Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour (GRV), is an architect, Public policy expert and a Politician. The 2023 general elections saw him emerge as the Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate in the keenly contested elections.

Politics

In 2019, He was the PDP senatorial candidate representing Lagos West (the largest senatorial district, by population) Making him the youngest senatorial candidate of a major party.In 2016, he contested at the grassroots level for LG chairman Ikeja Local government

As a beneficiary of the ‘Not too young to run’ movement, He has consistently over the years dedicated himself to the fight against voter apathy and youth involvement in politics. His participation in the Endsars movement, his voter registration drives and his work with Yiaga Africa, earned him the moniker ‘Mr get involved’ and the Royal African award from His royal Majesty the Ooni of Ife.

His activism, protest, and debates with the then Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina via articles in the National dailies, Media appearances, and protest march he led on the Nigerian Senate against the introduction of genetic-modified foods, propelled him into National consciousness.

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture (March)

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, USA

Bachelors in Architecture (Barch)

University of Nottingham, UK

Masters in Research and Public Policy.

University of Lagos, Nigeria

As an architect, he is passionate about using architecture as a tool to solve societal and economic challenges. From his time at the Prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and his experience working with both the American and Chinese governments in relation to rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and the Beijing Olympics respectively. To his critically acclaimed thesis on the creation of a network of waste pickers and recycling centers in Lagos.

His professional focus has consistently been on innovative and alternative construction methods to create affordable housing in Nigeria. GRV thrives on solving problems.

As creative director at Spatial Tectonics. His specialty includes alternative design and construction systems that increase affordability and access to “affordable luxury”. To this end, he has designed, consulted, and worked with state governments on modular housing projects using repurposed containers and alternative construction methods. He is the design lead for commercial and large-scale urban projects such as the Delta International commercial city. Prior to founding Spatial Tectonics, GRV worked in Nigeria’s top architecture firms and Franklin Ellis architects in the United Kingdom. He sits on the board of Alhuda construction Nigeria, the Delta international commercial city Ltd, The Rhodes-Vivour Foundation, Multi Development and Construction Corporation (MDCC Africa), BLOQUE, and E-TERRA Foundation.

Folarin Falana, widely recognized by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor born on October 27, 1990. Falz is not only an artist but also an entrepreneur, as he currently presides over his independent record label,

In October 2020, Falz took a powerful stance in support of the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, advocating for an end to police brutality. His voice resonated in the call for social justice issues across Nigeria. In a moving tribute to victims of police brutality, he released the music video for “Johnny,” the lead single from his “Moral Instruction” album. Falz emphasized the need for justice and remembrance, stating, “We will never forget the heroes that have been unlawfully slain. This is for them. For every single Nigerian life snatched away unlawfully, we must make sure we get justice.”

Falz also engaged with international media, such as CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, where he expressed his frustration with President Buhari’s promises to reform the Nigerian police, emphasizing that these promises had been made since 2017.

As an activist, Falz continued to be a prominent voice during the 2023 elections, advocating for increased youth participation in Nigerian politics, addressing voter apathy, and confronting electoral malpractice. His commitment to addressing crucial issues in Nigeria extends beyond his music career, making him a notable figure in both the entertainment industry and the realm of social activism.

Fisayo Soyombo, is a distinguished Nigerian investigative journalist and the visionary founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). His illustrious career includes a tenure as a former editor at The Cable, during which he gained nationwide recognition for his audacious investigative work.

Soyombo is celebrated for his fearless pursuit of truth and justice. Notably, he made headlines as the undercover journalist who embarked on a daring mission to expose corruption within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. He spent five days in a police cell posing as a suspect and a staggering eight days as an inmate in Ikoyi Prison. His courageous investigation led to authorities contemplating his arrest, underlining the profound impact of his work.

In another remarkable feat, Fisayo Soyombo embarked on an epic journey, driving the equivalent of a stolen vehicle from Abuja to Lagos. He navigated through a staggering 86 checkpoints on a treacherous journey spanning over 1,600 kilometers, lasting a cumulative 28 hours and 17 minutes. This daring endeavor was a testament to his commitment to shedding light on critical issues.

His dedication to investigative journalism continued to evolve as he assumed roles at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and Sahara Reporters. His impact on the media landscape is a testament to his unwavering commitment to exposing truth and holding power accountable. Fisayo Soyombo’s contributions to investigative journalism in Nigeria are a source of inspiration for aspiring journalists and a vital force for transparency and accountability in the nation.

Dayo Israel (LLB (Hons), MA International Relations) is a renowned polymath; A season diplomat, social entrepreneur, in demand evangelist, TV personality, astute motivational speaker, advocate, Conference facilitator, High Performance Coach, young thought leader and has served as an advisor to various global leaders, business executive, politicians, young entrepreneur and sports professionals. He is also an internationally recognized personality with over 20years of professional experience in international development having worked with organisations such as The United Nations, British Council, Save the Children UK, UNICEF, in various capacities and has appeared on countless television interviews, commercials, talk shows, radio programs, and was even selected by the United Nations to represent all the young delegates to the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children on a special CNN Live Interview. He was specially invited by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to a private reception at Buckingham palace. He was also invited by the Obama Administration to the White House President’s Forum for Young African Leaders in Washington DC and an Alumnus of the US State Department International Visitors Leadership Program that has produced over 400 Heads of Government globally.

Dayo now serves as the National Youth Leader of Nigeria’s ruling party. However prior to this he served as Permanent Board Member of Lagos SUBEB.

Before venturing into the public sector, he served as Country Director for GLEEHD Foundation. Through his work at GLEEHD Foundation, Dayo helped drive trade and investment between Africa and the West (Europe and North America) through various activities including Trade Delegations, Business Roundtables, Investment Forums and Bilateral Meetings. Dayo also consults for Senior Executives and Government leaders in the areas of brand positioning and visibility strategy.

A London Met Graduate with a LLB (Hon’s) Law and M.A International Relations from London Met, Dayo furthered his additional qualification at Harvard Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, and is an Alumni of the Executive Development Program of the Wharton School. Dayo is a Doctoral Candidate, undergoing his Doctor of Business Administration program.

Prior to his role as Regional Director for Africa at GLEEHD Foundation, Dayo served as Special Assistant at the National Assembly of Nigeria, YTI Special Representative to the United Nations, and YGA Ambassador to the United Nations. At the United Nations, he was responsible for overseeing YTI/YGA’s Interaction and relationship with the United Nations, Representing YTI/YGA at various UN Meetings and Functions and also leading various advocacies of the organisation, which led to various side events at the UN DPI meetings in Bonn, Paris and New York coordinated by Dayo.

At the National Assembly of Nigeria (Office of Senator Omoworare – now Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business), Dayo was responsible for Strategy Development, Project Design and Evaluation. He was also responsible for Creating and maintaining relationships with Strategic Global partners such as the World Bank, VSO, British Council and other International Organisations etc. Dayo was responsible for arranging the first official visit of the Former US Consul General –Jeffrey Hawkins and the US embassy delegation to the National Assembly of Nigeria – during which the delegation observed the sitting of the parliament and were acknowledged by Senate President David Mark.

His achievements at the National Assembly also included Fostering Trade and Investment Opportunities for his constituents and linking local businesses with international partners in Europe and North America with support from UK Trade and Investment; as well as Supporting his principal in his interactions with International Organisations, Diplomatic Community, and UN entities by working closely with liaison staff and senior officials of those entities. He developed new initiatives concerned with: community development, women empowerment, youth development, renewable and alternative energy, health care, and education, while building partnerships with the funding, civic, and political communities. Dayo created international opportunities for his Youth Constituent through design, development and implementations international exchange programs

Dayo facilitates many high profile events and meetings to connect Emerging Leaders with stakeholders and senior executives providing opportunity for mentorship and networking for development and growth. Some of his programs have featured World Bank Vice Presidents, Former Prime Ministers, Former and Serving Presidents, Ambassadors and High Net worth Individual.

Dayo’s TV show – Dayo Israel in Conversation with – airs on 3 TV stations in Nigeria and her Diaspora and brings to the public conversations that are transformative, informative and inspirational with an intention to inspire thoughts that lead to life affirming changes. The show features some of the most prominent and eminent leaders cross-sector including Presidents and Heads of Government, Politicians, Musicians, Sportsmen and women, Fashion Designers, Artists, Painters, Writers, Military Officers, and the ordinary unknown who do so much to help others in a very significant way. With discussions spanning Family, Faith, Finance, Politics, Science, Art, Business, Technology, Literature and Philosophy.

As a top ranked keynote speaker, author and television personality, Dayo Israel has risen to national prominence by delivering high energy message and speeches which tells people how to shake off mediocrity, turn their potential into performance and live up to their greatness. It is a message Dayo has learned from his own life and one he is helping others apply to their lives.

He gets his message out to an international audience of millions through his various tours, inspirational conferences, seminars, motivational coaching, philanthropic work, TV show, Media appearances, audio programs, and Youth advocacy.

He co-launched the UNICEF State of the World Children’s Report in 2003 alongside Carol Bellamy and Oscar Award Winner – Vanessa Redgrave CBE. A former student leader, Dayo was the First African to be elected a Student Council Chair at London Metropolitan University and served on the University’s Academic Board with the Vice Chancellor, representing over 30, 000 students on the board. He was also a member of the research and development committee of the University with the Deputy Vice Chancellor during his Post Graduate days.

He has met and addressed so many world leaders like HRM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Andrew Duke of York, Dr. Nelson Mandela, Former Nigerian Head of State – General Yakubu Gowon, Former Nigerian President and current UN Envoy to Congo: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President Goodluck Jonathan, Former Prime Minister Sir John Major, President Roberto Cavaco of Portugal, President Thabo Mbeki, President Jacob Zuma, EU Jose Manuel Barosso, Dr. Kofi Annan, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Prime Minister Dlamini Absalom Themba, Queen Mubarak of Egypt, President Yahya Jameh, President Tejjan Kabbah, President John Kufor, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Foreign Secretary William Hague, UN Scribe Ban Ki Moon and many other Heads of States and Presidents in Africa and Europe.

He attracts a lot of “positive” media attentions and has featured on CNN Q and A Live, Daystar Christian Broadcasting Network, Iranian Press TV, Nickelodeon, BBC Network Africa, Ben Television, OBE TV, BBC World Service, NTA Newsline, and T.V Africa. He produces and presents the syndicated “Dayo Israel Show” across Europe and Africa. He has made headlines on various national newspapers such as Swazi Today, The Comet newspaper, The Punch newspaper, Tribune newspaper and The Nigerian Guardian.

David Hundeyin is a writer and journalist who majors in business, politics and security. His work has appeared on Al Jazeera, The Africa Report, Channels Television, BusinessDay, West Africa Weekly and CNN Africa.

After starting his career in business consulting and marketing, Hundeyin pivoted to journalism when he became the founding writer on ‘The Other News,’ Nigeria’s first prime-time political satire TV show, which would go on to record 2 million average weekly viewers.

Hundeyin’s work on ‘The Other News’ was featured in the New Yorker Magazine and in the Netflix documentary ‘Larry Charles Dangerous World of Comedy’ Episode 4. He was also nominated by the U.S. State Department to take part in the 2019 Edward R. Murrow Program for journalists under the International Visitors Leadership Program. In 2020, he won the 2020 People Journalism Prize for Africa for exposing and unraveling predatory Nigerian legislation designed to end key civil liberties under the cover of COVID-19 response measures. In 2021, he was one of 12 journalists from around the world chosen for the $1 million Substack Local Fellowship. Also in that year, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Voices in Nigerian Politics.

He was named the GRC & Anti-Financial Crime Reporter of the Year in 2021 and 2022 consecutively, and he was named the Most Outstanding Young Person in Journalism at the 2022 Lagos Youth Awards. In the same year, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2022 by New African Magazine. Following the publication of his debut nonfiction title “The Jungle: A Personal Journey With The Enfant Terrible Of Nigerian Journalism”, he was named the 2023 Distinguished James Currey Fellow at the University of Cambridge.

Cynthia Onyinye Mbamalu is a dedicated human and gender rights advocate and a development practitioner. A lawyer by profession with an LLM in Comparative Constitutional Law from the Central European University (CEU), she specializes in human and women rights advocacy, constitution building, elections, and inclusive political leadership. She is a co-founder of Yiaga Africa, where she leads as the Director of Programs. In the past 16 years, she has worked especially on supporting sustainable democracies, promoting political inclusion, electoral integrity, and human rights.

As a co-founder and Director of Program for Yiaga Africa, she has participated in and led different election observation missions and currently leads the #WatchingTheVote project, a data and tech-driven initiative for electoral integrity. She was actively involved in the advocacy that led to the adoption of the Electoral Act 2022 in Nigeria and is engaging the constitutional amendment process for gender sensitive amendments. Cynthia Mbamalu is a founding member of the Not Too Young to Run movement and the Ready to Run campaign, committed to promoting young men and women’s political leadership. The Not Too Young to Run movement achieved the amendment of Nigeria’s Constitution to reduce the age for contesting elections in 2018. Ms Mbamalu also manages the Community Organizing Program for young people in West Africa and recently launched ‘The Unamplified Podcast’ driving diverse conversations on democracy and development from a gender lens.

Cynthia Mbamalu is an alumna of the; Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Leadership, Organizing and Action Executive Program, Central European University (CEU) Course on Constitution-Building in Africa, the University of South Africa (UNISA) Course on Management of Democratic Elections in Africa, the University of Cape Town on Leading in Public Life; Women, Influence Power Programme and the Cool Czechia Young African Leaders’ Study Program.

Cynthia Onyinye Mbamalu was born on a spirited Thursday, the 20th day of October 1988 and is the first of the five children of Mr Christopher and Mrs Catherine Mbamalu.

My name is Bayo Omoboriowo, (MFR), a Guinness world record holder and multi-award-winning Visual Storyteller and Documentary Photographer, an evolving Visual Artist using Mixed Media as an approach. Over the course of the last decade, I have achieved a distinct and distinguished successful career in the creative, media, and cultural industry.

I have received several awards and recognitions for my endeavors globally and locally, as my work has set a standard for innovation and excellence. My work has also been cited in several major local and international media platforms including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, New York Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Reuters, AP amongst others.

I led the team that won the MTN Afrinolly film competition, Nigeria, and in the same year, he won the Nigerian Professional Photography Awards 2012 – Nominee (Lifestyle and Still life), NACCP Climate Change Photo Contest, AAF Etisalat photography prize, and The Future Awards for the Most Creative Artist of the Year in Nigeria. He also led the team that won the 2014 Sundance Institute Film Prize, USA and several awards after that including receiving National recognition in 2023 (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic and National productivity Order of Merit Award).

With a master’s degree in arts & Cultural Management from Kings College London and a Bachelors of Science degree in Nigeria’s prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria, I am a highly qualified, well trained and thorough bred professional whose career has been truly distinguishing.

I recently served as the official photographer and Special assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari where I was responsible for documenting the activities and telling the story of the administration. This position I held for 8 years between May 2015- May 2023.

Before working as the Presidential Photographer, I worked as a visual story teller for reputable organizations and personalities some of which were Sahara Energy, Oando Foundation, NLNG, Malaria No More UK, USAID, Department for International Development (DFID)- Gems 2 and 4, African University of Creative Arts (AUCA), NOKIA, Dell Nigeria, Leap Africa, Alliance Francaise, Unilever to mention a few.

• Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Awarded by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) – 2023
• National Productivity Order of Merit Award 2023 (For my Contribution to the Nation’s Image)
• Guinness Book of Records title holder for my work “Discover Nigeria” officially tagged the largest photo book in the world. – 2022*
• Royal African Young Leadership Forum Awards – 2022 (Received for my work as a leader in photojournalism)
• Ekiti State Ambassador Award – 2022
• Sundance Institute Short-film challenge 2014- Winner
• MTN Afrinolly Short-film Competition 2013- 1st place Winner (Documentary)
• Future Awards Creative Artist of the Year 2012
• National Climate Change Photo Contest 2012 – 1st position
• AAF Etisalat Photography Competition 2012 – 2nd place
• Nigerian Professional Photography Awards 2012 – Nominee (Lifestyle and Still life)

These awards are sustained and highly revered evidence of the fact that I have satisfied a major requirement.

Ahmad Rufai Zakari, born on February 25, 1984, is a highly regarded Nigerian authority in the realm of financial infrastructure within the power sector. With a distinguished career and numerous accomplishments, Ahmad currently holds the prestigious position of Executive Director overseeing the Gas Power Installed Fleet and Services division for Nigeria and South Africa within General Electric.

During his career at General Electric, Ahmad achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African to attain the esteemed position of Executive Audit Manager. In this role, he assumed a pivotal role in conducting global financial and compliance audits, as well as providing operational consulting services for the substantial GE Oil and Gas unit, valued at $20 billion. His exceptional leadership and expertise contributed significantly to ensuring financial integrity and compliance within the organization.

Ahmad’s contributions to the power sector are also noteworthy. As the Executive Director responsible for the company’s gas power installations in Nigeria and South Africa, he oversees a substantial portfolio comprising over 150 turbines and a remarkable 8GW of installed capacity. His strategic guidance and managerial acumen have played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s interests in this critical domain.

In addition to his role at General Electric, Ahmad Rufai Zakari served as the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Infrastructure from 2019 to 2023. His appointment to this high-level position underscored his status as a trusted expert and advisor in the field of infrastructure and power.

Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, is an actor, content producer and all-round entertainer. With his satirical online characters and reputation for social advocacy, Debo uses his brand not only to entertain but to educate and rejuvenate society.

As a creator, Debo’s art engages an audience of 10+ million followers, with a reach of 100+ million viewers across platforms. With a background in Theatre Arts, his acting credits include the critically acclaimed Ayinla (2021) and the box-office hit Brotherhood (2022). As a host, he mans the stage for the annual Vibes On The Beach concerts headlined by Wizkid – as well as other private and sponsored events.

In recognition of his creative works and social justice advocacy, Debo was awarded The Future Awards Africa Prize for Content Creation (2020) and the Gatefield’s People Newsmaker for Social Justice (2021) award.

Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim is a multi-talented young Nigerian, recognized for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s policy, political and public affairs landscape. At just 24 years old, he possesses remarkable leadership qualities and a strong commitment to fostering positive change.

Abdulhaleem’s diverse career spans various roles, including being a registered nurse, a political and public affairs analyst, and an award-winning writer. His influential writings on politics, public policy, economics, education, security and other topics have been published in renowned international and Nigerian newspapers and platforms. These writings have played a significant role in influencing government policies and decisions.

Among his notable accomplishments, Abdulhaleem has received prestigious awards, including the ‘Syndicated Writer of the Year’ twice in 2020 and 2021 and the ‘Campus Journalist of the Year’ in 2021 from Youths Digest and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC). He was also among the 100 outstanding youths honored with the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) Award of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, OJAJA II, Ooni of Ife in 2022 and has been inducted as a Member of the Royal Court (MRC) in the Kingdom of Ife.

Additionally, he was recently recognized as one of the ten honorees for the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Nigeria Award by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, 2023, having been enlisted and recognized among the top 30 candidates for the award in 2022. Other awards include the Achievement Award from Tudun Wada Community Zaria, the Youth Ambassadorial Award of Honor from Rotaract Makurdi Central, and the Legacy Leadership Award from the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Student Nurses Association.

In addition to his impactful writing career, Abdulhaleem is currently assisting at the Office of the Administrator/Commissioner in the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority (KCTA) while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics at Ahmadu Bello University where he maintains a first class CGPA. This is complemented by certifications from the British Council, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) in Policymaking, Green Economy & Trade and Energy Economics, Environment, and Policy.

Abdulhaleem is currently a Fellow of the African Liberty Writing Fellowship program, where he conducts in-depth research and authors articles on socio-economic issues. He also co-coordinates the Research and Documentation team at the Kaduna Office of Resilience in KCTA, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and resilience initiatives. His contributions to the Resilience Office have been pivotal in winning the 2023 Sustainability Impact Award for KCTA and in Kaduna City’s participation in the prestigious Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR 2030) initiative.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Abdulhaleem has held leadership positions in the volunteering space, including serving as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for the Youth Progressive Front, a non-profit. He was also a renowned student leader during his nursing school days between 2016 and 2019. He is an avid reader, a dedicated researcher, and a perceptive policy analyst, consistently striving to propose innovative policy alternatives