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They are young and ready to go. Last year, they made an appreciable impact thus causing people to look out for them this year
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji
Newly married, she is the CEO of RISE Networks, a private sector-funded youth interest social enterprise in Nigeria. A dedicated achiever, Toyosi is a recipient of several local and international awards. A lawyer by training, she is passionate about youth development among other things. Not limited by gender and only 30, her achievements belie her age.
She recently made it to Forbes’ 20 young power women in Africa. In 2011, she was one of 76 young African women leaders from across the African continent who met with the American First Lady, Michelle Obama, in South Africa.
Uche Pedro
Recently named as one of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa in 2014 by Forbes, Uche Pedro’s outstanding leadership as the Managing Director and Creative Director of BellaNaija.com, a lifestyle and entertainment website, continues to earn her accolades home and abroad.
Not one to blow her trumpet, the 30-year-old entrepreneur has worked at Shell Canada, Cadbury Middle East & Africa Unit based in the UK, and Cadbury Nigeria. An alumnus of Ontario Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada, she is, indeed, a trailblazer in the male-dominated online media space. Featured on Oprah Winfrey show, ‘Beauty Around the World,’ in February 2010 along with stars such as Jessica Simpson and Lisa Ling, Pedro’s firm grasp of media trends makes her a star to watch out for in 2015.
Toju Foyeh
Incredibly skilled designer, Toju Foyeh’s eponymous label is the favourite of several A-list celebrities including songstress, Tiwa Savage. A young entrepreneur, Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku obtained her first degree in law from the University of Reading and then studied for her LLM degree at the University of Manchester. Subsequently, she went to fashion school in Milan where she honed her creative skill. An established designer, she won the Future Awards Designer of the Year in 2012 among other awards.
Bankole Cardoso
A silent achiever, the founder and CEO of Easy Taxi Nigeria, Bankole Cardoso, was fairly known until his mother, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, passed away a few months ago. Thrust into the limelight, 25-year-old Bankole, who studied Accounting and Business Management at Boston College in America, is a shining example of a young entrepreneur.
Though relatively new to Nigeria having relocated from his former base in 2013, he has not done badly.
Olakunbi Oyelese
Multiple award-winning fashion designer, Olakunbi Oyelese, is a designer extraordinaire. Since making her debut a few years ago, she has been consistent on the scene. Already, she has clothed several celebrities who are easily taken in by her talent. Her giant strides in the fashion industry cannot be ignored and as the creative director of April by Kunbi, she has won several awards.
DJ Cuppy
Wave-making disc jockey, Ifedayo Otedola aka DJ Cuppy, has been performing at gigs at home and abroad since she embraced the turntable. Adept at her craft, she is easily one of the most popular Nigerian-born disc jockeys.
In her early 20s, DJ Cuppy, who is currently studying for her Masters degree in a New York university graduated from the prestigious King’s College, London with a degree in Business Management. She interned at award-winning American artiste-cum-producer, Jay Z’s company, Roc Nation. She is the eldest daughter of Forbes-listed billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.
Nenesi Ibru
There is more to this light-skinned beauty than just being the daughter of the scion of the Ibru dynasty, Olorogun Oskar Ibru and his wife, Wanda. Like her elder sister, Makashe Awogboro, Nenesi is a budding entrepreneur. Together with her sister, she runs Olivia’s Trunk, a luxury fashion brand. Nenesi is a graduate of Savannah College of Arts and design, Atlanta where she studied luxury and fashion management.
Teni Sagoe
At 22, Teni Sagoe is a chip off the old block. Like her mum, Deola Ade-Ojo, her interest lies in fashion. The budding talent co-owns a fashion label, CLAN Couture, with her two sisters. Already the young label has had its feel of the international runway. She read law at the University of Exeter.
Ameera Abraham
Abuja-based Ameera Abraham is 26 years old. A beauty entrepreneur, she is the owner of first rate boutique nail spa, The Nail Bar. Her clientele boasts the elites in the society. Of Fulani and Yoruba extraction, she attended the University of London where she graduated with a second class upper degree in politics and international relations. A household name in the Federal Capital Territory, soft-spoken Ameera is unrelenting in her pursuit for success.
Tokini Peterside
In 2011, Tokini Peterside won the Future Awards Corporate Professional of the Year. She is her late 20s. Pretty Tokini Peterside is a first-class law graduate of the London School of Economics. She is the daughter of the Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside. Soft-spoken, she is currently a big player on the communication and events management scene.
Sijibomi Ogundele
Recently featured in Forbes Africa as a young entrepreneur, Sijibomi Ogundele, who is popularly known as Sujimoto, is a real estate guru. His company, Sujimoto Construction Limited, has been branded the fastest growing real estate company in Nigeria. Even though he is fairly new on the social scene, his presence cannot be ignored.
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