Nigerian youths are often criticized by parents for being addicted to their phones and laptops. However, it goes beyond just scrolling through social media and gossip blogs. A good number of Nigerian youths have exceled in fields such as music, engineering, sports, business and many more. In no particular order, below is a list of exceptional individuals who decided to take their fate into their hands; and focus on the opportunities available in the country.
1. Kiki Mordi
If you have never heard of sex for grades, meet Kiki mordi who worked as an undercover reporter for BBC Africa Eye, where she exposed the sexual harassment of students in Nigerian universities in 2019.
Kiki is also a writer and presenter. In 2016, she won the Nigerian Broadcasters Merits Award for Outstanding Radio Program Presenter. She is currently the head of presenters at WFM 91.7.
2. Charles Edosanwan
Charles Edosanwan is one of the young innovative people who have refused to give up their dreams. At the age of 25, Charles who is a graduate of Covenant University set up Nigeria’s first technology PR company. Established in 2014, Teksight now manages 60% of the mobile phone brand in Africa; and manages about 70% OEM market share in Nigeria.
In 2018, he also created askifa.ng, a technology news brand solely to create awareness for tech brands in Africa.
3. Damilola Olokesusi
Meet the founder and CEO of a transport and tech company, named Shuttlers.
Damilola‘s innovation clearly shows that it is one of a kind in Nigeria. Shuttlers is a startup that uses web and mobile app tech that allow users book trips along fixed routes at 60-80 percent less than ride-hailing services.
This innovative woman is gaining the recognition she deserves. She was a part of the Harambean Team for 2018 cohort. It is a group of highly educated young African social, business and political entrepreneurs, attending outstanding universities in Asia, Europe and North America.
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4. Barbara Okereke
This baker surprisingly holds a degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering from Anambra State University. Finding a job in Nigeria is quite difficult and as a result of unemployment; Barbara decided to bake cakes as a side hustle. According to Barbara, she didn’t think anything serious would come out of it.
After perfecting her skills in cake baking and decorating at Fair Cake Premier School, Greenwich, she launched her cake business, called Oven Secret. Renowned for its outstanding statement cakes, Oven Secret became a household name in 2015. Barbara has so far created over 1000+ amazing cake designs. She has also trained over 500 students both physically and online.
In 2019, she was named as one of Forbes‘ 30 under 30 people to watch in Africa.
5. Adeniyi Omotayo
Sport betting has quickly become a lifestyle among people of various ages. This was probably what Omotayo had in mind when he founded the sport prediction service, Betensured Group. Born into a family of lawyers, Omotayo studied Metallurgical and Materials Engineering in the University of Lagos.
He was working in Sellafield Energy, an oil firm when he established his own company. The company started as a free betting tips blog but began paid service officially in November 2015. It was officially incorporated in Nigeria one year after it was founded on 29 March 2016.
With over a million users, Betensured has expanded to other African countries such as Kenya, Uganda. It has worked with over 20 different bookmakers from different countries while generating revenue from user subscriptions and advertising collaborations.
It is obvious that these five have put in work and dedication to achieve their dreams regardless of how things may seem. Unsurprisingly, Nigeria is blessed with brilliant minds.
BY ENIOLA OLANIYI
