Meet The 2024 Speakers

Aduke Gomez

Aduke utilises her legal and advisory skills to assist in business and creative development. Commencing her career in legal practice with the law firm of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, she later worked for many years in various leadership roles within Ecobank Nigeria Ltd and Leadway Pensure PFA. Aduke was appointed to the Governor Fashola Administration of Lagos State in the role of Senior Special Assistant/Secretary to the Lagos State Hotel Licensing Authority in 2011. She was also appointed to serve as a member of the Lagos State History Committee and as a member of the Lagos Carnival Committee, where she headed the Junior Carnival Sub-Committee.
Aduke is regularly called to speak and moderate on topics related to her interest in history and culture and these have included sessions at Cornell University, The Institute of Africa and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos, the Lagos State Record and Archive Bureau, the annual conference of the Lagos Studies Association, the Ake Festival and the Lagos Book and Art Festival(LABAF) amongst others.
Aduke’s published collection of poems have featured as festival books for both the LABAF and the Ake Festival. And her children's books have also featured at previous editions of LABAF and Akada Children's Book Festival.
She is currently the Chair of the Steering Committee of Art4Life – an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Health established to introduce art and the practice of art into the entire healthcare process. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Open House Lagos as well as the Advisory Board of Lagos Biennial. She volunteers on the Board of Child Life Line - an NGO established for the welfare of street children.

Topic:

Iya Alaro Saves The Day — 10:00am

Atinuke

Atinuke is the author of over 30 children's books. Her books are mostly set in Nigeria where she lived as a child. They have won many awards in both the UK and the US and are translated into 7 different languages. The much loved "Anna Hibiscus" series and "Baby Goes To Market" picture book are best sellers in both the UK and the US.

Topic:

Emerging Children's Writers Workshop — 09:00am

Ayo Oyeku

Ayo Oyeku is a contributor to World Kid Lit. He is an Ebedi International Residency Fellow and a Humanitarian Leadership Fellow. His first children's book, First among Equals (2004), was selected by World Bank (Nigeria) for distribution across schools and libraries in Nigeria. In 2015, his young adult novel, Tears of the Lonely, won the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Fiction, by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. He was a finalist for the Golden Baobab Prize in 2016 and 2018 consecutively.
In 2019, he won the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Children's Literature for his chapter book, Mafoya and the Finish Line. Same year, he was selected by the United States Consulate General to attend a program on Afrofuturism and Science Fiction. He is the founder of the creative publishing firm, Eleventh House.

Topic:

The Magic Jalabiya — 09:30am

Chigozie Mbadugha

Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha is a Nigerian ophthalmologist and a multiple award-winning author, editor, poet, playwright, artist, and songwriter. She is versatile and has excelled as an ophthalmic surgeon, researcher, and author. Her short story Breaking Chains was shortlisted for the 2024 Nwamaka Okoye Literature Prize (Short Story Category). Her novella Rude Awakening was selected by the United Nations SDG Book Club as a recommended or selected book for African libraries for exploring SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in December 2021.
Some of her books have been shortlisted for the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)Literary prizes. Finding Kitty was a finalist at the 2023 ANA Literary prize for Children's Literature. Shadows From the Past was shortlisted for the 2020 ANA for Best Prose Fiction. A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa was one of the top three submissions for Best Children's Literature category in the 2020 ANA prize for Children's Fiction.
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. "I Should Have Been Enough" was nominated for the Akachi- Ezeigbo Prize for Drama 2024.
Chigozie lives in Nigeria and is inspired to write by God's unchanging love and the love of her family.

Topic:

What It Takes To Get Your Books Published — 08:00am

Constance Omawumi Kola-Lawal

Dr. Omawumi Kola-Lawal is an International Environmental and Social Consultant with specialized skills in Risk Management, Training, Auditing, Due Diligence and Impact Management. For 25 years, Omawumi has worked to develop and implement policies, strategies and systems, helping at least 200 companies/projects manage environmental, social and climate risks in the oil and gas, manufacturing, telecoms, power, mining, private equity and finance sectors in over 30 countries in Africa.
Omawumi consults for international organizations and has worked on several industrial, infrastructure, ports and special economic zones projects across Africa. She has a MSc (Env. Tech.) from Imperial College, London and a PhD. (Env. Mgt) from the University of Salford, Manchester.

Dara Oluwatoye

Dara Oluwatoye (@daramatoye) is a media personality with a six-year streak of excellence in writing, content creation, and voice-over artistry. Known for her innovative storytelling, Dara has shaped narratives for top brands like MTN, ALAT by WEMA, Dettol, Jumia, MultiChoice Nigeria, Showmax, and Livespot.
At ID Africa, she masterminded campaigns for Big Brother Naija, Gulder Ultimate Search, Livespot X Festival, and more. As a voiceover artiste, her voice has graced projects for Honeywell Group, Google, Coldstone, Lotus Bank and many more. As an event host, she's worked with several brands like Showmax, Stanbic IBTC, Luminary Awards, and Akada Children's Book Festival.
Presently, Dara also hosts The Roadshow Weekend on Cool FM Lagos.

Topic:

Picture101 — 08:00am

Deborah Akerele

Deborah Akerele is an educator who is passionate about SDGs 4 and 5(Quality Education and Gender equality). A graduate of the prestigious University Of Lagos. She is the founder of the Valouree Foundation, an NGO set up to reach out to teens in the community.
She has over time reached out to teens within and outside Lagos. She is also the author of several books for children, which include: Financial Intelligence for Children, Etiquette: A Guide to Good Morals for Children, My Faith Confessions, Daddy Loves His Girl, Coloring Fruits Book for Children, The Adventure, Tinuke, and Timi: Save the Planet Earth, and upcoming book, Purpose and Clarity Book for Children.
She is also the founder of Valouree Academy. She also educates children on financial literacy and the benefits of having a financial saving plan and an investment. She is also a volunteer who has contributed her quota in the community by rendering her service through volunteering. She is a Climate activist who is passionate about the environment.

Topic:

Financial Intelligence For Young Investors — 11:00am

Deborah Lucky-Deekor

Deborah Lucky-Deekor is a passionate life coach specializing in children's emotional well-being and personal development. With a background in law and over 13 years of professional experience, Deborah brings a unique perspective to guiding children through the complexities of growing up. Her coaching approach emphasizes building resilience from the inside out, empowering children to cultivate their potential, manage stress and anxiety with confidence.
Deborah has a heart for planting seeds of growth in children, with the aim of making parenting easier. She’s the author of Motherhood A Double-Edged Sword, A Practical Guide for Every Mother on Raising Godly Children.
Deborah will be leading the workshop "Inside Out: Managing Stress and Anxiety" at this year’s AKADA Children’s Book Festival, where she will share practical strategies to help children cope with challenges, foster self-awareness, and build a solid foundation for lifelong emotional health and success.

Topic:

Inside Out: Managing Stress and Anxiety — 09:00am

Dotun Oyawoye

Dotun Oyawoye has lived his life with a passion to help people attain success in life with eternal relevance. He studied Geography from the prestigious University of Ilorin where he served as a campus fellowship pastor. He worked professionally in the banking industry for a little less than a decade.
He has several years of experience working with young people and has tremendous results in helping them gain clarity and mastery of life. He is a Certified Life Coach and a professional Psychological Counsellor.
He is a Lead Pastor at Global Harvest Church where he has served for close to two decades. He also serves as the National Lead Pastor of The Discovery (an expression of Global Harvest with Focus on young people).
He founded Ultrashift LTD, a coaching and consulting firm where he helps clients clearly articulate their vision, develop systems for effective pursuit while optimising results.
He is the author of The Bro Code and a number of other titles awaiting publishing. He is married to Omolayo. They are blessed with amazing daughters.

Topic:

Boys Only: Let's Talk Puberty — 01:00pm

Dr Mrs Ekua Abudu-Akinsanya

Titilola Ekuah Abudu is a Lawyer, an Educationist and a Chartered Administrator with the ability to lead, manage, develop and inspire organisations to grow. She was educated (in Nigeria) at Corona School, and Methodist Girls High School; and (in the UK) at St Margaret's Bushey, and then, the University of East Anglia. After co-founding Greenwood House School in 1995, she went on to get a Montessori qualification from the London Montessori Center and later, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Nottingham. Among others, she is:
- Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Interior Design Association of Nigeria (IDAN);
  - Proprietor and Director of Administration of Greenwood House School, Ikoyi;
- Trustee and Past President of the International Women's Society (the oldest female charity in Nigeria);
- Past President and Member of the Board of Governors of the Association of International School Educators (AISEN);
- World Board member and the Vice President of the Olave Baden Powell Society that funds the Girls Guide, worldwide;
- Founder of the Vocational and Professional Development Academy; and
- Editor, Essential Woman Magazine.
- Benefactor at Muson
As you can tell, EkuahAbudu is a woman of diverse interests and talents. Her latest passion is to set up a first-class vocational academy to offer vocations in Construction and Interior Design amongst other relevant sectors. She sits on many boards and has authored a book called “Celebrity Fashion Today” to raise funds for an orphanage in Ijebu.  She is also a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and lover of Art, Music and Travel.  In May 2017, she was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of the State University of New York for Philosophy in Educational Management.

Topic:

Building Better Behaviours: Positive Reinforcement Techniques — 03:00pm

Dr. Uche Udoji

Dr. Uche Udoji is an education psychologist with over 25 years of working with children in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. She is a Pastoral Care Lead and an advocate of Safeguarding and Child Protection.
She is also a lover of books and teaches teachers how to teach creative writing. Uche Udoji is the founder of Writer's Corner and the convener of The Rising Star Writing Competition.

Topic:

Building Better Behaviours: Positive Reinforcement Techniques — 03:00pm

Dunni Olatunde

Dunni Olatunde is an author of educational books and Christian fiction. Although she studied accounting, her interest in enhancing the literacy skills of students has led to writing several textbooks and story books for both primary and secondary schools. She has also written a novel, Lilies Among Thorns.

Topic:

Mystery At Ebenezer Lodge — 05:00pm

Farida Tukur Bello

Farida Tukur Bello is a hardworking and resilient upcoming children’s book author who intentionally makes little changes that are often ignored in society. She has a deep love for learning and personal development. She strongly believes that the world would be better if everyone is intentional with their words, actions, and reactions.
She is loving, meticulous, and passionate about raising righteous kids and believes that the future would be better if stronger values are instilled in children while they are young. She is generous and passionate about helping the needy. She desires to leave a legacy for the next generations through her work. Farida is a Public Servant working currently with a Nigerian Federal Government Agency.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Political Economy & Development Studies. She is an HR Specialist certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), USA. In her leisure time, she channels her creativity towards different causes such as volunteering for a few Non-profit Organisations geared towards humanitarian services, writing, fashion designing, and exploring healthy and indulgent food recipes, amongst others.
She is a mother of three beautiful children who constantly inspire her with their innocent curiosity, wit, and rapid growth. She is the author of ‘Terrified Not’ a children’s fiction story book which is her first publication.

Topic:

Terrified Not — 10:00am

Foluke Oyeleye

Foluke Oyeleye is the author of the 'I Am A Nigerian In...' book collection for children. From a young age, she longed to read books about Nigerians doing awesome stuff. So, while at Harvard getting her MBA, she decided to start writing those stories herself. She currently has three books: I Am A Nigerian In Music, I Am A Nigerian In Literary Arts, and I Am A Nigerian In STEM.
Foluke Oyeleye is a creative, encourager, business- and bridge-builder with a passion for serving others. Through collections published by Tani Series, she shares representative stories of Nigerian success and excellence to inspire children and inquisitive adults. Her desire is to encourage children to dream and build big while reflecting on their history so that, together, we can keep our culture, excellence, and light alive for generations to come.

Topic:

9 Security Tips For Children — 12:00pm

Ifeoma Esiri

Ifeoma Esiri qualified as a legal practitioner specializing in financial law for over thirty years. In 1999, she co-founded Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML), an NGO based in Lagos, focused on advancing education. As an advocate for literacy and free access to knowledge, she has led ZODML in establishing free libraries believing they are the most effective way to acquire knowledge free and accessible.
She also serves as a non-executive director on the board of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd and is a trustee for Child Life Line an NGO supporting street children. She is married with three children.

Itseme Akede

Itseme has always had a passion for writing with her earliest memories involving writing stories in notebooks which her classmates took turns reading in high school. Her first book was released in 2021 - a trio of short stories titled Party of One.
Whilst at uni, Itseme was heavily involved in various creative writing projects such as being the recipient of the Loughborough Creative Arts Writing Scholarship which included receiving an award, cash prize and a mentorship opportunity. She has written over 100 short stories, many of which she shares with subscribers of her newsletter 'Letters From I' and on her Instagram page (Itseme_a).
Her most recent venture, which was released in May of 2023, is a children's book entitled All His Beautiful Creations. She hopes to write even many more children's books in the future. She currently writes screenplays and is excited for all she'd get up to.

Topic:

All His Beatiful Creations — 08:00am

Jacqueline Agweh

Jacqueline U. Agweh is an author with a passion for children and young adult literature. Her book, The Colour of my Tears, was shortlisted for the NDDC Flora Nwapa prize for Women's Writing in 2010, while another, A Place for Every Girl, made the judges' list for the NLNG Masters Class for Children’s’ Literature in 2015. Her third book, A Pelican of the Wilderness (Prestige Books), won the Association of Nigerian Authours (ANA) second place prize in 2015, and was selected in 2019 by the Channels Book Club as part of an essay writing competition for secondary school students to qualify to attend the Bouchercon Book Fair in Dallas, USA.  Jimi’s Birthday Treat and other tales is self - published as an ebook on Amazon. A School Trip Like No Other was published by Kachifo Limited under its Prestige imprint in 2022.
She is currently working on a collection of short stories. She is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and lives with her family in Lagos, Nigeria.

Topic:

A School Trip Like No Other — 03:30pm

Jadesola Adedeji

Jadesola Adedeji, a dedicated social entrepreneur, envisions a transformative future for education in Nigeria. Recognizing the gap between essential future workplace skills and the capabilities of Nigerian graduates, Jadesola champions the early development of these crucial skills through innovative curricula. Her core belief, "today's children are tomorrow's employees," drives her mission.
After a successful 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Jadesola redirected her focus towards education, initially to enrich her own children's lives with creative programs. This journey inspired her to extend these opportunities to her community. In collaboration with the late Dr. Funmi Ogunwuyi, she co-founded STEM METS in 2013. The company has achieved international recognition, partnering with Airbus Foundation, and impacting over 30,000 learners.
Jadesola holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from King’s College, University of London, an MBA from the University of Calgary, Canada, and completed an Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship at INSEAD, France. She also played a pivotal role in organizing the STEM AFRICA Fest event, bringing together over 16,000 parents and children to celebrate all things STEAM across Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Rwanda and in 2024 reaching The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Kenya.

Topic:

Wild Robots: Understanding the role of AI in your children's lives — 01:00pm

Kayode Valentine

Dr. Kayode Olamide Sinmidele Valentine is an MBBS graduate of LAUTECH Ogbomosho, an ardent Child's Specialist and a quick - witted Author. Currrently a double Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College (Paediatrics); Dr Kayode hails from Ondo West local government in Ondo state, Nigeria.
He is the 2019 Winner of the Adeoye and Adedayo Adeniyi National Postgraduate College Prize in Clinical Research in Paediatrics in Nigeria. And When not doing Neonatal Medicine and general Paediatrics, Dr Kayode spends his leisure times creating fictional stories for the children; he also employs relatable stories to pass medically inclined theme to adult readers. Calling Dr Kayode A Medical thriller /Creative Writer may better describe this Child's doctor and astute Author!
Dr Olamide is 12th - time Successful Published Author with genre of books ranging from Creative non - fiction to many fictional works and children's books like: Pearls and Pebbles 1 and 2; The Void; Ejire Aladuke - An Epic Story; Karounwi of Red oil and Blood Bath - a book about Neurodevelopmental challenges in a Nigerian School. Other books by the same Author are the King's Buddy Hunter: ISOLA ADUNBAARIN; How To Raise a Book Champion, Kenechi and The Glowing Fish; Obafemi Alákàrà and the Bush babies among many other literary works.
One of his medical education series was Mothering Without Murdering - a book about SAFETY in caring for the newborns by the new Parents. Most of his books had received so many recommendations locally and internationally. In addition, Dr Kayode is the Convener of "Read-a-Book" School club meetings also known as " LEAP AND BE MORE: A school - based initiative he founded - where he goes to Schools to read to the pupils and encourages the School Children to #Leave Excessive Screen Devices And Be Physically Active; thus making efforts to reduce Toxic Screen time and effects on the school pupils.
Every Summer and Christmas holidays, Dr Kayode organizes online Book Writing and Reading Club meetings where he trains scores of Nigerian children in Nigeria, United Kingdom, USA and beyond on how to be a Book Champion! His latest books The King's Buddy Hunter: Isola ADUNBAARIN Obafemi Alákàrà and the Bush Babies, Kenechi and the Glowing Fish have received great commendations from readers globally.
Expectedly, Dr Kayode O. Sìnmídélé Valentine is honoured and thrilled to have been selected as the Yoruba Themed Lead Author and Speaker for "Alo o, Alo" session in the forthcoming 6th Edition of the admirable Akada Children's Book Festival 2024.

Topic:

Obafemi Alakara and The Bush Babies — 12:30pm

Koko Kalango

Koko Kalango is the founder of the Rainbow Book Club, whose work in promoting reading amongst young people was instrumental in Port Harcourt being UNESCO World Book Capital 2014.
Koko has directed several important projects including Africa 39, a collaboration with Hay Festival that selected and celebrated 39 of Africa’s most important writers under the age of 40, culminating in the publishing of the Africa 39 anthology by Bloomsbury, the establishment of a 350-seater library in PortHarcourt, sponsored by SHELL, the annual Port Harcourt Book Festival (formerly the Garden City Literary Festival) and the year-long Port Harcourt World Book Capital tenure.
Her passionate and creative work in the book industry has been recognised with several honours including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2014, the Sun Newspaper Creative Personality of the Year in 2014, and WIMBIZ Female Achiever in 2012.
A graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course, Koko holds an MA in international relations and strategic studies from Lancaster University and a BA in French from University of Benin. The author of several books, she also hosts the faith-based Colours of Life show.
Koko is married to Aranyam Kalango and together they have a daughter and son.

Topic:

Wole Soyinka The First African Nobel Laureate For Literature — 08:30am

KR Onimole

K.R. Onimole is a self-taught illustrator and animator with a background in Architecture. He also worked as an Art Director in Advertising. Some of the advertising campaigns have won both local and international awards. While he was in University, KRO started a comic strip for Emporium, the information/news board for Architecture students, titled "Crasher".
The Crasher comic strips were essentially exaggerated accounts of life as an Architecture student. After school the strips continued both online and in local Magazines. Some of which have been collected into a series of books. KRO is currently a freelance/remote illustrator helping to tell stories in print media and Television.

Topic:

Illustration Workshop for Children: Draw A Character From The Book: Jamila's Clever Plan — 10:30am

Lola Shoneyin

Lola Shoneyin is a Nigerian author, poet, publisher, bookseller, festival organiser and cultural activist. Her works explore womanhood and the intricacies of domestic life. Her debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (2010), was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and won the PEN/ Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa Prose Prize (all 2011).
In 2013, Lola founded the Ake Arts and Book Festival in Nigeria. Ouida Books was founded in 2016. She is currently the Director of Book Buzz Foundation, Nigeria- an NGO whose main is aim to promote literacy, develop reading spaces and organize literary and cultural events.
In 2023, she was the recipient of the inaugural Aficionado Award. She was also featured on the FT’s list of the most influential women of 2023. Shoneyin lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

Topic:

Jamila's Clever Plan — 01:00pm

Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida

Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, though graduated as a Microbiologist, is a multiple award winning Nigerian based Finance and Management Consultant, a multi-talented professional, an author with four books (I've seen God, Broken, My Pot of Gold, Bisola visits her grandma), Inspirational Leader, transformational and life coach whose passion is in life improvement, leadership development  and financial advancement.
She has a PhD in Personnel Psychology from the University of Ibadan. She has over two decades work experience in different industries. She is a Fellow with several professional institutions, FITD, FCILRMN, FCIMCN, etc. She is a mentor and coach on several prestigious platforms locally and internationally. She is concerned with children enlightenment, youth development and women empowerment.
She is the convener of Finance and Investment South West Summit and Children Praise and Pray. She is a lover of music with two albums, presents on radio and TV. She serves as the President of Outpour of fragrances initiative, a not-for-profit organization and a board member of six enterprises.
May 2024, she was appointed as an Ambassador of Girls/ Women Speak for UN Women 1000 Peace Ambassadors to advocate against domestic violence, genital mutilation and other vices. Dr. Lola, aka, Icon of Fragrance is happily married and blessed with lovely children.

Ngozi Iloka

Ms Ngozi Iloka is a 21st century educator with over 15 years teaching experience. Serving in capacities such as Creative writing teacher, classroom teacher, Head of Nursery and Head of school. With several education qualifications under her belt, she's committed to making students discover their talent and passion. She is also a teacher-trainer. She contributed some poems and short stories to the work, "Rhythms In Adventure".

Topic:

Young Author's Panel — 11:00am

Nkechi Anya

Nkechi Anya is dedicated to creating engaging and contemporary African stories that captivate and entertain children. Her unique content features rich, meaningful elements designed to foster a deep connection with young readers. With extensive experience as both a writer and a childhood education professional, Nkechi's books aim to provide readers with a broader perspective, helping young children develop awareness and a profound appreciation for others. 

Topic:

Turning Everday Occurrences Into Best Selling Children's Books — 11:00am

Nnenna Ochiche

Nnenna Ochiche is the author of Captain of Aster, Adaeze The True Princess, Ginika’s Adventures (which was on the longlist for the NLNG Prize for Literature) and Queen Moremi & The Scary Monsters. She is a medical doctor, a screen writer and movie producer, as well as a parenting coach.
Nnenna believes stories make the world go round, which is why she uses storytelling to take children on a magical journey of self-discovery. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria with her husband Simeon and her four children.

Topic:

Captain of Aster — 12:00pm

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze writes 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, 2 novels and a free verse collection. 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 and also enjoys creating memorable characters in all her stories. 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 Djali's Bookshelf 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:

An African Christmas with Queenie and King — 01:30pm

Oluwafunke Akinlosotu

Oluwafunke C. Akinlosotu is a graduate of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. In her pursuit of purpose, she discovered her strong passion to impact and educate children which led her to obtain a Montessori Diploma Certification from The Royal Master's Montessori Centre. She is currently working as a certified Montessori Educator at Pershing Hills Elementary.
She is the Creative Director at Tender Hugs Crochet Nigeria, a growing handmade children clothing brand that makes crochet outfits specifically for newborns, infants and toddlers.
She believes that children shouldn't only aspire for academic excellence but should be groomed in every other area which includes being taught good morals as that will help shape the kind of adults they turn out to be.

Topic:

Six Fantastic Words All Children Should Know — 08:00am

Omolara Cookey

Omolara Cookey is an innovative designer, fine artist, and award-winning entrepreneur who has recently turned her creative talents to the world of children's literature. With a BA Honours degree in Interior Architecture and a background in product design, Omolara's work seamlessly blends ancient craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Her debut children's book, "Toru and the Mango Seed," is a delightful tale inspired by real events in her family life. The story explores themes of love for nature and strong family bonds, while highlighting Nigerian culture through local foods and traditional names. Targeted at young children, the book is both a heartfelt celebration of family and a gentle invitation for parents to read with their children.
Omolara's journey as an author was encouraged by her son, who believed in her ability to excel in digital drawing—a self taught skill she has skillfully used to bring "Toru and the Mango Seed" to life with her own illustrations. Beyond her writing, she is the founder of Noji, a distinguished gifting company, and an active trustee at The Nucleus Early Childhood Development Centre.

Topic:

Toru and The Mango Seed — 11:00am

Omolayo Oyawoye

Passionate and result oriented with about a decade and half experience in childcare and women development. School Founder, Author, and conference speaker on trauma ans mental health, and certified Teens development practitioner with a desire to facilitate an all-round growth for women and children.

Topic:

Girl Talk: 7 Secrets You Need To Know About Periods — 02:00pm

Omotorera Agun

Agun Omotorera Oluwafikemi is a 12-year-old creative with a passion for storytelling. She published her first book, The Marvellous Cat and Other Stories, at just 10 years old, shortly after completing primary school. Now a junior secondary school student, Omotorera is preparing to publish her second book.
In addition to writing, she enjoys singing and has recently discovered a love for drawing, particularly anime. With her vibrant imagination and artistic talents, Omotorera is excited to pursue a future in the creative field.

Topic:

Young Author's Panel — 11:00am

Precious Osikha

Precious Osikha began writing at the age of eight. Although her mother insists she started at six, her memories from that age are a bit hazy. Nevertheless, she still has her journals and diaries from when she was eight, which serve as a reminder of her early passion for writing. Born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria, her stories explore the broken interconnectedness of cultural diversity, identity and social injustice, amid intriguing and compelling storylines that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
She is a Legal Practitioner and  founder of Precious Pen Kreations: Africa's Number 1 Writing and Business Solution Company for professionals, celebrities and leaders across the globe. Through her Kids Writing Academy, she teaches children how to write and publish books while her School of Writing has helped adults within and outside the shores of Nigeria to birth their intellectual properties and published assets.
She is a K-creator (K-Influencer and Honorary Reporter) for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, South Korea as well as a member of the Guild  of African Thriller Authors. She is an award-winning author, screenwriter, book trailer creator, visual/video artist, voiceover artist, entertainer, and a bundle of talents.

Topic:

Dodo Island and Other Stories — 09:00am

Seyi Odewoye

Topic:

Young Author's Panel — 11:00am

Tomilayo Akanni-Aluko

Tomilayo Aluko is an experienced and result driven Communications and Branding strategist with over 16 years experience in developing communication strategies that build and sustains brands and their relationships across all target market and audiences (internal & external), to achieve set organizational goals and ultimately impact the organizations bottom-line.
Tomilayo is well versed in organizing and leading teams to execute on multi-faceted strategies covering Internal communications, branding, traditional and digital marketing and advertising, event organization, PR, Reputation and crisis management, and more for both B2B and B2C companies across industries. She has helped transform medium and large corporations across all industries both at home and abroad including MTN, DDB, Access Bank, Kinetic Sports and more. She is currently the Head, Communications and Marketing Department at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) PLC; Nigeria’s Premier Financial Market Infrastructure, licensed to carry on the depository, clearing and settlement of all transactions in the Nigerian Capital Market.
She has achieved repeated successes in all her engagements and in her short time at CSCS PLC she has, and continues to lead her team to redefine and promote the once silent, dinosaur, and complex brand in a complex industry – capital market, to a more youthful and innovative brand that is now being recognized and understood within and outside its eco-system.
In 2022 she implemented a year-long strategic anniversary celebration, during which the organization held its first and successful National Cybersecurity Conference, leading a national conversation on cybersecurity with top cybersecurity experts, Government officials, National security agencies, big and small businesses in attendance. She also strategically planned and executed an awards and gala night that repositioned the company within its eco-system and beyond as a thought and industry leader to be reckoned with.

Topic:

Roblox Nation: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly — 01:00pm

Yewande Amusan

Yewande Amusan is a former banker and Commissioner for Culture and Tourisim in Ogun State. She has worked and continues to work closely with the indigeneous Adire producers in Ogun State by promoting the conservation of the Traditional Adire Making process and Cultural Heritage in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Topic:

Iya Alaro Saves The Day — 10:00am

ZioraMmachi Oruche-Bender-dermoll & Nkeiruka Oruche

ZioraMmachi is a 12-year old who is curious about the world around her. She loves to write, spend time with friends and family, run, read (taking away books is a dreaded consequence), take photos, listen to music, make playlists, and a lot of other things. She is a co-author of the Notable & Notorious Nigerian Women Coloring book.

Nkeiruka Oruche, a multimedia creative, cultural organizer, and producer, founded and directs Afro Urban Society, a hub for Pan African arts and culture. She created and directed ‘Mixtape of the Dead & Gone #1’’ dance-theater comedy about death and igbo cosmology.  In 2023, she was on the creative team of ‘Nollywood Dreams’ at SF Playhouse. Oruche was a Dance/USA Artist Fellow, Kikwetu Honors Awardee, a NYFA Immigrant Artist Fellow, and YBCA 100 Honoree.
She has received awards from Creative Work Fund, MAP Fund, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, and California Arts Council. Her work has been featured in BBC Africa, Goethe-Institut, Fjord Review, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Coal City University-Enugu, and Oakland Museum of California.

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Notable & Notorious Nigerian Women — 09:30am