Meet The 2026 Speakers

Achiever Omotoso

Achiever Omotoso @the_realachiever) Olanrewaju Achiever Omotoso is a remarkable 8-year-old boy who is already making waves as a two-time author, animator, coder, and creative storyteller. He is a Grade 3 pupil of Rubies and Pearls Montessori School, Ibadan. Achiever is the author of Bravey the Sabertoothed Tiger (2023) and Nara and Sonti: How Two Siblings Stayed Strong Together (2025), books that have earned him invitations to television and radio platforms such as Honour FM, Noble TV, and the Amazing Kids Show, hosted by Victory Wison on Silverbird TV, where he shares his passion for storytelling and media creativity.
Achiever is a confident speaker and illustrator, using AI and other digital creativity tools to bring his imagination to life. Olanrewaju is an emerging entrepreneur and a member of Kidpreneur Africa. His entrepreneurial spirit was rewarded when he won the grand prize at the Kidpreneur Africa and Access Bank KidBiz Fair Business Pitch Competition in 2025. Achiever is a spelling champion and one of the winners proudly representing Oyo State in the Spell Africa National competition.
Achiever remains a fun-loving child who enjoys playing just as much as he loves reading, writing, and creating.

Adebisi Olaniyi

Adebisi Olaniyi is a Christian Creative and Leader, education specialist, children’s author, and instructional designer with a passion for shaping lives through learning, storytelling, and transformative experiences.
She is the author of over ten children’s books, including Time’s Up, Bullies! where she uses relatable storytelling to address real-life challenges such as bullying, empathy, identity, and character development. Her writing is known for being simple, engaging, and deeply impactful, bridging everyday experiences with timeless values.
With over a decade of experience in education and leadership, Adebisi has served in key roles including Director of Studies and Chief Operating Officer within school systems, where she led curriculum development, academic strategy, and operational excellence.
As the founder of ITeach Network, Adebisi has built a platform that equips educators, parents, and children with practical tools for learning, growth, and character formation. Her work extends beyond books into interactive teaching methods, including songs, storytelling, and creative learning experiences that make lessons both memorable and transformative.

Adebola Rayo

Adebola Rayo is the author of Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait, which was Highly Commended in Faber and Faber's 2025 FAB Prize. She is the CEO of Tani Series, a children's book publishing company increasing representation through print books and its digital app, Karanta. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.

Akum Adighibe

Akum Adighibe was born in 2018 and lives in Abuja, Nigeria, with her parents and siblings. A bright and creative child, she enjoys bringing her imagination to life through writing stories, drawing, and painting.
Inspired by her sister, Ziora, Akum began her writing journey at age seven. Together, they have co-authored five books: A New School, A New Toy, A New Baby, A Big Flight, and A First Christmas.
Beyond their collaborations, Akum has written four additional titles of her own: The Missing Cub—inspired by one of her drawings—The Child Who Refused to Eat Porridge, Blue or Pink: The Unicorn Competition, and Why Christmas is Special. Her stories reflect her playful imagination, love for adventure, and creativity.
At just eight years old, Akum is emerging as a remarkable young voice in children’s literature, inspiring other children to imagine, create, and write their own stories.

Amarachukwu Chimeka

Amarachukwu Chimeka is a passionate children’s book author, editor, publisher, and literacy advocate from Nigeria. She holds degrees from the Universities of Benin and Lagos. With many years of experience as a copyeditor, proofreader, and publisher, she is certified by leading UK institutions in editing and publishing.
Amarachukwu strongly believes in the power of books to shape young minds. In 2020, she launched the #ReadIgboChallenge to encourage children to read in their mother tongue, and since 2021, she successfully delivered books to over 1,000 children in rural communities across several Nigerian states and orphanages in Lagos.
She is the author of several children’s books, like Kachi and the River Guards (commissioned in 2024 by The End Fund to teach children about preventing River Blindness). She also runs book clubs for schools and organisations, and collaborates with Alliance Française Lagos to host monthly book readings.
Amarachukwu is the founder of Purple Shelves, a publishing and literacy company.

April Ifunanya Izundu

Ayo Oyeku

Ayo Oyeku is an Ebedi International Residency Fellow. He has published eleven children's books. He is a recipient of the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Fiction, and the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Children's Literature. He has also been shortlisted twice for the Golden Baobab Prize and longlisted twice for The Nigeria Prize for Literature. His picture book, What Happened on Thursday? A Nigerian Civil War Story has won Children's Book Council (CBC) Favourite Awards in the Teacher and Librarian Categories, Notable Social Studies Trade Books Award, Children's Africana Book Award (CABA) Honor, and selected as one of The Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street College of Education 2025.  He serves as an international contributor to World Kid Lit and founder of the publishing firm, Eleventh House.

Ayodeji Anifowose

Ayodeji Anifowose is an author, content creator, certified life and marriage coach/ counselor, and Lead Pastor at RCCG Arise Church, Riverside, California. With a background in Economics and a passion for teaching God's word, he is dedicated to raising world changers and promoting the gospel through digital media.
Ayodeji is a prolific and versatile author, with an impressive collection of nearly 40 published works, including 10 delightful children's books that continue to inspire and captivate young minds. He runs the Great Father, Great Husband YouTube channel, offering practical guidance on faith, family, and leadership. Ayodeji is also a songwriter with eight released tracks, and he has a special calling to mentor boys into godly men.
He's also the CEO of AYO LLC, a multimedia company. He is happily married to Opeyemi, and they are blessed with four daughters.

Bolatito Adebayo

Bolatito Adebayo is a journalist, author, and child advocate dedicated to empowering lives through storytelling and social impact initiatives. She is the author of Queen of Tracks and The Waiting Room, books that inspire resilience, hope, and personal growth. Through her advocacy work, she promotes menstrual health education, youth empowerment, and dignity-driven community development.

Chimziterem Iloh

Chimziterem Obianuju Theresa Iloh is a lover of stories and a good listener. An inquisitive learner, Chimz loves diving into puzzles, piano lessons and playing with friends.
Rooted in Enugu's vibrant culture, she's curious about adventures beyond Amagu Village. When dreaming big, Chimz imagines exploring magical forests with snacks and her favorite books in tow. With a heart full of stories and a mind full of curiosity, Chimz is growing into her own unique adventure.

Chinwe Egwim

Chinwe Egwim is an economist, author, and World Economic Forum Global Leader, passionate about making money conversations simple, relatable, and accessible - even for children. With over 15 years’ experience, she translates complex economic developments into clear, practical insights that help people understand what is happening in the economy and what it means for their everyday lives. She currently serves as Chief Economist at a leading tier-1 bank, where her work supports better financial and investment decision-making.
Chinwe is the author of the children’s book Super-E: The Inflation Smackdown, which introduces young readers to money, prices, and economic concepts in a fun and engaging way. The book recorded strong early demand, with over 2,000 copies sold within 30 minutes of its launch. It has since been adopted by organisations as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives and was also highlighted during the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders EMerge gathering in Geneva.
The book has also resonated globally, including at a Global Leadership Program at Harvard University, where parents engaged with her on financial literacy for children and went on to purchase copies for their families. Beyond her professional work across policy, finance, and global platforms such as the World Economic Forum, Chinwe is committed to raising a generation that is not only economically aware, but financially confident.

Chioma “Chigul” Omeruah

Chioma “Chigul” Omeruah is a Master of Ceremonies, singer, TV host, actor, and comedienne. For over a decade, she has explored and expressed her many talents within the media and entertainment industry, both locally and internationally. In her capacity as a compere, Chioma has perfected the art of keeping guests engaged, entertained, and laughing. She remains alert, attentive, and in control as she expertly guides audiences through the protocol and flow of diverse events, ranging from corporate functions to social gatherings.
A gifted polyglot, Chioma is proficient in English, Igbo, Hausa, French, and Spanish. Her command of these languages positions her as an ideal host for multicultural, corporate, and high-profile social events.
Upon her return to Nigeria after living and working as a teacher in the United States, Chigul made her debut on the Nigerian entertainment scene through a series of comedic musical skits released via the BlackBerry Messenger Voice Note platform. These viral skits introduced iconic catchphrases such as “...not gonna be a weiist,” “hello baybay today is valentine,” “chake ya makate,” and “kilode satan” into the Nigerian urban lexicon.
As a seasoned stage and screen actress, Chioma has performed in theatre productions in both Nigeria and the United States. Her stage credits include A Raisin in the Sun, The Bald Soprano, The Lion King, and End Times Like These. Her filmography includes notable appearances in Road to Yesterday (produced by Genevieve Nnaji), Banana Island Ghost, and Chief Daddy, the latter achieving both critical acclaim and commercial box office success.
At her core, Chioma is deeply people-centric. She is passionate about aligning with brands that serve everyday people and is driven by a desire to develop content that engages, informs, and entertains in the most creative and relatable ways.

Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida

Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida is an award winning Finance and Management Consultant, an author of seven books, global speaker, Inspirational Leader and transformational coach whose passion is in life improvement, leadership development and financial advancement.
She holds a PhD in Personnel Psychology from the University of Ibadan and she is concerned with children enlightenment, youth development and women empowerment. Dr. Lola has impacted over 15,000 children, youths and women since the inception of her profession. She is a mentor and coach on several prestigious platforms locally and internationally and has won several awards, presented on radio and TV on the topic of national development.
Dr. Lola is the author of seven books: I've seen God, My Pot of Gold,: unlocking your personal treasury, Broken, Bisola visits her Grandma (Book 1), Bisola and the colorful jars (Book 2), From Shares to wealth: a complete guide to investing in shares and Bisola and the paper clock (Book 3).
  She is happily married and blessed with lovely children.  

Dr. Seun Akinbohun

Dr. Seun Akinbohun is a multipotentialite, entrepreneur, and finance professional with a distinguished career spanning asset management, hospitality, event production, and sports development. She is known for building and scaling ventures at the intersection of strategy, experience, and impact.
She holds a First Class BSc in Business Studies and Management and a Distinction MSc in International Banking & Finance from the United Kingdom, and earned a PhD in Business Finance, with research focused on the behavioural dynamics of risk-taking in the Nigerian financial markets. She began her career at Barclays Capital in the UK, gaining exposure to private wealth advisory for high-net-worth individuals.
In Nigeria, she built over a decade of experience in asset management across leading institutions including IBTC (now Stanbic IBTC), Leadway Pensure PFA, SIM Capital Alliance (in partnership with Sanlam Investment Management), and Oceanic Capital. Her work spanned portfolio management, fund structuring, and product innovation, including the development of equity and fixed income portfolios, bespoke valuation models, and the launch of flagship investment vehicles such as the Oceanic Money Market Fund and the Oceanic Islamic Fund. Beyond finance, Dr. Akinbohun has established a diverse entrepreneurial portfolio across event production, space design, and corporate and luxury gifting. She currently serves as Head of Hospitality at Flytime Entertainment, where she leads the strategy and execution of premium hospitality experiences for large-scale entertainment events.
A passionate advocate for youth development through sport, she is the Founder of the Athletics School Games, a platform dedicated to discovering and nurturing young athletic talent at the grassroots level. She is also Co-founder of the Pan African School Games, a continental initiative promoting youth engagement, cultural exchange, and competitive excellence across Africa, while creating pathways for future global representation.
Dr. Akinbohun is married with two children.

Eugene Yakubu Shichét

Eugene Yakubu Shichét is a PhD candidate in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A HBS' Green Academy Fellow and an alumnus of the Purple Hibiscus Trust Creative Writing Workshop, his writings have been shortlisted for the Gerald Kraak Prize and the Writivism/Koffi Addo Prize for Creative Nonfiction. He lives in Kaduna, where he heads the Understory Project Development Initiative, a non-profit organisation that sustains and promotes indigenous arts and culture through archiving, research, community engagement, and the development of arts and creative programmes, ensuring that culture remains a source of dignity, memory, and power. 

Fabian Lojede

Fabian Adeoye Lojede is a Nigerian-born, UK & South Africa–based actor, writer, producer, director, and voice artist. He rose to prominence through his role as Bola Abayomi in the internationally broadcast television series Jacob's Cross and has since built a career spanning award-winning feature films, premium television series, and global brand campaigns.
His film work includes Man on Ground (Toronto & Berlin Film Festivals), Trackers (Showmax/HBO), The Ghost and the House of Truth, October 1 (Netflix), and Comatose. As a director and writer, his short film EJE (Blood) premiered at the Durban International Film Festival and screened at multiple international festivals. Beyond screen work, Fabian is the author of The Afrotods a children's book and story-world with an accompanying game-based digital extension on Google Playstore (The Afrotods Storybook & The Afrotods Festival Time) and the creator of Prodculator a creative fintech platform designed to support producers and content creators with project planning, budgeting, and funding strategy.
He is the Founder and CEO of Deo Media Limited a production and creative investment company operating across the UK, South Africa, and Nigeria, focused on building sustainable creative businesses and globally resonant storytelling platforms and Blu Jeansz Communications a global marketing communications consultancy, rooted in innovation and driven by results.

Joshua Adeloye

Joshua Adeloye is a purpose coach, pan-African nation builder, business strategist, and purpose architect passionate about transforming people, organizations, and nations. He helps individuals discover the intersection of who they are, what they do best, and what the world needs from them. He works a Credit Analyst at the Bank of Industry, driving access to finance for Nigeria’s industrial growth, and is the Founder of Studio 5:13, producers of the acclaimed Jimmy Badru series. With degrees in Business Information Systems, Joshua bridges technology, finance, leadership, and purpose to help people and organizations grow sustainably.
He is the President of the Adullam Nation, the Lead Pastor of RCCG Joseph Generation Church, the Assistant Coordinator Strategy - Pastors Seed Family, and is the founder of Lighthouse Barracks, a mentorship community raising purpose-driven leaders globally. He is the author of “Be Light, Be Salt”, a guide to living purposefully and advancing God’s kingdom.
In a world where too many people drift without direction, Joshua's growing mission is twofold: to champion the flourishing of the boy child at a critical moment in history, and to help individuals craft personal success roadmaps grounded in their Unique Value Proposition, so they can live and lead with clarity, purpose, and lasting effect.

Marytina Uloma Osuchukwu

Marytina Uloma Osuchukwu is an experienced educational leader, trainer, PGCE mentor, certified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and SEN advocate with extensive experience in the education sector. She has successfully mentored numerous trainee teachers across multiple international schools in Nigeria, supporting them to achieve PGCE qualifications through the University of Sunderland. Her commitment to the wellbeing of children with special educational needs and vulnerable adults has inspired her to author children's stories that promote inclusion and educate young learners about the social and emotional challenges faced by individuals with additional needs.
Among other qualifications, Marytina holds a Masters degree in International Education and PGCE in Primary Education (University of Sunderland) and PGCE in Special Needs and Inclusion (University of Wolverhampton). Beyond her professional work, She is dedicated to supporting causes that empower women and young girls, serving as a Life Member of WIMBIZ. She is also an enthusiast of nature and enjoys playing golf.

Namse Udosen

Namse Udosen is an author and educator dedicated to Nigerian children's literature. He has authored impactful titles including Amang Goes to the Village, Africanado Adventures, Silly Sally, and Fundamental Etiquette for Young Nigerians.
A passionate literacy advocate, his insights on early childhood education are frequently featured in Daily Trust, Punch Newspaper, and various online platforms. Namse holds an MA in International Education and Development and a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning, blending his deep academic expertise with storytelling to foster a vibrant reading culture for the next generation. He has worked as an editor for WSA Magazine and was a staff Writer for The Badger, the students' newspaper for the University of Sussex. He is currently curating Read-A-Create Children's Creativity Festival in Kaduna. 

Nathaniel Nosa

Nathaniel Nosa known as MC Narth on stage is a dynamic and engaging Master of Ceremonies with years of experience bringing life, laughter, and unforgettable energy to every event. From corporate gatherings and product launches to weddings, birthdays, house warmings, and grand openings, Nathaniel's signature style keeps audiences entertained, engaged, and connected from start to finish.
Known for his warm personality, quick wit, and ability to read the room, Nathaniel ensures every moment flows seamlessly while creating memories that last long after the event is over. Whether you want elegance, excitement, or a touch of humor, Nathaniel delivers the perfect balance to make your occasion truly special.

Ogemdi Muoh

Nene Ogeh (Muoh Ogemdi) is an Agriculture student, speaker, and content creator passionate about reshaping how young people understand food and farming. She is the founder of Garden Series, a platform dedicated to promoting food education, sustainable living, and youth engagement in agriculture.
Through her outreach initiatives, she has impacted students in different schools, introducing them to practical and relatable concepts in agriculture. She is also the author of the Garden Series for Kids book, designed to help children understand where their food comes from in a simple, engaging, and age-appropriate way.
Her work sits at the intersection of education, agriculture, and storytelling, with a focus on raising a generation that is more informed, conscious, and connected to their food systems.

Oleander Yuba

Oleander Yuba is the founder of The Literacy Sphere Education Services. She is trained by The TEFL Academy, Ireland, to teach English globally. In addition to that, she is a seasoned Phonics Instructor, certified by Jolly Learning Uk.
Oleander is a corporate trainer who trains and consults for corporate organisations in Nigeria and beyond. She has trained and certified thousands of business executives, career professionals, educators and individuals from all walks of life on Elocution, Public Speaking, Grammar, Business Communication, Etiquette, etc.
In addition, she is the founder of the Distinct Kids Club, where she transforms ordinary school children into highly eloquent speakers of the English language. She is the author of two books: The Poised Speaker's Gudebook, a must-read public speaking guidebook for every professional, and The Polite Adventurers, a book designed to equip children 5-15 years with world-class etiquette skills.
She is a member of Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), FORBES Black Community, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICAD). She is also a bonafide member of the Association of Diction Coaches of Nigeria (ADCN).
She has received a number of awards, including The Iconic Brand Award as Public Speaker of the Year and Founder of the Year Award as Edupreneur of the Year.
She's currently the round keeper for MTN mPulse National Spelling Bee. She's been featured on several magazines and television programmes. She has served on the panel of a TEDx event, as well as other educational events and competitions.
She is called the Distinct Elocutionist.

Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi

Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi is an author; publisher; and corporate director. She is the convener of the award-winning Akada Children's Book Festival, as well as a Trustee of the Association of Children's Authors & Illustrators of Nigeria (ACAIN); Punch Media Foundation (PMF); and Women In Management Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ).
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 work has been published in several national daily newspapers.
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 the UN Africa SDG Book Club honorary pick: Why Do You Wash Your Hands?  Olubunmi, has a BSc in Economics from City University London. Olubunmi also has an honorary doctorate in Media & Communication and has completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School as well as the Advanced Management & Leadership Program at Oxford University Said Business School.

Oluwatoke Aduradola

Oluwatoke Aduradola is a nine year old writer. She loves to read, write stories and sing. Up and Down is her first book. She has written many stories yet to be published. Oluwatoke wants to be a scientist and a veterinary doctor when she grows up. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

Pelumi Nubi

Pelumi Nubi is a Nigerian-British adventurer, speaker, storyteller, and founder best known as the first woman to solo drive from London to Lagos, covering over 10,000km across 17 countries in 74 days. She is the founder of Lumi, a children's storytelling brand inspired by that journey, created to help young minds build courage, curiosity, and a deeper connection to African adventure and exploration.

Rhona Rwangyezi-Grimm

Rhona Rwangyezi-Grimm is a Ugandan lawyer and children's author based in Frankfurt, Germany. She is the co-founder and creative lead of Tales by Nyana, an independent Ugandan publishing initiative dedicated to bringing African folktales to life for young readers. She has written five children's books inspired by traditional Ugandan stories. Through her work, Rhona is passionate about nurturing a love for reading while preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that children see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

Sindile Onodu

Sindile Onodu is a children's author, curriculum designer, and educator with a passion for putting African stories back in the hands of African children.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Sheffield, England, Sindile grew up carrying an African heart in British classrooms — learning everyone's history except her own. That tension became her calling. Today she lives in Nigeria with her husband and four daughters, writing for children who deserve to see themselves in the stories they read, and who should know that the continent they come from was never small, never primitive, and never without greatness.
Her work spans children's books, a full Bible-centred curriculum, and the stage — as founder of Encompass International Performing Arts Academy, she also directs a children's choir, raising young voices to sing the story of Africa and faith.
Her work is rooted in a deep Biblical conviction: that every people, every culture, and every nation exists by the design of a God who knows them by name. For Sindile, writing for children is not simply a creative pursuit — it is an act of faith and a form of restoration.
She believes Africa's best chapter is still being written — and she and her husband are raising four girls to help write it.

Sofiyyah Oyesanya-Sanni

Sofiyyah Oyesanya-Sanni is a children's book author and literacy advocate with a strong interest in how stories shape learning, values, and behaviour in early childhood. She is the founder of Totful Gems book club, a literacy-focused initiative committed to helping children develop a genuine love for books through high-quality, African-authored stories with strong moral foundations.
With a professional career in Human Resources Management, Sofiyyah brings a development-first perspective to children's literature, paying close attention to clarity, age-appropriateness, and moral depth.

Sola Òjíkútù Njoku

Sola Òjíkútù Njoku is a children’s author, fiction writer, editor, and cultural advocate based in the United Kingdom. She is the founder of YORÙBÁMÀMÁ, a platform dedicated to Yorùbá language education, resource publishing, and cultural promotion.
With over two decades of experience in literary and culture journalism, she has worked with leading international organisations including the BBC World Service. She has also taught Yorùbá at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
SOla holds a Master’s degree in International Journalism and is currently a PhD researcher at SOAS University of London, where her work focuses on Yorùbá language, literature, and pedagogy.
Her MoyoàtiKayin book series — published in Yorùbá, Igbo, and Urhobo — as well as her Early Readers series, were inspired by her attempt to teach her own children Yorùbá, and her observation of a dearth of written resources to support Yorùbá language acquisition in the early ages.
Through her writing, teaching, and research, Sola is committed to nurturing a love for African languages and literature in young learners.

Titilayo Kayode-Alabi

Titilayo Kayode-Alabi is a children's author, storyteller, and paediatrician who delights in bringing meaningful stories to life for young readers. She is the author of three Medi-Tales and four additional storybooks that celebrate moral values, friendship, and cultural identity.
Her writing journey began with a simple but powerful desire—to give children stories they can see themselves in and learn from. Drawing from her experiences working with children and inspired by conversations with parents, she set out to create books that are not only enjoyable but also equip young readers with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy, informed choices.
Warm, intentional, and deeply rooted in her love for children, Titilayo believes that storytelling is more than entertainment—it is a tool for shaping hearts, sparking imagination, and raising thoughtful, confident readers in today's fast-changing world.

Tiwatope Oloye

Tiwatope Oloye is a bright, confident young leader with a passion for creativity, learning, and meaningful expression. She is currently a Year 6 pupil and serves as Head Girl at Sunnybrook International School Lagos, where she is admired for her leadership, curiosity, and positive influence.
She authored and published her first children's story book "One Picture, Many Colours" in September 2025. The story highlights the beauty of unity in diversity and the power of teamwork. Through her creative writing, she inspires young readers to appreciate differences and work together to achieve shared goals.  Beyond writing, Tiwatope is an engaging public speaker who enjoys confidently sharing her ideas. She is also musically inclined, playing both the violin and piano, and has a keen interest in STEM, where her inquisitive mind continues to explore and innovate.
At home, she is a caring big sister who enjoys spending time with her younger brother playing board games. With her creativity, confidence, and strong sense of purpose, Tiwatope represents a new generation of young voices poised to make a meaningful impact.

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. She and her husband are proud parents to two children, Ugo and Simone. Her advocacy journey took flight when her daughter, Simone, was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, resulting in heart complications during infancy. Simone’s recovery became a catalyst for Tonye's unwavering commitment to special needs advocacy.
Drawing from her successful career as a TV and film producer, Tonye recognized a significant lack of representation for black and African children, particularly those with special needs. This realization spurred her to create "Ugo and Sim Sim" the world’s first picture book series featuring a black main character with Down syndrome. She is also the author of Nigeria's pioneering baby board book, "Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables"
Tonye is a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria and actively contributes to the Creative Industries Development Bill committee under the office of the Presidency. Her dedication has made her a sought-after panelist, consultant, facilitator, and speaker on creative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention, and special needs advocacy.
In addition, Tonye co-produced and co-hosted two podcasts: "Special Mums Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting" and the award-nominated "Represented – Storybooks and More for African Kids" co-hosted with her son, Ugo. Currently, Tonye is developing several new children's books with Ouida Publishing.

Victoria Afe-Inegbedion

Victoria Afe Inegbedion is a reader, writer and sharer of children's stories. In case it's not blindingly obvious, she loves children's stories. A-Files is her first published book and a sequel, A Files 2 was published in 2023.
Victoria currently lives with her family in England where she is currently working on her third book. So yes, still reading, writing and sharing.

Yewande Osamein

Yewande Osamein is a British-Nigerian actor, singer, dancer, producer, voiceover artist, content creator, and television and live event host working across stage and screen.
She trained at Identity Drama School in London and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University for the Creative Arts. Before focusing fully on performance and production, Yewande worked with Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Entertainment, the largest cinema and distribution company in West Africa.
As a film distributor and marketing executive, she worked on the release and campaign strategy of some of Nollywood’s biggest box office titles, as well as major studio films from 20th Century Studios, Paramount Pictures, and The Walt Disney Company. Her role involved cinema marketing, audience engagement strategy, and theatrical distribution across the region.
Yewande’s acting credits span television, film, and theatre. She has appeared in multiple projects, including Mnet’s Tinsel, Close of Business, and FRK, the biopic on Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, where she portrayed Mrs. Coker.
On stage, she recently starred in the celebrated musical Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, cementing her reputation in West Africa’s most prestigious musical theatre productions. Yewande is the founder of Wandeland, a children’s educational production company focused on culturally grounded storytelling that encourages literacy, imagination, and creative confidence in young audiences.
She also recently launched Palm Tree Studios, a production company developing film, television, and immersive live performance projects. Her work is driven by a desire to contribute to a new era of Nollywood. One that expands storytelling possibilities, nurtures untapped talent, and brings fresh perspectives to African film.

Zansi Adebowale

Zansi Adebowale is a mum, Mechanical Engineer and storyteller who is passionate about raising thoughtful, confident children. She works in the energy and cooling industry, helping businesses adopt more efficient and sustainable solutions across West Africa.
Inspired by her experience as a working mum, Zansi is the author of a collection of short stories designed to teach children aged 5–10 positive character traits in a simple, engaging way. Her stories are inspired and created to spark meaningful conversations between children and the adults who guide them.
She is also a speaker and mentor, working with women and young professionals to navigate career growth. Zansi believes that the small lessons we teach children today shape the kind of adults they become tomorrow.   

Ziora Adighibe

Ziora Adighibe was born in 2016 and lives in Abuja, Nigeria, with her parents and siblings. A gifted young storyteller, she discovered her passion for writing early and, on her sixth birthday, published six books: A Fun Day, A Queen and a Unicorn, A Princess, Pirates and a Mushroom, Nothing to Eat, Late for School, and Gifts for the King.
Since then, she has co-authored five more titles with her sister, Akum—A New School, A New Toy, A New Baby, A Big Flight, and A First Christmas—building a growing collection of children’s stories loved by young readers.
In 2023, the National Library of Nigeria honoured Ziora with the Young Authors Ambassador Award, celebrating her remarkable achievements. Now just nine years old, she continues to inspire with her creativity and imagination. Her most recent release, The Proud Eagle and the Patient Goose, marks her first animal story and a new chapter in her storytelling journey.
As one of Nigeria’s youngest published authors, Ziora proves you’re never too young to dream big or create stories with valuable lessons.