Somachi Chris-Asoluka is a dynamic leader at the forefront of empowering young African entrepreneurs. With a rich background in research and strategic partnerships, she has been instrumental in shaping the vision and impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Having joined TEF in 2014, Somachi has held various key positions within the organisation, including Head of Research, Head of Policy and External Relations, and most recently, Director of Partnerships and Communications.
In her new role as CEO at TEF, she brings a wealth of expertise and a robust network to drive strategic initiatives aimed at transforming Africa through entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, TEF has established impactful collaborations with prestigious organisations such as the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and Google, among others. Through these partnerships, the Foundation continues to identify, train, mentor, and fund young entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, catalyzing innovation and sustainable growth across the continent.
Before her tenure at TEF, Somachi served as a researcher at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, where she co-authored research articles focusing on the internationalization processes of top African Institutions. In addition to her professional achievements, Somachi has demonstrated dedication to nurturing talent and facilitating connections within Nigeria’s private sector. She coordinated and managed the annual Lagos Business School Career Fair, bringing together industry leaders and aspiring MBA students. Recognized for her expertise and leadership, Somachi Chris-Asoluka serves as a Deputy Champion of the World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance.
Oluwatobiloba Amusan is a track and field athlete who specialises in 100-metre hurdles. In 2022, Tobi Amusan achieved a historic milestone as the first Nigerian athlete to simultaneously hold the world champion and world record titles in an athletic event. Her exceptional performances included breaking the World record, Games record, and African Championship record in the event. Recognizing her achievements, the Nigerian government honoured her with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Ahunna Eziakonwa assumed her role as United Nations Development Programmes assistant administrator and regional director for Africa on August 15th, 2018. In this capacity, she leads UNDP’s effort in supporting 46 African countries to achieve Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. With a wealth of experience in international development, Eziakonwa has held prominent roles within the United Nations System. She served as UN Resident Representative, and UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia
(2015-2018), as well as in similar roles in Uganda (2012-2015) and Lesotho (2008-2012). She also held the position of Chief of the Africa Section for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), overseeing operations in over 15 countries.
Before joining the United Nations, Ahunna Eziakonwa held several senior positions within civil society organizations in Africa, where she honed her skills in advocacy; policy development, and programme management. Driven by her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Ahunna is particularly passionate about enhancing the involvement of youth and women in sustainable development.
Emem Omokaro is a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s policy landscape, renowned for her unwavering commitment to advancing national action on ageing. As the executive director of the Dave Omokaro Foundation (DOF) and the director general of the National Senior Citizen Centre Constitute Board, she spearheaded initiatives that have profoundly impacted policy, education, and research in the field of gerontology.
Emem’s journey began in 1984 as a lecturer at the Department of Social Studies at the Polytechnic Calabar. Over the years, she has held various leadership positions, including director of the Cultural Centre Board in Cross Rivers State in 1987. In 1990, she ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing Emmy Karo Enterprises Limited and Emmy Karo Ethic Eye Limited, where she served as chairman and managing director respectively.
Emem’s academic contributions are equally impressive. As a LEAD Scholar to the National Universities Commission, she played a pivotal role in establishing Gerontology as a field of study in 11 Nigerian universities. Her impact has been recognised through numerous awards and accolades, including the Exxon Mobil Award, the University of Calabar Foundation Scholarship Award, Louis Edet Prize in Sociology, and the Nigerian Universities Doctoral Thesis Award for best thesis in Social Science in 2005. Her commitment to arts and culture is also evident, as she is a published poet and recipient of the National Merit Award.
Damilola Ogunbiyi is a prominent figure in global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG7’s aim to ensuring universal access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy by 2030. She holds key positions including CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll) and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. Additionally, she serves as a co-chair of UN-Energy.
Before her current roles, Damilola served as the first female managing director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA). During her tenure, she launched the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million Initiative with the World Bank and African Development Bank, extending electricity access to over one million pcople in Nigeria. She also pioncered the Energizing Economies initiative, providing sustainable off-grid power solutions to economic clusters in Nigeria, while championing gender inclusion in REA and energy sectors.
Prior to her federal government engagement, Damilola Ogunbiyi served as the inaugural female general manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board.
Under her leadership, five independent power projects were completed, delivering more than 55 megawatts of electricity to various vital facilities in Lagos State. Damilola Ogunbiy’s recognition in the 5th list of 100 Most influential African Women in 2023 is a testament to her outstanding leadership and transformative impact in advancing sustainable energy and achieving global development goals.
