Nigeria

With 20+ years in HR and leadership, I’ve driven growth through talent development and strategy. At Montego Group, I aligned HR practices with business goals, while mentoring future leaders at Africa Retail Academy. In recent years, I’ve also focused on strategic sales referrals, project financing, and educational advocacy—staying relevant and adding value to those I influence.

Oluwatosin “Jedi” Ayo, The Well Fed Comedian, is a seasoned Nigerian entertainer, filmmaker, and MC known for his clean, family-friendly comedy. Since 1999, he has performed globally, hosted the LWKMD Comedy Tour, and released several comedy specials and a music album. Jedi is also a media advocate for humanitarian causes, recognized as a Global Media ICON for Change. He mentors young talents and currently offers entertainment consulting and film production services.

Mr. Femi Olaiya is a versatile entrepreneur with active ventures across multiple industries. His business interests span media and advertising, digital signage, audiovisual technology, networking solutions, agriculture and food processing, content marketing, news publishing, PR and marketing communications, finance, and solar power engineering. With a strong presence in both tech-driven and traditional sectors, he continues to drive innovation and impact through diverse, solution-focused enterprises.

Oluyinka Davids is a Nigerian-American filmmaker known for powerful films and documentaries that promote social change and cultural awareness. With nearly 20 years of experience, his works like Stay and Perception: The Nigerian Narrative highlight African stories and challenge stereotypes. He’s received global recognition, including a U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Through his storytelling, he connects cultures and empowers the black narrative on a global stage.

Simisola Salami is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), CFRP, and CAMS II specialist with over five years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health recovery journeys. She works closely with a team of counselors to deliver client-centered, evidence-based care. Her approach blends holistic recovery strategies, goal setting, and skills training with a strong focus on ethics, multicultural sensitivity, and measurable outcomes. Salami is dedicated to ongoing learning and using best practices to empower clients toward lasting wellness and community integration.

John Madayese (“JM”) is a forward-thinking strategy and digital transformation leader with nearly a decade of experience spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, and the public sector. As the Head of Digital Transformation at a multinational financial institution, he has successfully spearheaded enterprise-wide initiatives that drive operational excellence, enhance business growth, and position organizations for long-term success leveraging technology. Previously, John has held key positions at PwC Strategy& as a Manager and at KPMG Nigeria as a Senior Consultant, where he played an instrumental role in advising C-suite executives and executing transformative strategies for leading organisations across diverse industries.

Ifeoma Edoka is a Global Event Strategist with over 8 years of experience designing and delivering impactful events across Nigeria and internationally. From intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions, she has worked with global organizations and high-profile individuals, earning recognition for her creativity, precision, and innovative approach. Passionate about mentorship and collaboration, Ifeoma inspires the next generation of event professionals while championing fresh ideas that elevate industry standards. To her, event management is not just work—it is an art, a craft, and a true calling.

Dr. ‘Dapo Omojola is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in enterprise transformation, capacity development, and strategic leadership. A CBES Certified Mentor, he brings a unique blend of real-world corporate success and a deep passion for mentoring emerging professionals. With a track record of driving impactful projects and leading high-performing teams, Dr. Omojola is committed to building people through structured mentorship, lifelong learning, and leadership development. His presence in the CBES Programme offers participants rich insights, practical wisdom, and a strong foundation for growth.

As a Nigerian-born fashion designer and creative entrepreneur, I use my brands—Bibi Lawrence and shopbibilawrence.com—to translate African stories into luxurious, globally recognized garments that celebrate identity, craftsmanship, and culture. From Netflix campaigns to red carpet premieres, my designs have dressed leading figures while preserving indigenous narratives through textile and silhouette. Beyond fashion, I’m a mother, educator, and mentor, committed to empowering emerging designers and shaping a bold, future-facing African fashion narrative. With a growing international presence and a UK-based atelier on the horizon, I continue to build a legacy rooted in excellence, impact, and purpose.

Charles Ezerime is a seasoned Creative Director with over 15 years of experience in design, advertising, web development, and UI/UX, working with major brands and high-profile events across Africa. His portfolio includes leading design roles for Nigeria @100, Lagos @50 Runway Jazz, AMAA, and the Rwanda International Music Festival. Currently an associate partner at FuturaDigitall and Creative Director at CityFm105.1’s City Digital, Charles also serves as the Creative Art Director for the Africa Movie Academy Awards. His work has reached millions across billboards and digital platforms, reflecting his passion for impactful, result-driven brand strategies.

Folake Babafemi is a visionary school leader with nearly a decade of experience in educational administration and a strong background in Computer Information Systems. As the Director of New World Elementary School, Ikeja, Lagos, she has successfully integrated technology into the learning environment, enhancing operational efficiency and academic engagement. Under her leadership, the West African Quality Education Awards recognised the school as the ‘Most Innovative School of 2022’ in West Africa.

I am a marketing strategist focused on performance, automation, and AI-driven growth. Over the past nine years, I’ve worked across digital marketing, business strategy, and product infrastructure, connecting fragmented efforts into structured systems that scale. My work spans marketing automation, campaign architecture, data analysis, go-to-market strategy, and growth execution. I build systems that connect marketing and product to tangible results, helping organizations move from reactive tactics to proactive, data-backed decision making.

Okechukwu Okagbue is a seasoned real estate professional and graduate of Estate Management from Abia State University. With hands-on experience from top firms like Alagbe & Partners, Okoro & Partners, and Seaview Properties, he played a key role in landmark projects, including the valuation of Ikoyi Club 1938. A serial entrepreneur, life coach, and management consultant, he is the MD/CEO of Abbellire Property Limited and Head of Community at Gosgem Ltd. Passionate about faith, family, and purpose, he lives in Lagos with his wife Uju Stephanie and their two sons, Ivan and Sean.

Kemi Oyegbesan is a Chartered Accountant, mentor, coach, counsellor, and author with over 26 years of professional experience. After a successful corporate career with firms like KPMG and Ecobank, she transitioned in 2020 to focus fully on people development, helping individuals lead with clarity and thrive with purpose. She is the founder of Thriving in the Storm, a mentoring platform that supports people through life’s challenges. Through coaching, counselling, speaking, and authorship, Kemi empowers others with tools for transformation, emotional wellness, and growth. Her work is grounded in faith, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to personal development.

Nnana is a management consultant and certified Business Development Service Provider with extensive experience supporting SMEs and development organizations across Africa. He specializes in strategy, investment banking, MSME development, agriculture, and financial advisory, with a focus on empowering underserved communities and early-stage businesses. He mentors through the IFC She Wins Africa Program, volunteers with the UN, and holds a degree in Banking and Finance from Lagos State University and an MBA from the University of the People, USA. He is currently pursuing PMP certification.