire de La tradition Capillaire Africaine (2022), 2 novels, Truly, Deeply (2005), Authentic Mama (2016), a collection of short stories, Purple Mangoes (2017), a free verse collection, Winds Of My Sahara (2017) and a children's story, Dayo's Lesson (2011).
She holds a Master's degree in Globalization and Development, a Second Master's degree in Medical Sociology and a Bachelors in Sociology and Anthropology. She loves history, music, and photography and is inspired by everyday life and human experiences. She has worked as a Consultant Literary Series Advisor for Penguin Books and worked in Higher Education and the Non-Profit Sector. She is the founder and host of The Ottawa Black Book Club, The Melanin Djali Project Conversations Podcast and the Simple Esan Girl Initiative.
She has lived in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Canada and is a Champion for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.

Topic:

The African Safari; Crowning Glory — 01:30pm

Oluwasemilore Lanre-Raheem

Oluwasemilore Janelle Lanre-Raheem loves to read, write stories and recite bible passages. She started reading at a very young age and has read many books of different genres. She has also written many unpublished stories over the years. Her first published work, Miss Cleany Shoes was done in 2021.
A recipient of the '2019 30 books reading challenge' award for best journal; Oluwasemilore has always been one to set high goals and work really hard to ensure she achieves them. She is also an awardee of several Bible recitation competitions.
She is a multi-talented young lady who plays the violin, enjoys coding, sings in her school choir and a budding basketballer. Her vision is to see every child get an education and open to the world of reading. She intends to achieve this by writing interesting books that will inspire children to enjoy reading as much she does.
She is a graduate of the Readland Creative Writing Masterclass where authors are trained to be leading bestselling authors. Besides her talents, Oluwasemilore is always willing to help her peers succeed in whatever they do.

Topic:

Miss Cleany Shoes — 11:00am

Omobola Olaribigbe

Omobola Olaribigbe is an exceptional Educationist, Entrepreneur, Social Impact Advocate, and Author As an Educationist, she has a distinguished career in education management and operations both in the UK & Nigeria. She is an Alumnus of the University of Lagos, University of Wales, and completed the Leadership Program of the Said Business School at Oxford University UK. Her core focus is the development of Quality and Professional Standards of Education and its impact on the Nigerian Child.
She is a second-generation school owner and is currently the Learning Leader and Director at Ikija Day School (IDS), delivering quality and data driven Education using an Affordable , Accessible and Acceptable Model in Early years and Primary education in Lagos Nigeria. As a Social impact Advocate, she is making a difference,with her Project Intiatives under the auspices of YEYE MODUPE ALAKIJA FOUNDATION tagged PAD-I project.
As an Author, her books include Building Actionable Difference, 40:4:40 and her latest book Mina’s Diaries: my first flow a book for the Adolescent girls centered around puberty, period and personal hygiene. Omobola Olaribigbe is an awesome networker. She is one who loves and seeks out knowledge. She is a Certified Microsoft Educator and a mentee at the Cherie Blair Foundation.
She continues to be a voice within and outside of the Education Sphere while contributing her time volunteering as a teen mentor in a host of NGOs.

Topic:

For Girls Only: Navigating Puberty — 01:00pm

Omolayo Oyawoye

Omolayo Oyawoye is the CEO of Lighthearts Consulting and The Cradle Schools. She has a degree in English Language from the University of Ilorin with Certifications in psychological counselling and Stages of child development. She is an Applied Behaviour analysis Technician as well as a Professional Counsellor for survivors of Sexual Abuse. She is also a Special Education Needs assistant and trained in Montessori Techniques.
Her passion for the emotional stability of women and children spurred her to build a child care center from scratch and founded a Montessori School in 5 years. She has also Authored three books: Sex Education (an appropriate guide to teaching your child year by year: Ages 1 to 11),Sex Education manual for schools and religious organisations (which is being distributed for free in Sub-saharan African Nations) and My Teen's Dairy a book for pre-teens and teenage girls to help them navigate puberty. She is an advocate of appropriate Sexuality Education for children and teenagers and has spoken in different conferences on the same subject matter across nations.
She pioneered, Essence for Women, a video podcast aimed at building the Total Woman, reaching hundreds of women via social media. This also birthed The Thrive Gang, a mentorship program for women to help them rise above all limits. She is married to Dotun Oyawoye and blessed with adorable kids.

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For Girls Only: Navigating Puberty — 01:00pm

Richard Mammah

Experienced editor and manager with a demonstrated history of working in the books and publishing industry. Skilled in writing, publishing, advertising, editing, and media relations. Strong business development professional with a B.A and M.A in English and Literary Studies from University of Calabar, Nigeria. Richard is the President, Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) and Managing Director, Sunbird African Media Limited.

Topic:

10 Reasons For Visiting A Library — 01:00pm

Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa

Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa is the author of Lara's Lessons and LULU LEARNS. She co-wrote Lulu Learns with her 5 year old daughter; Tobani. She is an award-winning broadcaster with over 12 year's experience in radio broadcasting, content creator, girl-child advocate and convener of "Who's that Girl Nigeria"; a forum geared towards empowering impressionable young girls in their teenage years. She is also the convener of "TalkMummy", an online support group/community for mums based in Ibadan, Nigeria.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the Lagos State University, an HND in music production and performance from the prestigious London Centre for Contemporary Music and a Master's degree in Communication and Language Arts from the premier University of Ibadan.

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Lulu Learns — 03:00pm

Sandra Osaigbovo

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Mummy, Daddy, Me: Let's Dance! Zumba Edition — 08:30am

Solape Azazi

Solape Azazi is the author of the children’s book titled “My Friend Has Autism”. A book about understanding and acceptance from a child’s perspective of what autism is. She is an IBCCES certified Autism Specialist and an active member of the Global Autism Project Team focused on providing resources, culturally relevant training and collaborative community need to support, empower and champion autistic individuals locally.
She founded Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives in 2019 a Non-Governmental Organisation set up to advocate and empower autistic individuals and their caregivers with tools required to provide an improved quality of life and inclusion within the society by providing culturally relevant support and training programs to increase awareness, acceptance and inclusion.
She has an extensive experience in HR Generalist affairs with expertise in employee relations as well as overall management skills including staff management and project leadership. She is a wife and mother of 2 boys, one of whom was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 3.

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Special Needs: Special Care — 02:00pm

Tania Omotayo-Teller

Tania Omotayo is an acclaimed model, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and the owner of the famous fashion house "Ziva Lagos". Her interest is poised to reconnect young Africans in the diaspora to their roots and was achieved through her book Sarai's Culture Day. Tania Omotayo advocates that young people know that their originality is their superpower! Noting that Sarai's Culture Day' is inspired by her three-year-old daughter, Sarai.

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Sarai's Culture Day — 05:00pm

Titi Umaru

Titilayo Umaru lives in Abuja, Nigeria with her husband and three children. She was born on the plateau in Jos, Nigeria, in June 1978, to a father who is a historian and a mother who taught as a primary school teacher for many years. Her interest in writing children's books was sparked by her mother who wrote many unpublished stories for children.
She is a pharmacist and her typical day is spent in one of her pharmacy stores.Her night time job, which is one she is very passionate about, is writing stories and other educational material for young children. Her foray into publishing her works was informed by her first son , who is a co-author of her debut book. A budding entrepreneur just like his mum, advised that she publish her works, because of his strong belief that its benefit should be beyond the home.
She has self published two books under the 123 Letter Words Storybook Series; Fun in the Sun and A Day at the Zoo. and is currently working on two new titles.

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Fun In The Sun — 11:00am

Titilayo Adenuga

Titilayo Adenuga is a multi-talented creative and the author of the delightful children's book, "I Am Mindful." Beyond her interest in writing enchanting stories for children, she is a seasoned project manager with a knack for bringing ideas to life. She loves nature, and her passion for sustainability shines through in her work, fostering a love for the environment in the hearts of children. When she is not working, you can find her enjoying the beauty of nature, listening to music, or whipping up delicious meals.
Titilayo's warmth and infectious enthusiasm are reflected not only in her writing but in every facet of her life.

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I Am Mindful — 03:30pm

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi

Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi (The Merchant of Hope), has spent about 15 years in public service where she has served with Lagos State Government in different capacities. Her experience cuts across public policy and public administration, as well as legal expertise and social services (social welfare and social protection).
She has been instrumental in ensuring a proactive and coordinated response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos State. She currently serves as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
She is an author of several books for children on Domestic Violence, Civic education, Sexual Violence & Self-love/Body Safety. More recently, she published her memoir in a book titled ‘Living for a higher purpose, Inspiring hope through the Nigerian Public Service’ in December 2022.
Lola is the founder of the Lola Vivour Adeniyi Foundation, which is committed to empowering the vulnerable in the society through the provision of scholarships and business grants. The `foundation has been able to support over 35 women led businesses and sponsored numerous kids through scholarships.
As a consultant, she has worked with national and international organizations including British Council, (European Union Funded ROLAC) World Bank and United Nations projects. She continues to provide technical support for development of SGBV Response models for other States of the Federation.
Lola is an alumnus of Middlesex University, School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) and the London School of Economics. She is also a recipient of various awards including the Partnership and Appreciation Award, presented by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She is married with three children. She enjoys travelling, shopping, spending time with her family, and meditating on the bible.

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My Passport Of Rights — 11:00am

Tobani Giwa-Onafuwa

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Lulu Learns — 03:00pm

Tomi Adetayo

Tomi Adetayo is a passionate teacher who also has a great interest in portrait photography, film editing and script writing. She has an Electrical Engineering Degree from City, University of London, a PGCE from Goldsmiths, University of London and a Masters Degree of Early Years Education from Institute of Education, UCL. She has been teaching three-to-five-year olds for over fifteen years in London, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. Her interest in writing deepened with each passing year as she read quality picture books to many children from various backgrounds.
"The Adventures of Dele the Street Kid: Every Superhero Needs a Sidekick", is her first manuscript and the start of an incredible journey of a series. She is hopeful that it will provide readers with entertainment as well as many learning opportunities.

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The Adventures Of Dele The Street Kid — 04:30pm

Tony Olaniji

Tony Olaniji is an author, a book coach, an award-winning screenwriter, a writing instructor/consultant and filmmaker. He organises fiction and screenwriting workshops for children and adults. He has lectured at film festivals and in academia, and his story pedagogical strategies have been praised as pragmatic and illuminant.

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TheAdventures —

Zeal Akaraiwe

Zeal Akaraiwe currently runs Graeme Blaque Advisory, a financial advisory firm focusing on risk management using derivatives and has 20 years post graduation experience in the financial sector with work experience spanning Lagos, London and Lusaka. After a year in Insurance, his banking experience started in 2000 in HR, Admin and Corporate Banking after which his treasury career started with Standard Chartered in 2004.
After joining Standard Chartered Nigeria Treasury in 2004, he moved on to work in Standard Chartered London in 2006 on the Africa Structuring desk where he focused on structuring of derivative transactions for the bank’s footprint in Africa and these transactions covered interest rate, commodity and foreign exchange derivatives. In mid 2007, he moved to act as the Head of the Sales team in Standard Chartered Zambia and then returned to Nigeria in 2008 to head Financial Markets Sales and was a key member of Standard Chartered’s Wholesale Bank management Team.
Zeal started “The Angel Project” with a philosophy of “setting captives free” and using the message “be the angel you hope to meet”. The Angel project has focused on releasing convicted prisoners who have the option of fines while also engaging the office of the CJ of Lagos in a bid to ensuring that the prisons are decongested by proposing to filter data to release inmates who are under the “awaiting trial” status and have been incarcerated for periods longer than the prescribed sentence assuming they were guilty.
The Angel Project also reaches out to pay the outstanding bills of select patients in hospitals who have been treated and discharged but are refused release till their bills are settled. Both the prison and hospital outreach have received recognition from the controller of Lagos prison and won a 2018 Honor Nigeria Award fro the trinity House.

Topic:

Discipline In The 21st Century — 01:00pm