2019 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG NIGERIANS

Profiles of all 100 nominees are available via: www.avancemedia.org/2019miyn

  1. Burna Boy (Musician)
  2. Teni (Musician)
  3. John Obidi (CEO, Headstart Africa)
  4. Odunayo Eweniyi (Cofounder, PiggyVest)
  5. Asisat Oshoala (Footballer, FC Barcelona Femení)
  6. Wizkid (Musician)
  7. Broda Shaggi (Comedian)
  8. Falz (Musician)
  9. Mr Eazi (Musician)
  10. Davido (Musician)
  11. Alex Iwobi (Footballer, Everton FC)
  12. Rema (Musician)
  13. Kiki Mordi (Journalist)
  14. Victor AD (Musician)
  15. Sipasi Olalekan Ayodele (Founder, Protect Ozone)
  16. Adewale Aladejana (CEO, Sapphire Scents)
  17. Zlatan (Musician)
  18. Seun Fakorede (Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State)
  19. Yemi Alade (Musician)
  20. Ukinebo Dare (Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency)
  21. Ola Brown (Dr.) (Founder, Flying Doctors Nigeria)
  22. Edirin Edewor (Founder, Online Publishers and Entrepreneurs Network)
  23. Funke Adeoye (Cofounder, Hope Behind Bars Africa)
  24. Nike Folagbade (Lead Consultant, Nike Folagbade International)
  25. Sandra Ezekwesili (OAP, Nigeria Info FM)
  26. Onyeka Akumah (Founder, Farmcrowdy)
  27. Vivian Sonny – Nsirim (Founder, Young Moms Support Initiative)
  28. Olawale Ayilara (CEO, Landwey Investment Limited)
  29. Uzoma Nwagba (COO, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme)
  30. Isaac Success Omoyele (Founder, Dreams from the Slum)
  31. Stephanie Coker (OAP)
  32. Samson Itodo (Executive Director, YIAGA)
  33. Grace Ihejiamaizu (Founder, OpportunityDesk.org)
  34. Etop Ikpe (CEO, Cars45)
  35. Ibukun Onitiju (Head of Digital, Nestle Central and West Africa Region)
  36. Arit Okpo (TV Host, CNN Africa)
  37. DJ Cuppy (DJ)
  38. Uche Pedro (Blogger, Bella Naija)
  39. Oluwatobi Oyinlola (IoT Evangelist, Intel)
  40. Samuel Chukwueze (Footballer, Villarreal CF)
  41. Kelechi Iheanacho (Footballer, Leceister FC)
  42. Bella Disu (Vice Chairman, Globacom)
  43. Ayodeji Osowobi (Founder, Stand to End Rape)
  44. Temie Giwa-Tubosun (CEO, Lifebank)
  45. VJ Adams (OAP, Soundcity TV)
  46. Crazeclown (Comedian)
  47. Sydney Talker (Comedian)
  48. Shola Lawal (Journalist)
  49. Otto Orondaam (Founder, Slum2School Africa)
  50. Esther Agbarakwe (Communications and Public Mobilization, UN)
  51. Egbiri Egbiri (Principal Legal Counsel, African Development Bank Group)
  52. Sandra Uleyi Itu (CEO, Leyi Ush)
  53. Hamzat Lawal (CEO, Connected Development)
  54. Reginald Aziza (Attorney, Chevron Nigeria Limited)
  55. OluTimehin Adegbeye (Writer)
  56. Victor Osimhen (Footballer, Lille)
  57. Kelechukwu Nwachukwu Lucky (Founder, Youth Network Against Female Genital Mutilation)
  58. Obi Ozor (Founder, Kobo360)
  59. Seyi Tinubu (CEO, Loatsad Promomedia Ltd)
  60. Ogechukwu Alexis Obah (CEO, Bodylikemilk)
  61. Evans Akanno (CEO, Cregital)
  62. Peter Tega Oghenejobo (COO, Mavin Records)
  63. Eyitayo Ogunmola (CEO, Utiva)
  64. Helen Chukwu (CEO, Helen Couture)
  65. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin (Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly)
  66. Akinkunmi Akinwunmi (Managing Partner, Paragon Advisors)
  67. Tolani Alli (Photographer)
  68. Chinedu Azodoh (Co-founder, Max.ng)
  69. George Omoraro (CEO, The Rage Group)
  70. Oluwamayowa Tijani (Journalist)
  71. Bisayo Busari Akinnadeju (Founder, Project One Productions)
  72. Funny Toheeb (Comedian)
  73. Philip Obaji (Founder, 1 GAME: Football without Violence initiative)
  74. Oluwatobi Ajayi (CEO, Nord Automobiles)
  75. Abayomi Okubote (Senior Associate, Olaniwun Ajayi LP)
  76. Bright Jaja (Founder, iCreate Africa)
  77. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba (Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly)
  78. Olumide Idowu (Co-Founder, International Climate Change Development Initiative)
  79. Otosirieze Obi-Young (Writer)
  80. Efe Ajagba (Boxer)
  81. Anna Ekeledo (ED, Afrilabs)
  82. Adetola Onayemi (Assistant Chief Negotiator, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations)
  83. Abisola Akintunde (CEO, MakeupbyAshabee)
  84. Francisca Ordega (Footballer, Shanghai Shenhua)
  85. Gideon Olanrewaju (CEO, Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative)
  86. Ire Aderinokun (Cofounder, BuyCoins)
  87. Idia Aisien (OAP)
  88. Abubakar Falalu (CEO, Falgates)
  89. Richard Akuson (LGBTQ+ rights activist)
  90. Yagazie Eguare (Photographer)
  91. Zang Luka Bot (CEO, Zang Technology)
  92. Fred Oyetayo (CEO, Fresible)
  93. Didi Akinyelure (Journalist)
  94. Alli-Bob Cinwon (Founder, Evergreen Initiative)
  95. Olaseni Cole (Founder, Young Empowered Programmers)
  96. Joey Akan (Journalist)
  97. Hon Yusuf Adebisi (Rep, Ibadan South West 1 State Constituency)
  98. Isaac Success (Footballer, Watford FC)
  99. Desire Oparanozie (Footballer, Guingamp)
  100. Leke James (Footballer, Molde FK)

2019 CATEGORIES RANKING

BUSINESS

  1. Adewale Aladejana (CEO, Sapphire Scents)
  2. Olawale Ayilara (CEO, Landwey Investment Limited)
  3. Bella Disu (Vice Chairman, Globacom)
  4. Temie Giwa-Tubosun (CEO, Lifebank)
  5. Sandra Uleyi Itu (CEO, Leyi Ush)
  6. Seyi Tinubu (CEO, Loatsad Promomedia Ltd)
  7. Ogechukwu Alexis Obah (CEO, Bodylikemilk)
  8. George Omoraro (CEO, The Rage Group)
  9. Oluwatobi Ajayi (CEO, Nord Automobiles)
  10. Abubakar Falalu (CEO, Falgates)

ENTERTAINMENT

  1. Burna Boy (Musician)
  2. Teni (Musician)
  3. Wizkid (Musician)
  4. Falz (Musician)
  5. Mr Eazi (Musician)
  6. Davido (Musician)
  7. Rema (Musician)
  8. Victor AD (Musician)
  9. Zlatan (Musician)
  10. Yemi Alade (Musician)

SOCIAL ENTREPRISE & PHILANTHROPY

  1. Sipasi Olalekan Ayodele (Founder, Protect Ozone)
  2. Ola Brown (Dr.) (Founder, Flying Doctors Nigeria)
  3. Onyeka Akumah (Founder, Farmcrowdy)
  4. Vivian Sonny – Nsirim (Founder, Young Moms Support Initiative)
  5. Isaac Success Omoyele (Founder, Dreams from the Slum)
  6. Ayodeji Osowobi (Founder, Stand to End Rape)
  7. Kelechukwu Nwachukwu Lucky (Founder, Youth Network Against Female Genital Mutilation)
  8. Bisayo Busari Akinnadeju (Founder, Project One Productions)
  9. Olumide Idowu (Co-Founder, International Climate Change Development Initiative)
  10. Alli-Bob Cinwon (Founder, Evergreen Initiative)

SPORTS

  1. Asisat Oshoala (Footballer, FC Barcelona Femení)
  2. Alex Iwobi (Footballer, Everton FC)
  3. Samuel Chukwueze (Footballer, Villarreal CF)
  4. Kelechi Iheanacho (Footballer, Leceister FC)
  5. Victor Osimhen (Footballer, Lille)
  6. Efe Ajagba (Boxer)
  7. Francisca Ordega (Footballer, Shanghai Shenhua)
  8. Isaac Success (Footballer, Watford FC)
  9. Desire Oparanozie (Footballer, Guingamp)
  10. Leke James (Footballer, Molde FK)

LAW & GOVERNANCE

  1. Seun Fakorede (Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State)
  2. Ukinebo Dare (Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency)
  3. Uzoma Nwagba (COO, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme)
  4. Egbiri Egbiri (Principal Legal Counsel, African Development Bank Group)
  5. Reginald Aziza (Attorney, Chevron Nigeria Limited)
  6. Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin (Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly)
  7. Akinkunmi Akinwunmi (Managing Partner, Paragon Advisors)
  8. Abayomi Okubote (Senior Associate, Olaniwun Ajayi LP)
  9. Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba (Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly)
  10. Hon Yusuf Adebisi (Rep, Ibadan South West 1 State Constituency)

MEDIA

  1. Kiki Mordi (Journalist)
  2. Sandra Ezekwesili (OAP, Nigeria Info FM)
  3. Stephanie Coker (OAP)
  4. Arit Okpo (TV Host, CNN Africa)
  5. VJ Adams (OAP, Soundcity TV)
  6. Shola Lawal (Journalist)
  7. Oluwamayowa Tijani (Journalist)
  8. Idia Aisien (OAP)
  9. Didi Akinyelure (Journalist)
  10. Joey Akan (Journalist)

LIFESTYLE

  1. Broda Shaggi (Comedian)
  2. DJ Cuppy (DJ)
  3. Uche Pedro (Blogger, Bella Naija)
  4. Crazeclown (Comedian)
  5. Sydney Talker (Comedian)
  6. Helen Chukwu (CEO, Helen Couture)
  7. Tolani Alli (Photographer)
  8. Funny Toheeb (Comedian)
  9. Abisola Akintunde (CEO, MakeupbyAshabee)
  10. Yagazie Eguare (Photographer)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

  1. Odunayo Eweniyi (Cofounder, PiggyVest)
  2. Etop Ikpe (CEO, Cars45)
  3. Oluwatobi Oyinlola (IoT Evangelist, Intel)
  4. Obi Ozor (Founder, Kobo360)
  5. Evans Akanno (CEO, Cregital)
  6. Chinedu Azodoh (Co-founder, Max.ng)
  7. Anna Ekeledo (ED, Afrilabs)
  8. Ire Aderinokun (Cofounder, BuyCoins)
  9. Zang Luka Bot (CEO, Zang Technology)
  10. Fred Oyetayo (CEO, Fresible)

LEADERSHIP & CIVIL SOCIETY

  1. Funke Adeoye (Co-founder, Hope Behind Bars Africa)
  2. Samson Itodo (Executive Director, YIAGA)
  3. Ibukun Onitiju (Head of Digital, Nestle Central and West Africa Region)
  4. Esther Agbarakwe (Communications and Public Mobilization, UN)
  5. Hamzat Lawal (CEO, Connected Development)
  6. OluTimehin Adegbeye (Writer)
  7. Peter Tega Oghenejobo (COO, Mavin Records)
  8. Philip Obaji (Founder, 1 GAME: Football without Violence initiative)
  9. Adetola Onayemi (Assistant Chief Negotiator, Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations)
  10. Richard Akuson (LGBTQ+ rights activist)

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIA

  1. John Obidi (CEO, Headstart Africa)
  2. Edirin Edewor (Founder, Online Publishers and Entrepreneurs Network)
  3. Nike Folagbade (Lead Consultant, Nike Folagbade International)
  4. Grace Ihejiamaizu (Founder, OpportunityDesk.org)
  5. Otto Orondaam (Founder, Slum2School Africa)
  6. Eyitayo Ogunmola (CEO, Utiva)
  7. Bright Jaja (Founder, iCreate Africa)
  8. Otosirieze Obi-Young (Writer)
  9. Gideon Olanrewaju (CEO, Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative)
  10. Olaseni Cole (Founder, Young Empowered Programmers)

NOMINATE YOUR 2020 MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG NIGERIANS

100 Most Influential Young Nigerians

VISION.

Become the Leading and Most Credible program to Rank and Honour Young Nigerians.

CRITERIA.

A Nominee must be:

  1. A Nigerian.
  2. 15 or below 40 years.
  3. In 2 years of Active Service in a Category.
  4. Outstanding with Public Evidence of Impact
  5. Motivating to be able to inspire other young people with his/her work

MISSION.

  • Rank and Honour the Most Influential Young Nigerians Annually.
  • Uphold Public discretion of the Most Influential Young Nigerians.
  • Evangel the Inspiring Stories, Works and Impacts of Young Nigerians across the World.
  • Change the Negative Perceptions of the Potentials of Young People.
  • Fuel Patriotism among Young Nigerians.
  • Create Value for the Works of Young Nigerians Globally.

CATEGORIES.

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Law & Governance
  • Leadership & Civil Society
  • Lifestyle
  • Media
  • Personal Development & Academia
  • Social Entreprise & Philanthropy
  • Sports
  • Science & Technology

ABOUT US

The Most Influential Young Nigerians initiative is an annual awards and ranking scheme for young Nigerian Achievers between 15-40 years, spearheaded by Avance Media, a social enterprise in partnership with various Organisations.

The initiative is intended to disclose the true and genuine potentials of young people who are earnest to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria’s economy and whose works are at par with their impacts. It is also expected to serve as a source of encouragement to these young individuals whose commitment towards stimulating growth is undoubted.

CREDIBILITY
100%
PUBLIC CHOICE
100%
NIGERIAN
100%

categories

BUSINESS

This category is dedicated to Individuals who run successful enterprises in Nigeria, which are adding valuable social, economic and cultural remittances to lives and contributing towards shaping the image of the African continent

ENTERTAINMENT

This category is exclusive to a diverse group of individuals involved in entertainment relating to Music, Comdey & Film. They must be national icons that command a high level of influence not just popularity through the positive impact of their works.

SOCIAL ENTREPRISE & PHILANTHROPY

This category is meant for young individuals leading social entrepreneurship and philanthropy activities impacting lives across Nigeria and their respective regions. The public on the reach of their impacts must phenomenally endorse their works and achievements.

SPORTS

This category throws a spotlight on diverse sports personalities who in diverse ways are contributing to the development of various sporting activities. These can be athletes, coaches or individuals directly involved in the sporting industry

LAW & GOVERNANCE

This category compiles distinguished young Nigerians who display continental influence based on their roles in public office, politics, Law and governance. Their work should have yielded significant commendation from their benefactors.

MEDIA

This category is targeted at journalists and media personalities who have defied odds to propel stories of Nigeria across the Globe. Their work should carry a national focused vision on leading Nigerians to tell their own stories whether good or bad.

LIFESTYLE

This category is focused on young people who are leading the creative & lifestyle community in Nigeria. They are passionately setting the pace in Fashion & Arts which have become common among the populace.  These personalities must be leading initiatives and organisations, which are addressing problems in their communities and have potentials for global expansion, adoption and recognition.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

This category is focused on young Nigerians who are leading the innovation revolution across the country. Their products and services must be dedicated to solving either local or global problems from the Nigerian soil. They must be potential competitors in the global science, technology, and innovation space.

LEADERSHIP & CIVIL SOCIETY

This category involves highly recommended young individuals who are championing various activities in the country related to advocacy, religion, civil organizations etc. They need to possess the qualities of a leader and must have achieved significant feats in their works across the country and beyond.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIA

This category is exclusive to individuals who have excelled in various academic assignments and young Nigerians who have dedicated their career in training the next generation of African Leaders.

"Everything I have today is because of Africa, I was born here, went to school here, I work here and I'm achieving some level of financial comfort here"

TONY ELUMELU

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