She-EO 27.0
RISE Lagos is about inspiring, enabling, and empowering women to rise, connect, and lead. Join us for a transformative day where women come together to share real stories, exchange powerful ideas, and build purposeful connections. This is your space. This is your moment. This is sisterhood in motion.
HOSTS
Tope Fajingbesi is a social impact entrepreneur, a published author, and an educator. She is the founder and president of The She-EO – a global platform for women of African descent to have important conversations that matter. In addition to being the founder and coordinating trustee of United for Kids Foundation, Tope created and hosted the Impact Africa radio show, which inspired Africans and Africans in the diaspora to participate consciously and actively in African development from 2013 to 2015. Impact Africa earned Tope an invitation to a meeting with Senior White House officials during the planning stage of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2014.
Tope frequently speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She delivered a powerful address at Hillary Clinton’s final presidential campaign rally in Michigan in November 2016, the keynote speech at Grand Rapids City High School’s commencement ceremony in June 2017, and one of the two keynote speeches at the Future Harvest Conference in January 2021. Prior to becoming a full-time social impact entrepreneur, Tope worked for 2 of the “Big Accounting” Firms, a Fortune 100 energy company, and notable nonprofit organizations in Washington D.C. She also taught agricultural business courses at the University of Maryland, College Park until May 2022. She is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University, Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, and the University of Oxford. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a United States of America Certified Public Accountant.
Tope is dedicated to serving her community. She served as the Treasurer of Future Harvest from 2020 to 2022, as the interim chairperson of the Women’s National Democratic Club’s Foreign Policy and National Security Task Force in 2021, and as a member of the Montgomery County Maryland County Executive’s Economic Recovery Advisory Group in 2020.
Tope is married to Niyi Balogun, who she co-owns Dodo Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm in Montgomery County (Maryland) with.
Joy is a graduate of the University of Lagos. Prior to joining The She-EO, she added value to leading organizations such as Lakeshore Cancer Center, Makariah Scrubs, and Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic. Her work is rooted in service, structure, and a deep commitment to creating positive impact through effective support systems.
HOTSEAT GUESTS
Dr. Tinuke Adeyi is a seasoned medical doctor and public health innovator with nearly two decades of experience in preventive healthcare and fertility management. She currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of the Dr. PhysiQ Gobal Health and Wellness, Lagos, where she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing holistic wellbeing through preventive medicine, lifestyle optimization, and compassionate patient care. At the intersection of health, technology, and social inclusion, Dr. Adeyi has distinguished herself as a thought leader and entrepreneur. As Co-Founder of Black Swan Tech Ltd, she has helped pioneer digital health solutions that reimagine how technology can serve communities across Africa.
Her work on WeMUNIZE, an AI-powered immunization platform in Nigeria, exemplifies her belief that effective healthcare innovation must honor local culture. Through creative strategies—such as robocalls voiced by trusted religious leaders and personalized immunization photo records—her team achieved record-breaking vaccine coverage and improved birth registrations, earning global recognition, including a USAID Digital Development Award. In addition to her work in digital health, Dr. Adeyi co-founded Bloom Health Consultancy Ltd, a public health firm that leverages data and epidemiological insights to inform national health strategies and improve population outcomes.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusion, Dr. Adeyi’s journey reflects both personal resilience and professional excellence. Through her work in fertility care, she has walked closely with women navigating some of life’s most intimate challenges—turning her practice into a space of empathy, healing, and renewed possibility. Dr. Adeyi is also deeply engaged with Africa’s literary and cultural landscape, having served as an editor at Wawa Book Review, where she helped build Nigeria’s largest online repository of African book reviews. A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University with an M.B. ChB in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Adeyi embodies the spirit of the modern African woman—bold, innovative, and deeply committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable world for all
Alhaja Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan
A seasoned educationist and humanitarian, Alhaja Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan holds a B.A. (Ed) from Ahmadu Bello University (1977) and has attended numerous professional courses locally and internationally. With over 35 years of service as a school principal, she is a foundation member of the Muslim Ladies Circle, proprietors of Crescent Schools, Victoria Island, and a founding member of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
She currently serves as Coordinator of FOMWAN Lagos State Schools, a Board of Governors member at Crescent Schools, and a Trustee of FOMWAN. Alhaja Fatima previously served as Commissioner representing the South West Zone at the National Hajj Commission and as a member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
Passionate about humanitarian work, especially in advancing the welfare of women and children, she also finds joy in gardening — a pastime through which she admires the beauty of Allah’s creation. Married for 52 years, she is blessed with ten children.
Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin Abimbola Dokpesi
With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, media management, and digital transformation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin Dokpesi is a celebrated media executive and former Managing Director of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Africa’s largest privately-owned TV network—a role she held until her retirement in October 2024.
She began her career at DAAR Communications PLC in 1996, working with RayPower FM before joining AIT as one of its pioneer staff and presenter of the iconic Kakaki programme. Her leadership and innovation earned her appointment as AIT’s Managing Director in 2008. Dr. Dokpesi holds a B.Sc. in Zoology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, as well as a Diploma in TV Broadcasting from the USTTI, USA. She has received numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate in Public Communications from Wisconsin University, USA, and recognition among Nigeria’s 100 Leading Women and 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism.
She is the founder of TAD Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering women, children, and youth through education and advocacy. A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), she also serves on several boards promoting social impact.
A passionate Christian, she enjoys singing, cooking, and using her platform to inspire change and advance humanity.
Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director/CEO of LOTUS Bank, is a distinguished banker with over 34 years of experience spanning Human Resources, Operations, Risk Management, and Strategy. She holds a B.A. in History from Obafemi Awolowo University and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos, where she graduated top of her class.
A pioneer staff of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), she rose to the position of General Manager before leaving in 2015. She later led the establishment of LOTUS Bank Limited, a leading non-interest financial institution with over 50 branches nationwide. Under her leadership, LOTUS Bank has received multiple global and national awards, including the Best Financial Inclusion Initiative and Ethical Banking Leadership Award (2024).
Mrs. Araoye has served on several Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) committees and represented Nigeria at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) and the Institute of Credit Administration, and a member of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (UK).
A woman of faith, service, and impact, she is married to Dr. Adekunle Araoye and blessed with children.
Korede Demola-Adeniyi, widely known as KDA, is the Executive Director at The Alternative Bank, overseeing operations across Southern Nigeria. With over 30 years of banking experience, she has extensive expertise in treasury, retail banking, and strategic leadership.
Before joining The Alternative Bank in 2024, Korede spent two decades at Ecobank, where she held senior roles including Head of Treasury, Group ALM Head, and Group Head of Personal Banking. She also served as a Non-Executive Director at Old Mutual Insurance Limited, driving collaboration between banking and insurance sectors. A graduate of the University of Benin (B.Sc.) and the University of Lagos (M.Sc.), Korede is a member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (Nigeria) and has attended executive programs at Harvard, Yale, and Lagos Business School, among others.
Recognized for her strategic insight, people development, and commitment to excellence, KDA continues to shape the growth of non-interest banking in Nigeria. She is also a member of Ikoyi Club and GAIA Africa Club, and enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Stella Duru is a distinguished Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, where she advises on complex, market-defining transactions across the oil and gas, infrastructure, and power sectors. With over 23 years of experience, she is recognized as a leading authority in energy, project development, and corporate commercial law. Born in Lagos but originally from Alike village in Ehime-Mbano, Imo State, Stella had her early education at St. Mary’s Private School and Queen’s College, Yaba. She earned her LL.B from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. That same year, she began her career at Banwo & Ighodalo, where she rose through the ranks to become Partner in 2012.
Stella serves on several boards and is the current Board Chairman of Zedcrest Wealth, a leading investment and wealth management firm. She is also a member of the Energy Policy Commission Steering Committee of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), where she helps shape policy in the energy, oil and gas, and power sectors. Stella continues to earn international recognition: she is Top Ranked in Chambers Global 2025 for Projects & Energy, acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer and IFLR Woman Leader by IFLR1000, and recognized across multiple categories in the Lexology Index, including Energy, Natural Resources & Mining and Project Finance.
Beyond practice, Stella is a frequent speaker at local and international conferences, including sessions at Harvard Business School and Power Africa. She authors legal articles and is a key contributor to
continuing legal education for young lawyers. Stella is a member of the International Bar Association (Section on Energy and Natural Resources), and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators. She is also affiliated with the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (Aspen Institute) and WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business & Public Service).
Renowned for her strategic thinking and commitment to mentoring, Stella’s career exemplifies excellence, leadership, and an enduring passion for impact
Solabomi Oreagba is a seasoned business executive with over 20years progressive experience across different sectors including; Aviation, Gas, Power & Energy, Investment Banking, Insurance, etc., within Nigeria and UK where she worked in various capacities as; General Manager, Consultant/Business Advisor, Controller, Manager, Commercial Financial Planning & Analysis, Manager, Business Planning, Head of Project Management Office, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Associate Investment Banking and Business Analyst, among other roles.
Solabomi is the current Chief Operation Officer at Casava - a microinsurance and technology company. Prior to this she was the General Manager, Fulfilment and Corporate Services for Viathan Engineering- the pioneer integrated energy services solutions company in Nigeria.
Over the years, she has consulted and acted as trusted advisor to different categories of clients and stakeholders with both local and international affiliations, assisting organizations to implement effective change and continuous improvement activities, fostering business continuity, managing deployment of resources and developing new business opportunities to drive sustainable business growth and market share across different regions and markets. She is a hands-on leader with a commendable history of building companies from ground up, leading start-ups, turnarounds and rapidly growing profitable and competitive companies.
As a thought leader, Solabomi has featured in leading daily newspapers in Nigeria including Business Day and Punch Newspaper sharing her success story as a leading female executive in a male-dominated industry and a thought leadership article on aviation. Solabomi holds an MSc in Corporate Risk Management from University of Salford Manchester, UK and a BSc in Insurance from University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Mahmudat Yussuf is the Managing Partner at Mondial Solicitors, a law firm with a global outlook and international best practices. She is a professional negotiator and a broad-based corporate finance lawyer with extensive experience in diverse areas, including corporate governance, commercial transactions, Islamic finance and trust, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory, as well as litigation.
Mahmudat was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007 and earned her Master of Laws degree from the University of Ibadan in 2010. She is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC). Additionally, she serves on the panel of neutrals at the Oyo State Multidoor Courthouse, where she has mediated on complex commercial disputes.
Her leadership credentials include being the Publicity Secretary of NBA Ibadan Branch (2020 – 2022) and the first female to occupy that office in 68 years of NBA Ibadan Branch. She is the first Ibadan Branch Facilitator of the NBA Women Forum (2022 – 2024) and currently serves as the Oyo State Lead of the NBA Women Forum.
Outside her lawyerly role, Mahmudat is the convener of Ibadan Eidfest, the largest annual gathering of Muslim families in Ibadan, which offers a community-focused park experience for attendees that she has been hosting since 2017. Passionate about social impact, the environment, and good governance, Mahmudat likes to volunteer for worthy causes. She is married and blessed with 4 boys.
Known to the world as Kaffy, is a transformational force in the global creative economy. From breaking the Guinness World Record for the Longest Dance Party to pioneering Africa’s first structured and registered dance company and academy, Kaffy’s journey has been one of mastery, innovation, and impact. As a choreographer, creative director, filmmaker, wellness educator, and transformation coach, Kaffy has dedicated her life to proving that movement is more than art—it is a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change.
Over two decades, she has evolved from an individual performer into a creative entrepreneur, founding Kaffy Incorporated—a company encompassing five powerful brands: Kaffy Kreative Agency, IJODA Wellness, Kaffy Boss Academy, Yanga Activewear, and the Kaffy Foundation. Today, she stands not only as a legend in African dance but as a leading voice for personal development, creative empowerment, and the redefinition of African excellence on a global stage
Bukola Konkwo (MCIPM) is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. Her experience extends to various industries where she has held transformative roles in multinational organisations and has both led and executed many strategic projects
She holds a Master's degree in Global Human Resources Management and is a Certified Clinical Coumellar. She is passionate about people and expresses this by volunteering for social work and participating in women's advocacy programs. Bukola is the founder of Pink Haven, an initiative in which she supports women in various stages of their cancer treatment and advocates for their personal wellbeing. She is a published author of "An Escape into the Calm, an inspirational book that can be purchased on Amazon.
Silifat Yinusa is a certified health and wellness coach with an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Ahmadu Bello University and an MSC in Pharmaceutical Technology from College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Additionally, she has earned certification as an integrative Nutrition Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition In New York
WE-MEN ON BOARD
Ayo Salami is one of the Partners in the Tax, Regulatory & People Services (TRPS) practice of KPMG in West Africa and doubles as the Head of the Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) business. He has over 30 years of experience in advising various clients on tax and regulatory issues, proffering solutions with industry leading practices.
Ayo has had varied opportunities of managing tax affairs of clients in the Nigerian oil and gas sector (upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield services), power and utilities industry, consumer/industrial market and manufacturing/industrial sector of the economy. In his role as the Firm’s ENR Sector head for West Africa, he has supervised various projects beyond Tax for key clients in the energy ecosystem. He has built strong relationships with regulators, including with policy makers and directors in the relevant ministries and institutions that regulate the energy industry.
Ayo also served as lead instructor on major training and capacity building programs in Nigeria and outside the country (including training programs on petroleum taxation for senior management of the FIRS). He leads the initiative on the review of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act in KPMG Nigeria and was the Firm’s Lead on the Federal Ministry of Finance’ Team on the sensitization of the nation regarding the Federal Government of Nigeria’s tax amnesty program – Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). He has published articles/presentations on topical tax and regulatory issues in foreign and local journals, and a regular speaker on fiscal, regulatory and business issues at seminars (locally and globally) and with media houses. Ayo has served as panelist on KPMG Global ENRich program in India, where he shared his perspectives on the global energy transition, with focus on Africa.
CEO, Greening Youth Foundation Africa | CEO Ejoma Africa Ltd | Conservation Strategist | Youth Empowerment Advocate. James Ezeilo is an internationally recognized leader in environmental equity and youth development. As CEO of Greening Youth Foundation Africa, he spearheads initiatives that connect young people of color to careers in conservation and natural resource management across Africa and the diaspora.
A political refugee of the 1967 Nigerian civil war, James immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up navigating both cultural isolation and the restorative power of nature—experiences that shaped his lifelong mission to expand access to environmental opportunity and belonging. In 2005 James co-founded Greening Youth Foundation North America alongside his wife Angelou Ezeilo. Greening Youth Foundation North America (GYF) grew into one of the largest environmental NGOs recruiting and distance managing people of color under contract with the United States Government.
Over the past two decades, he has designed and led transformative programs from Denver to Lagos, partnering with governments, communities, and institutions to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards. In 2017, James founded EJOMA Africa Limited , a pioneering renewable energy enterprise dedicated to advancing solar technologies across Nigeria. Through EJOMA Africa, he has championed education, capacity building, and the implementation of sustainable energy systems in underserved communities. Today, under his leadership, the company is integrating machine learning - artificial intelligence to design smarter, more efficient solar solutions for homes and small communities, bridging innovation and impact across the continent.
James holds a B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with his wife of 31 years, Angelou Ezeilo, and is a proud father of two adult sons who live in the United Kingdom.
Mohammed N. Mijindadi is the President of GE Nigeria & Managing Director of GE Gas Power Systems (GPS)/GE VERNOVA for Anglophone & Francophone Africa, responsible for executive oversight and strengthening GE’s impact in region while building strong stakeholder relationships across GE’s Gas Power, Digital and Renewable energy sectors. With GE’s strong presence in the African Power Market, Mohammed has led the development and support on several heavy duty IPP and distributed power plants in Nigeria and the region, leading to significant MW’s added for grid and off grid applications.
Prior to his appointment, Mohammed was the Regional Sales Director for GE Power Generation Products (PGP) in Africa and began his career with GE in the Transportation business as the Nigeria Country Leader. He has held several positions including Commercial Excellence Leader, Strategic Sourcing Leader and in Business Development, driving growth globally. Prior to joining GE, Mohammed worked in several US multinationals in the Transportation, Services, Construction and Entertainment industries. Mohammed earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) in Civil Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia and an M.B.A in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College, PA.
He was inducted into the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI) in October 2011, Institute of Directors in January 2014 and serves on the Board of Directors for GE International Operations Nigeria, Norrenberger Investment Company Management Limited (NICML), United Nations Development Program JFP Initiative and the ‘Kid for Kid’ foundation. In his spare time, Mohammed enjoys travelling, watching sports, and spending time with his Wife, Children & Dogs.