2020 Judges
Kaodi Ugoji
Group Chief Operating Officer at FMDQ Group
Kaodi Ugoji is the Group Chief Operating Officer for FMDQ Group. With over 16 years of experience in financial markets, financial services, and fast-moving consumer goods, she brings a wealth of knowledge in strategy, corporate governance, investment management, and business development. Kaodi’s professional experience includes key roles in strategy, corporate affairs, treasury management, and operations, demonstrating her ability to quickly adapt to diverse and cross-cultural environments. Kaodi is well-known for her goal-oriented approach and organised leadership style, and she consistently outperforms expectations, demonstrating her value in any setting. Her articulate communication skills and professional demeanour have been critical in achieving success and fostering growth within large organisations. Kaodi’s dedication to excellence and dynamic skill set make her a standout in her field.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Founding Partner at Future Africa
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is the Founding Partner at Future Africa, a fund dedicated to transforming Africa’s future by providing capital, coaching, and community to visionary leaders. As CEO and General Partner, he has overseen investments in over 100 companies across various sectors, including fintech, edtech, healthtech, and agritech, collectively valued at over $6 billion. Notable investments include Moove, a platform for flexible car ownership in Nigeria, and Itana, a network of charter cities for African tech talent. Iyinoluwa’s academic background in Legal Studies and International Studies from the University of Waterloo has equipped him with the skills to address complex global issues. He co-founded two of Africa’s most impactful startups, Flutterwave and Andela, revolutionizing the payments and engineering sectors. Recognized by Forbes and the World Economic Forum, Iyinoluwa’s dedication to social justice and international development continues to drive his mission to create a prosperous and purposeful African future.
Ikeoluwa Idowu
Founder-Her Braces
Ikeoluwa Idowu is the Founder of Her Braces, a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering women in technology. As an innovative and technically proficient software developer, Ikeoluwa has a passion for emerging technologies and a proven track record of developing scalable web applications. Her commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry led her to establish Her Braces, which offers inspiring events, interactive workshops, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship programs designed to support and motivate women and girls in pursuing rewarding careers in technology. Ikeoluwa’s vision is to create an inclusive tech landscape where women can thrive and contribute significantly. Through Her Braces, she continues to advocate for gender diversity and the importance of female representation in the tech sector, fostering a community where women can learn, grow, and succeed.
Franklyn Chisom
Technology Lead at Start Innovation Hub
Franklyn Chisom is the Technology Lead at Start Innovation Hub, where he also serves as a Web Designer Consultant and Webmaster. With a deep understanding of the tech industry, Franklyn is passionate about the parallels between talent acquisition and sales. He believes that attracting and retaining exceptional talent requires the same dedication and strategic effort as finding and maintaining a loyal customer base. His approach emphasizes the importance of investing time and resources to build a strong, dynamic team that drives innovation and success. Franklyn’s expertise in technology and web design, coupled with his insights into effective talent management, makes him a valuable asset in fostering a productive and creative work environment. Through his leadership, Start Innovation Hub continues to thrive as a hub of innovation, attracting top-tier talent and delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Emmanuel Etaderhi
SVP, FMDQ and Executive Secretary at FC4S Lagos
Emmanuel Etaderhi is a Senior Vice President at FMDQ and the Executive Secretary at FC4S Lagos. Emmanuel is deeply committed to green and sustainable finance, striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining business profitability. His enthusiasm for addressing complex economic and social challenges motivates his efforts to promote environmental sustainability while maintaining economic growth. Emmanuel works tirelessly at FMDQ and FC4S Lagos to integrate sustainable finance practices into the larger financial ecosystem while advocating for responsible and impactful financial strategies. His experience navigating the complex balance between environmental stewardship and business success makes him an important player in advancing the green finance agenda. Emmanuel’s vision is to build a sustainable future in which economic development and environmental protection coexist peacefully, ensuring long-term prosperity and stability.
Chinua Azubike
Chief Executive Officer at InfraCredit
Chinua Azubike is the CEO of InfraCredit, a critical institution he helped establish in 2016 in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and GuarantCo (PIDG Company). Chinua, as the project lead for the proposed Nigerian Infrastructure Credit Enhancement Facility, has helped shape InfraCredit’s pioneering role in connecting Nigeria’s debt capital markets with infrastructure financing. Under his leadership, InfraCredit has successfully connected domestic institutional investors with long-term local currency infrastructure projects, promoting long-term economic growth and development. Chinua’s vision and expertise have played an important role in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure financing landscape, ensuring that strong financial mechanisms support the country’s infrastructure needs. His commitment to improving the country’s investment environment and promoting long-term infrastructure development qualifies him as a distinguished financial leader.
Aminu Murtala Nyako
Managing Director at Sebore Group
Aminu Murtala Nyako is the Managing Director at Sebore Group, where he leverages his extensive expertise as a skilled Business and Financial Analyst. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy focusing on International Development, Aminu is adept at improving business processes and translating complex data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making. Known for his meticulous and self-motivated approach, he takes full ownership of projects, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery. His broad business acumen and in-depth knowledge of international policy enable him to navigate and address complex challenges with innovative solutions. Aminu’s ability to swiftly learn and apply new concepts, strategies, and technologies makes him an invaluable asset to the Sebore Group, driving continuous improvement and growth. His commitment to excellence and strategic vision positions him as a leader dedicated to advancing business success and development.
Funmilayo Ayere (MCIPS)
Senior Lead, Sourcing at MTN Nigeria
Funmilayo Ayere (MCIPS) is MTN Nigeria’s Senior Lead for Sourcing, with extensive experience in procurement management. Funmilayo is well-known for her ability to reduce costs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in dynamic environments. She excels at strategic sourcing and negotiations. Her ability to manage multiple tasks consistently and maintain focus under pressure is enhanced by her ability to foster positive relationships and effective communication at all organisational levels. Funmilayo, a dedicated team player, consistently provides strategic procurement solutions that increase efficiency and value. Her knowledge and dedication to excellence make her an invaluable asset to MTN Nigeria, greatly contributing to the company’s success and operational excellence.
Gracefield Tsado
Leader and Founder of GleeField
Gracefield Tsado is the CEO and Founder of GleeField, a dynamic platform dedicated to mentorship, community building, and personal growth. Gracefield, an engineer, public speaker, and community builder, uses her diverse background to inspire and guide young people in discovering their purpose and identity. She offers mentorship opportunities through GleeField and fosters a supportive community that encourages collective growth and knowledge sharing. Her commitment to holistic personal development is reflected in GleeField’s high-quality content and programmes, which are designed to provide young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Gracefield’s passion for empowering the next generation and unwavering commitment to community engagement make her a transformative leader who has a positive impact on many people’s lives.
Aduke Fayemi
Business Analyst at Clearstream Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Aduke Fayemi is a seasoned Business Analyst and Business Development Officer at Clearstream Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, with more than 15 years of experience delivering data-driven solutions and optimising business processes. Aduke excels at regulatory compliance, risk management, and project management thanks to his strong combination of technical expertise and strategic thinking. Her exceptional communication skills and ability to form strong relationships with stakeholders have helped drive business growth and project success. Aduke is an expert in data analysis and visualisation tools such as Excel and Power BI, and he consistently produces excellent results. Her unwavering dedication to excellence and adaptability make her an invaluable asset to any organisation, as she is constantly striving for improvement and innovation. Aduke’s commitment to achieving business goals and her dynamic problem-solving style propel organisations to new heights.