Young entrepreneurs are shattering stereotypes and establishing incredible standards across a range of industries. With their creative thinking and unwavering determination, these people are not only reinventing the meaning of economic success but also serving as role models for a new generation of Nigerians.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji: The brain behind Flutterwave Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, born in 1991, is a name synonymous with innovation in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. As the co-founder of Andela and later Flutterwave, Aboyeji has significantly contributed to Africa’s digital economy. Flutterwave, a payments technology company, has facilitated transactions worth billions and empowered businesses to scale across borders. Aboyeji’s journey reflects a blend of vision and execution, positioning him as a key figure in Africa’s tech narrative.
Read also: National Institute rallies partners to train 1,500 youth entrepreneurs
Jason Njoku: Pioneering Nollywood’s Digital Revolution Jason Njoku, the mastermind behind iROKOtv, has transformed the way Nigerian movies are consumed globally. Founded in 2011, iROKOtv became the “Netflix of Africa,” streaming Nollywood films to a global audience. Njoku’s entrepreneurial journey, which includes founding Spark, an investment company supporting African startups, highlights the potential of the continent’s entertainment sector.
Mark Essien: Revolutionizing travel with Hotels.ng Mark Essien, the founder of Hotels.ng, has revolutionized the Nigerian travel industry. Launched as the first online hotel booking platform in Nigeria, Hotels.ng offers a seamless experience for travelers and has become a go-to resource for exploring the country. Essien’s vision extends beyond just business; he actively invests in Nigerian startups, fostering a culture of innovation.
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Ola Orekunrin: A pioneer in healthcare Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor and founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first air ambulance service. Her work addresses the critical need for emergency healthcare services in remote areas, showcasing how innovation can meet essential public health needs. Her journey is a testament to the impact of combining medical expertise with entrepreneurial spirit.
Uzoma Dozie: Championing financial inclusion with Sparkle Uzoma Dozie, former CEO of Diamond Bank, has transitioned into fintech with Sparkle, a digital bank aimed at providing financial services to underserved populations. His work emphasizes financial inclusion and the use of technology to improve banking access for everyday Nigerians.
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola: Promoting sustainability with Wecyclers Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola founded Wecyclers, a recycling company that incentivizes low-income communities to manage waste responsibly. By combining environmental sustainability with economic incentives, Wecyclers addresses waste management issues and provides income opportunities for underserved communities.
Read also: HortiNigeria empowers 62,000 farmers, entrepreneurs to boost food security
Temie Giwa-Tubosun: Innovating healthcare logistics with LifeBank Temie Giwa-Tubosun founded LifeBank, a healthcare technology and logistics company that delivers essential medical supplies to hospitals, including blood and oxygen. Her innovative approach to healthcare logistics has saved countless lives and highlights the critical role of technology in improving healthcare access.
