Bikiya Graham-Douglas is an award-winning Nigerian-British actress, singer, and producer with 13+ years in theatre, film, and TV. She founded Beeta Universal Arts Foundation, launching the Beeta Playwright Competition and Beeta Arts Festival, producing 300+ events. Her works include Ada the Country, God Calling, and Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. She serves on the Ladima Foundation board and is a cultural advocate reshaping Africa’s narrative through storytelling.
Israel, a Nigerian medical practitioner with a disability, won the British Council’s Global Study UK Award (2022) for his work in disability and gender inclusion. A Chevening and Roger Casement Fellow, he holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Disability Law. With global experience across 10+ countries, he has worked with UN agencies, WHO, and the World Bank. Now pursuing a PhD at UCL, his research focuses on assistive technology in humanitarian settings in northern Nigeria.
Isah ‘The Prince’ Matankari is a Nigerian rapper, cultural organizer, and community builder using music and activism to reframe African identity. Founder of Creative Council Africa and co-founder of Creative Culture, he’s supported 1,000+ creatives and led 70+ events. A 2023 British Council Culture Impact Awardee and OneBeat alumnus, he’s released seven albums and champions grassroots empowerment through edutainment, history, and collective storytelling.
Jadesola Adedeji, a trained Pharmacist and passionate Educator, is Co-founder/CEO of STEM METS Resources, advancing STEM education for African youth. Her company has reached 30,000+ learners, trained 580 teachers, and partnered with Airbus Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, and ARM. STEM METS co-convenes STEM Africa Fest across seven countries. Jadesola holds degrees from King’s College London, University of Calgary, and INSEAD, and champions Africa’s first STEM Maker Space initiative.
Jennifer Uchendu is a climate activist and founder of SustyVibes, leading youth-driven sustainability in Nigeria. She launched The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project in 2022 to address climate-related mental health challenges. A Chevening Scholar with a Master’s from IDS UK, she’s also a Cambridge and LBS alumna. Named one of BBC 100 Women (2023) and a 2024 Study UK Alumni Award winner, her work integrates climate, mental health, and power dynamics in African contexts.
Kehinde Ayeni is Executive Director at LEAP Africa, a youth-focused organization driving leadership, human capital, and socio-economic development. With 15+ years’ experience in leadership, business development, and communications, she was named among the "50 African Women Making a Difference in Development" by Donors for Africa (2020) and is a 2021 Praxis Fellow. Kehinde is passionate about empowering young Africans and fostering inclusive transformation across the continent.
Dr. Akanimo Odon holds a PhD in Environmental Management from Lancaster University and business certifications from Cambridge, Stanford, and MIT. He specialises in cross-border education, research innovation, and Africa-UK partnerships. He advises UK universities, leads Flexy-Learn, and consults for governments and institutions across Africa. A published author and award-winning film producer, he’s mentored 5,000+ young Africans and fosters academia-industry collaboration for impact.
Oluwafemi is a financial expert and sustainability advocate. As Co-Founder of Quantum Partners, he’s leading Nigeria’s first Green and Sustainable Bank. He founded StreetCred, which has disbursed ₦3B+ to 11,000+ women traders, and Pistis Finserve, investing ₦100M in SMEs. He contributed to the $376M World Bank MCRP. A certified Green Finance professional, he's a Chevening Scholar, UK Alumni Award winner, and Secretary of Chevening Alumni Nigeria.
Muktar, awarded Nigeria’s national honour (MFR) at 29 for public health service, is a Professor and Consultant at Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. He’s a core member of NITAG and lead consultant for Nigeria’s Family Planning Blueprint and Immunization Coverage Assessment. A multiple award-winning scholar, he holds an MSc from LSHTM and FMCPH fellowship, and has led five national studies, contributing significantly to public health policy and research in Nigeria.