1. Barr. Olumide Kayode-Omosebi

Barrister Olumide Kayode-Omosebi has shown remarkable consistency in human rights advocacy through his foundation, GNOSIS Help Initiative, with a special focus on domestic violence and gender rights.

He has dedicated himself selflessly to ensuring justice for survivors of abuse, often taking up cases pro bono in courts. He has also equipped thousands of students across secondary schools in Lagos with the tools to recognize and report abuse.

Beyond facilitating the prosecution of abusers and sexual offenders (rape and child sexual abuse His weekly radio programme on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM, “Relationship 360” has transformed mindsets and raised public awareness on gender-based violence, inspiring countless people, including victims, to speak up and seek help. Many married women who suffered domestic violence have been rescued and supported through his relentless interventions.

Barr. Omosebi’s tireless service, at times at the expense of his own family life, has brought hope, justice, and healing to many. Omosebi’s mission is to give a voice to the silenced and empower communities to break the cycle of abuse.

2. Opeoluwa Taiwo

Mr. Opeoluwa Taiwo is the Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Bridge Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation established in 2017 to serve as a bridge of hope and transformation for young leaders in Nigeria. His work focuses on fighting drug and substance abuse while promoting youth leadership and empowerment.

Through the foundation, he has directly impacted over 66,000 youths and students across Lagos, Abuja, and Kano with initiatives on leadership development, mentorship, ICT skills, and drug abuse prevention. His advocacy has also influenced government policy directions, particularly in curriculum development and youth engagement programmes.

In February 2025, Mr. Taiwo secured a strategic partnership with Bournemouth University (U.K.) to provide advanced knowledge and training opportunities for young Nigerians, expanding the scope of international collaboration for youth development.

His consistent commitment to moving from policy conversations to real-life impact has positioned him as a beacon of hope for thousands of young Nigerians.

3. (Mrs.) Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida

For over the years, Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida has led the Outpour of Fragrances Initiative (OFI), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, teenagers, young adults, and women.

Through OFI, she has spearheaded seven core projects, including paying JAMB examination fees for vulnerable students, supporting women, single mothers and widows to start or scale businesses. Providing food, clothing, and other essentials to orphanages. distributing bags, books, and learning materials to schoolchildren. donating textbooks, setting up libraries, and building reading clubs to strengthen literacy culture, distributing sanitary pads and promoting menstrual health advocacy for girls.

Dr. Lola also further demonstrated her commitment to leadership and service with her volunteer work as a coach and mentor with organisations such as WIMBIZ, Flourish Africa, and WILAN empowering women in entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.

Celebrated for her integrity, honesty, and selfless service, Dr. Lola has earned multiple recognitions for her unwavering impact on vulnerable communities.

4. (Mrs.) Adeola Akinwunmi-Ekine

Dr. Adeola Akinwunmi-Ekine has distinguished herself as a transformational leader during her six-year tenure as Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter (2019–2025). She championed initiatives that advanced the welfare of women journalists, promoted gender equality, and amplified the voices of women and girls.

Her achievements include coordinating palliative distribution to over 200 female journalists (including widows) during the COVID-19 crisis, leading anti-stigmatization campaigns, and promoting inclusive media coverage. She spearheaded training programs on digital media literacy, investigative journalism, ethics, and mentorship, while also organizing free medical screenings and awareness campaigns on health issues such as cholera prevention and mental health.

Under her leadership, NAWOJ Lagos partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Wikimedia Nigeria, Alive & Thrive, and several international bodies to advance safety, professional development, and gender equity. She also pioneered the first NAWOJ Lagos Daycare Centre, supporting working mothers, and facilitated sustained engagement with vulnerable children through outreach to orphanages.

Recognized with multiple awards, including an Honorary Doctorate from the Institute of Private and Public Sector Professionals (UK), Dr. Akinwunmi-Ekine has remained a tireless advocate for gender equity, media visibility for women, and protection of women journalists across Nigeria.

5. Offiong Charles Ikpeme

For more than a decade, Offiong Charles Ikpeme has demonstrated unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, education, and community development across Cross River State and beyond. Through free skills acquisition programs, he has trained over 1,000 young people, equipping them with tools to become self-reliant. He also facilitated cooperative initiatives to give farmers access to capital, strengthening local agriculture and livelihoods.

His dedication to education is evident in his sponsorship of over 200 children’s school fees in Eniong Abatim Ward, Odukpani LGA, as well as his continued support for children in rural communities.

In recognition of his service, he was honored as the “Pillar of Odukpani Youths” by the National Youth Council. His influence extends beyond Cross River, with his Young Entrepreneurs Awards Ceremony celebrating innovation and excellence among entrepreneurs across all 36 states of Nigeria. Offiong’s impact is rooted in service, compassion, and a drive to build a brighter future for youths and communities.

6. Farmer Samson Ogbole

Samson Ogbole, popularly known as Farmer Samson, is redefining agriculture through innovation, technology, and climate-smart practices. As the Team Lead at Soilless Farm Lab, he is pioneering food production without soil, using aeroponics, AI-driven irrigation systems, and modern farm automation.

To him, agriculture goes beyond food; it is the foundation for sustainable development, poverty reduction, job creation, and national growth. His philosophy is that “food production should not be seasonal because hunger is not seasonal” has guided his mission to modernize farming.

Through Soilless Farm Lab, he has directly impacted over 10,000 young people, equipping them with tools and knowledge to thrive in agribusiness. His partnerships with Mastercard Foundation, KPMG, and Deloitte reflect his commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence.

Farmer Samson continues to inspire a new generation of farmers to embrace technology and see agriculture as a pathway to prosperity and sustainability. He is also providing free training for young people aged 18 to 29, 1000 youths every quarter with free accommodation and monthly stipend.

7. Dinatu Dama Maji

Dinatu Dama Maji is the Founder and Executive Director of the Kasham Girls, Women, Youth and Community Development Initiative (KGWYCD), a Kano-based NGO established in 2016. With over 16 years of leadership experience and 14 years in development work, she has built a reputation for integrity, transparency, and transformative community engagement.

Under her leadership, KGWYCD has partnered with international organizations such as Save the Children, Action Against Hunger, Witness Africa, Equal Access International, and IOM-UN Migration to address issues affecting girls, women, youth, and vulnerable communities. The NGO implements grassroots projects that tackle health, education, and socio-economic challenges, empowering individuals to build sustainable futures.

Dinatu has been recognized with multiple honors, including the USAID Young African Leaders Initiative Award for Civic Leadership/Engagement and the Noble Mission Award for Excellence in Gender Equality. As a mentor and facilitator, she has guided countless young people and women in grassroots advocacy, gender inclusion, and leadership. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, empowerment, and community-driven development.