tiba conference
Conference speakers
TAIWO 'DAYO-ABATAN
Taiwo Dayo-Abatan is a distinguished HR Specialist with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as Regional Head of HR – Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global. She excels in HR leadership, including her role as Group Head of Human Capital and Corporate Services at Primera Africa Finance Group. With a strong academic background and multiple certifications, she’s highly regarded in HR circles. Taiwo actively contributes to her field, serving on advisory boards, faculty positions, and hosting HR-focused events. Her impact is globally recognized, earning her several prestigious awards and accolades among which are 2014: CIPM HR Best Practice Awards – Runner-up 2017: CIPM HR Best Practice Awards – Winner (Health Sector) 2019: Top 50 Nigerian Influencers on LinkedIn – SalesRuby 2019: Revenue Leadership Award – Premium Content Creator – SalesRuby 2020: Africa LinkedIn Influencer Award – HR/Recruiter Category – Tech Times Africa 2020: Top 250 HR Influencers in the World – Social Micole 2021: African Women Industrialization Award 2021: 30 Leading Women in HR – WordenHCD 2021: Top 100 Career Women in Nigeria – 9-5Chick 2021: 100 Power Women in Nigeria – Power Women Network 2022: 122 Top CHRO in the World – PeopleHum 2023: 100 Power Women in Nigeria – Power Women Network Taiwo’s influence reverberates beyond awards, as she seamlessly combines roles as an author, trainer, mentor, and visionary. Her authored work, “Climbing the Career Ladder for Success,” stands as a beacon of guidance for young female professionals navigating the corporate realm. A quintessential leader, Taiwo believes in the ethos of teamwork, fostering camaraderie that amplifies her accomplishments. In her multifaceted journey, Taiwo remains anchored by her role as a dedicated spouse and a nurturing parent, embodying the same passion that fuels her professional odyssey.
BAYO ADEYINKA
Adebayo Adeyinka has a Master of Science degree in International Banking and Finance from the University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom. For his undergraduate programme, he has a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ladoke AKINTOLA University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He also has an MBA from the same institution. While he was an undergraduate, he was the President of the Students Union Government. After his National Youth Service, he started a career in banking which has now spanned over twenty-three years. He has worked with the following banks: National Bank of Nigeria Limited, Devcom Bank Limited, Assurance Bank Limited, Standard Trust Bank Limited now United Bank of Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Enterprise Bank now Heritage Bank, and Fidelity Bank. While in Standard Chartered Bank, he started the Ibadan Branch and was its first Branch Manager before he was redeployed to Lagos where he also managed two Branches: Apapa and Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island. At the erstwhile Enterprise Bank, he was the Regional Head of Victoria Island Region and with the acquisition of Enterprise Bank by Heritage Bank, he was redeployed to Ibadan as the Regional Head for South West 1 comprising of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Kwara States. Between 2015 and 2020, he was the Regional Bank Head for South West 1 Region at Fidelity Bank where he supervised the branches in Oyo, Ogun, and Ondo States. He is currently the Executive Technical Assistant to the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC and a General Manager. He is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Professional Financial Managers in Nigeria. He is versatile in commercial and retail banking with cogent experience in wealth management and working with SMEs, credit analysis, project structuring, turnaround management, product development, export and retail finance. He has very strong business communication, leadership, and people skills. He is involved in mentoring and training and he is also a published author with 3 books to his credit- with his third book “30 Career Lessons I Learnt Along the Way” released in December 2018. His numerous interventions and articles are well-known in the social media space and published in newspapers.
OLUWAKEMI SHONUBI
Kemi Shonubi is a Licensed Human Resources (HR) executive with multi-sectoral experience and deep expertise in People Management, Organizational Development, and Strategic planning. She is currently the Director of People Culture Experience and Operations at TVC Communications, where she works to create an environment that positions employees to reach their fullest potential. Gifted with interpersonal dexterity and a mastery of creating an exceedingly Great place to work, Strategic HR Professional and consultant with over two decades of combined experience across different industries. Kemi is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (MCIPM), the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) USA, as well as the Nigerian Institute of Training & Development (NITAD). She also is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria, and a Certified Management Consultant. An Alumna of the prestigious Cornell University, New York with an advanced Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic HR Management; and holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science degrees in Human Resource Management and Accounting respectively from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is a Board Advisor (People & Strategy Matters) for Precious Conceptions Nigeria Limited and Tech4Her Africa. Kemi is an avid reader and loves to write articles/stories about the workplace and life experiences which gave birth to the name and HR Storyteller Platform, oriented towards transforming the HR practice and workplace cultures with the art and power of Storytelling
CHUKUWA (GEMDECONQ) EZEH
Chukwuma is an innovative and charismatic entrepreneur with a strong business track record. He began his career as an apprentice in Nigeria’s Igbo apprenticeship system, working with a building materials trader in Onitsha for five years. After gaining independence, he ventured into small, innovative businesses in his local environment. Today, he’s the founder of Gemdeconq Integrated Services, a welding company, and Gemdeconq Barrows, a barrow rental company. He’s also the CEO of Happivibe Services, a unique communication service that offers uplifting and clarifying voice calls and social media interactions. Chukwuma’s core business ideology centers around empowering both his employees and the communities he serves. Happivibe Services is a prime example, having started from scratch and now employing over 50 people while indirectly benefiting hundreds more. He prioritizes impact over profits. A passionate learner, Chukwuma strongly believes in the transformative power of education. He leads the #Orange Tribe, a community of over 100,000 youths in Nigeria and Africa. Additionally, he volunteers and is part of the communications team at Chess in Slums Africa, an NGO using chess to improve the lives of vulnerable children in slum communities across Africa.
STELLA ADEBAYO
Stella Adebayo is Africa’s leading transformational Business Coach, Public Speaker, and author. She is the Founder/ Chief Vision Officer at BIZGRANT GLOBAL LIMITED. She helps Ambitious, growth-driven Entrepreneurs like you to legally register their businesses, Secure, Structure, and Get Funding and Resources to Grow and Scale Their Small Businesses Via her free and paid classes and courses. In the last 4 years of existence, cumulatively her clients have been able to access over $450k in grants & business growth opportunities. She has also trained over 20,000 internet-enabled young, ambitious entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Ghana on how to access business grant opportunities, grew their revenue by over 80%, and created more jobs. Stella’s motivation stems from her passion for wealth creation, economic growth, and development.
VIVIAN DURU
Vivian Duru is a versatile professional, wearing multiple hats as a Founder, Creative Director, Author, and Motivational Speaker. Armed with a degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, she’s a powerhouse who seamlessly blends her academic background with entrepreneurial vigor. As the driving force behind Vedil Clothing, a renowned fashion brand, Vivian embodies innovation and expertise in the industry. Her brand stands out through its diverse offerings, ranging from bulk production and training to bespoke tailoring, serving a broad clientele. Beyond her impact in the fashion world, Vivian is a prolific author with a collection of unpublished books and e-books that delve into insightful perspectives on various subjects. With a profound sense of purpose, she aims to inspire and empower her audience, equipping them with the resilience and positivity needed to navigate life’s challenges gracefully. Vivian Duru is a true embodiment of intellect, creativity, and purpose, committed to making a lasting impact on her industry and the lives she touches.
DAMILOLA FELICIA BADMUS
Damilola Felicia Badmus is a Personal Branding Consultant, who specializes in guiding professionals to build a powerful online presence on LinkedIn, attract their target audience, and establish them as a thought leader in their industry. Leveraging strategic branding techniques, content creation strategies, and networking insights, she helps professionals unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results. In addition to her role as a Personal Branding Consultant, she is an accomplished Author, having written the book “How LinkedIn Works: Attract Your Target Audience and Build Authority.” This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies, insider tips, and actionable advice to navigate the intricacies of LinkedIn and amplify personal brands. As a Brand Influencer, she has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands such as Transfergo, Tribearc, Getfit ng, Enoverlab, Fair Money, Trove, and many others. Through her influence, she has helped these brands increase their visibility, reach their target audiences, and achieve their marketing objectives. On top of her consulting and authorship roles, she is a podcaster and the host of “The DFY Show,” a podcast that focuses on providing valuable resources to entrepreneurs, professionals and business owners who are looking for ways to grow their businesses. Additionally, she organized the highly anticipated “organized Offline Hangout,” a series of networking events where professionals from LinkedIn gather in person to connect, collaborate, and expand their networks.
FREDRICK NNAMDI IBEMGBO
Fredrick Nnamdi Ibemgbo is a multi-award-winning, Smartphone Business Consultant who trains smartphone users on digital employable and profitable skills. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Movil Digital Services (MODIGI), which offers training, coaching, and business services in smartphone productivity and profitability. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science as well as certifications from Google, IBM Institute, Germany, and the University of Virginia in Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, Digital Transformation, and Personal Branding. Fredrick built MODIGI after 4 years of running several businesses on his smartphone and making his first 6 Figures income in e-commerce in 2017. He has since trained over 5000 people in Smartphone creative and digital skills and has helped several of them grow and establish mobile businesses, serving the needs of people in the digital economy. As a Tech YouTuber, he runs a thriving YouTube channel with over 350,000+ views and 200+ video content providing education and training in AI Tools and smartphone possible Tech skills. Fredrick believes that the amount of time spent on mobile devices can be turned into digital activities that catalyze personal and business growth. He is happily married to his Co-founder, Bettina Nnamdi Ibemgbo, who serves as the Director of the children’s arm of the company, Smartphone Productivity Club, which offers adequate education to children and Teenagers on smartphone technology to inspire productive use of their smart devices.
PETER EBUKA AGBO
Peter Ebuka Agbo is a versatile professional, excelling in brand influencing, marketing strategy, and recruitment consultancy. With a diverse skill set, he orchestrates impactful transformations in both brands and individuals’ lives. His expertise spans influential marketing, coaching, recruitment, social media marketing, lead generation, and more, consistently helping clients secure global opportunities. As the founder of HireRite Services, Peter plays a pivotal role in connecting talent with employers, serving as a bridge for mutual growth. Currently, he holds the position of Marketing Communications Manager at Wrightway Education Inc, a Canadian educational management company committed to offering global opportunities. Peter’s influence is well-recognized as a Brand Influencer, collaborating with esteemed companies such as Utiva and achieving remarkable results. One notable achievement is his ability to boost the African Energy Council’s online presence, increasing its followers from under 600 to over 2,000 in just two months. His passion for supporting Black start-ups has driven him to make a significant impact in this field. Peter’s accomplishments have garnered global attention, earning him recognition as one of the Top 50 African Influencers on LinkedIn and the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
ARAMIDE KAYODE
Aramide Kayode, a First-class Economics graduate of Covenant University, holds a master’s degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her passion for teaching and empowering children in low-income communities led her to establish Talent Mine School, offering 12 years of free, high-quality education to underserved children. The vision of Talent Mine School is clear: to equip children in low-income areas with the skills and mindset needed to address pressing community issues. By providing tools and resources, Aramide places these children at the forefront of social change, enabling them to create the transformations they aspire to see. Through her work, she has impacted 252 children, aged 8 to 14, who have gone on to address various community challenges, from educational inequity to climate change and road safety. Their projects have reached over 5,000 residents, showcasing the incredible potential of quality education. Aramide’s dedication to education has earned her recognition on global platforms like Global Citizen, Harvard Magazine, Malala Fund, TedX, CGTN Europe, Leading Ladies Africa, and Global Partnerships for Education, where she is celebrated as one of the top ten youths globally transforming education. Additionally, she is a prolific author, having penned five life-transforming books, including her recent collaboration with Malala and 24 remarkable women worldwide, titled “Dare to Learn.” Her vision for quality education for all is a testament to the remarkable achievements children can attain when provided with the right resources and opportunities.
MOBOLAJI CAXTON-MARTINS
Mobolaji Caxton-Martins is a seasoned professional in brand and innovation management, holding degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Amsterdam. Over the past decade, he has honed his expertise across the integrated marketing communications value chain, advocating for a sustainable marketing model driven by technology, industry collaboration, and strategic partnerships rooted in consumer insights. Mobolaji’s influence extends beyond his roles. He’s a frequent speaker at industry-specific events and shares his knowledge in brand storytelling, management, and innovation at Orange Academy, Africa’s pioneer school for integrated brand experience. He also played a pivotal role as the inaugural guest facilitator for the Simon Page College of Marketing Masterclass Series, associated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK in Nigeria. His impressive career portfolio includes collaborations with notable brands such as Etisalat (now 9mobile), Unilever Buoy, Samsung Mobile, Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank), MoneyGram International, Wema Bank, Keystone Bank, Haier Thermocool, Airtel, FBN Quest, Templars, FMDQ, Casava, and more. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mobolaji remains dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation in Africa, with a strong focus on harnessing the potential of the millennial generation and the occupational revolution. In his leisure time, he enjoys the rhythms of Afrobeat music, competitive table tennis matches, and exploring the world of wine tasting
TUNDE ONAKOYA
Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian Chess Master and coach, founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018 with a profound belief in chess as an educational tool for underprivileged youth. His non-profit organization aims to bridge the gap by providing free education, resources, and mentorship to disadvantaged children, fostering a brighter future for African youth. Chess in Slums Africa’s impact is undeniable, with over 10,000 children’s lives transformed and 500+ fully-funded scholarships to local and international institutions secured. International media outlets like BBC, Al-Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, AFP, and MSN have spotlighted their success stories. Tunde Onakoya’s dedication extends beyond chess; he’s an influential speaker, with three TEDx talks under his belt. His remarkable efforts have earned him prestigious awards, including The Future Awards Africa Prize for Community Action, the Business Insider Award for Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria Award, among others.
ESTHER IJEWERE
Esther Ijewere is a creative and strategic thinker who skillfully transforms program achievements into engaging narratives, using a blend of photographs, videos, and infographics to convey these stories to diverse audiences. As an experienced Public Relations and Media Strategist, she is passionate about assisting startups, MSMEs, and career professionals in enhancing their impact and influence through the art of compelling storytelling. With years of industry experience, she has honed her abilities in devising effective media campaigns, establishing brand reputation, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. In 2015, she launched the Women of Rubies platform, initially as a weekend newspaper column before expanding it to include a blog and a robust social media presence. To date, the platform has engaged with 12 million individuals across various social media platforms and has featured, celebrated, and profiled over 1000 women worldwide from diverse sectors. Some of her core areas of expertise include: – Strategic Communication – Media Relations – Content Creation – Brand Storytelling and Positioning – Community and Stakeholder Engagement As a Social Impact Storyteller, she recognizes the significance of crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and inspire action. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practices. Whether through traditional media channels or emerging digital platforms, her goal is to assist clients in narrating their stories in a manner that fosters trust and engagement. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a diverse range of clients spanning various sectors, from tech startups to non-profit organizations. She takes pride in delivering substantial outcomes for her clients, with a remarkable 200% increase in brand awareness. From crafting compelling press releases to securing high-profile media placements, her track record in the industry is testament to her success.
TOBI AKERELE
Tobi Akerele is a young and goal oriented entrepreneur, with over 10years of on-field experience. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited. He is a result-driven individual with a successful track record in acquiring, managing, and monetizing real estate assets to maximize Return on Investment. He is skilled in strategic planning, financial analysis and execution, and has a demonstrated ability to identify and capitalise on market opportunities while managing risk. He is experienced in working with investment partners and other stakeholders to align interests and achieve common goals. Aside Real Estate, Tobi Akerele is a Maritime professional, and has a diploma in Shipping & Export Management from the Nigeria Institute of Shippers, and in Nautical Science from Lagos Aviation & Maritime Business Academy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Transport & Logistics Management from Esep-Le Berger University, Benin republic. Having just been honoured at the 13th African Achievers Awards and International Summit, to be held at the Westminster Palace, UK's Parliamentary Houses, United Kingdom, following his induction into the 2023 Forbes Business Council, where he is the youngest Inductee, he held several other certification and recognition such as: -Real Estate Industry Trends and Business Insights- Real Estate Dynamic, Skills and Strategies from Metropolitan School of Business & Management (UK). -Advanced professional certificate in Real Estate Dynamics from Metropolitan School of Business & Management (UK). -Golden Role Model Award by Nigerian Youths Advocacy for Good Governance and Initiative. -Award for Ethical Leadership Compliance Certificate by Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation. -ANOG Awards for Enterprising Youth of the Year, 2020. -National Outstanding Leadership Award by Southern Youth Assembly of Nigeria. -Member, ECOWAS Youth Council. -Award of Honorary Doctor of Project Management & Outstanding Excellence Award & Inspirational Leadership Honour in West Africa. As a seasoned real estate developer, having developed the first aqua city in Nigeria, Eko Beach City, and numbers of other successful real estate projects, notably Epe Gardens. He has been an active player of Nigeria's real estate sector and have worked with over 100 real estate developers, as a consultant or a partner. His commitment to the sector, and contribution to the society has singled him out as an individual to behold. He wants to improve Africa's Real Estate Industry through innovative solutions, environmentally friendly building methods, development initiatives, and by reducing the housing shortage in the continent by 2%.
BODAM TAIWO
Combine a Marketing, Branding, and Communications Expert, a Feminine Leadership Coach, and an Author, and you have the Extraordinary Visionary that is Lady Bodam Taiwo. During her impressive career spanning 15+ years, she has been instrumental in starting new businesses across Africa and building Luxury and Premium Brands across Western Africa. She has also managed the operations and performance of sales teams in the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry. She currently serves as the Head of Portfolio, Bond & Connect, Western Africa at Pernod Ricard where she plays a major role in creating and driving the execution of the long-term strategy for sustainable and profitable top and bottom-line growth of her portfolio of iconic brands with a focus on 6 Key Markets including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, and Cote d’Ivoire. Bodam is on a mission to empower, motivate, and catalyze women to lead gracefully and live more refined, intentional, and authentic lives by reaching for their dreams, turning their ideas into tangible action, and evolving into higher versions of themselves. She helps women get unstuck by inspiring and equipping them to dream bigger and become more elegant, sophisticated, and cultured so they can create the life they desire. A former Beauty Queen, Miss Malaika UK 2005, Bodam is the Visionary behind The Refined Lady Movement which is designed to equip ladies, particularly ladies of African Descent, with the tools to grow impact, influence, and authority and distinguish themselves as Leaders by discovering and leaning into their innate femininity. Through The Refined Lady School, she offers Signature Courses and Masterclasses covering various aspects of Etiquette, Protocol, Grooming, Diplomacy, Communication, and Hospitality. She also trains organizations on Leadership, Corporate Ethics, and Business Etiquette. She is also the host of The Refined Lady’s Summit – an annual conference on various aspects of feminine leadership, elegance and gravitas, communication, and executive presence. Lady Bodam runs The Marketing Masterclass and The Advisory Clinic which provides SMEs with marketing strategies to build sustainable businesses. She has also trained several SMEs on the ‘Marketing and Branding for SMEs Module at the BAYI Foundation, with many of the businesses taking the strategies she shared to further expand their operations across Africa. In service of the 8th Sustainable Development Goal which is building a sustainable African economy, she is committed to helping at least 100 SMEs grow sustainably over the next 2 years. Bodam is the Author of Be-You-Ti-Ful, a book she wrote to help women discover who they were created to be. She periodically writes on several online platforms and has been featured in global publications including Authority and Thrive magazines. She is a prolific Speaker and is invited to speak on a number of platforms throughout the year across a wide variety of topics. She also coordinates two Prayer Ministries for women. In 2023, in honor of International Women’s Day, Bodam was recognized, alongside other iconic women, as one of The 50 Most Impactful Voices in Africa by ABCD Africa and one of 10 Women Showing Up: Resilient Creator Edition by ShowUp HQ. In 2022, Bodam was recognized as one of the Top 100 Career Women in Nigeria by 9-to-5 Chick. She was also awarded the Distinct Positive Values Award of the Year by The Iconic Brand Awards (TIBA) for her positive impact on society. In 2021, Bodam was named one of The Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in Africa by Leading Ladies Africa. She was also honoured as one of twelve extraordinary Visionary Women of African Descent in the 2021 Future-Forward Female Folio. Bodam holds a B.Eng. in Electronics Engineering from the University of Reading and an M.Sc. in Mobile and Satellite Communications from the University of Surrey. She currently serves as a Volunteer Mentor in both institutions. She has a certification in Luxury Spirits Marketing from a collaboration programme run by INSEAD Business School for Diageo Brands Ltd. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom. Social Media Tags Instagram: @bodamtaiwo @therefinedlady LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bodamtaiwo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BodamTaiwo