By Precious Oham
As the world is faced with myriad of challenges, a remarkable youth from Ijurin-Ekiti has offered glimpse of hope that issues confronting the world can be nipped in the bud.
One of such talented and enterprising young Nigerians is Mayowa Olajide Akinleye, a social innovator and a passionate advocate for Youth participation in politics and governance.
He has facilitated meaningful discussions and created platforms for students and youth communities within and outside the state through Conversation Ondo & Conversation Ekiti, progressively refining his leadership skills along the way. As the founder of Motivar, one of three startups in Ekiti recognized by Innovate UKTN and the State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy for the 2023 Young Innovators Award. Mayowa has demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurship and community development.
During his undergraduate years pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Transport Management at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Mayowa actively engaged in volunteer positions related to youth empowerment. He served as a Trainer at the FUTA Debating Club, inspiring fellow students to develop their debating and public speaking skills.
Additionally, he initiated WriteNow FUTA to support aspiring writers on campus. In his role as Chief of Staff to the Kikiowo-led administration of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Mayowa pioneered innovative projects such as the Clean City Train and the One Naossite One Skill initiative.
Mayowa’s passion for community organizing intensified after graduation. He contributed significantly to Advokc Foundation work in Ekiti state. At Promad Foundation, he mobilized the youth population in five separate communities in the FCT. With the support of critical stakeholders, he mobilized youth groups in Ekiti to convene the Ekiti Youth Town Hall, a platform aimed at mobilizing youth votes and engaging candidates in the 2022 Gubernatorial election.
Mayowa has been a fellow and member of highly-regarded global groups of emerging young and vibrant change makers such as LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Programme, Clinton Global Initiative University, YALI RLC West Africa, and National Youth Climate Hub.
Currently, he leads efforts to amplify the CampusPal app, a reporting and support tool for victims of sexual harassment on higher education campuses across Nigeria. He also spearheads Programs and Partnership work at LearnPolitics, an NGO dedicated to democratizing political education.
Mayowa’s diverse skillset, including training in strategic planning and project management, a diploma in Post-Production from the Africa Film Academy, and his pursuit of a postgraduate degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the International Institute of Journalism, showcase his commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
His intelligence, awareness, analytical thinking, empathy, and excellent communication skills make him a charismatic and effective leader. Mayowa is not just a youth leader; he is a strategic thinker, innovator, and cooperative team player. His experiences and achievements epitomize his dedication to youth engagement, socio economic development, and political empowerment of young people.
Mayowa Olajide Akinleye is a young man worthy of belief, trust, and support. His unadulterated desire to see a more engaged youth population and his commitment to meaningful nation-building make him one to watch out for.