BTYSUMMIT 2025
Our Speakers
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Lawyer, Legislator, and Political Leader
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele CON, popularly known as MOB, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and seasoned politician. He currently serves as the Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, a position he has held since 2023, representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District since 2019.
Born on July 29, 1963, in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, Bamidele was raised in Lagos, where he attended Baptist Academy Secondary School. He pursued higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, before obtaining a law degree from the University of Benin in 1990. After graduating from the Nigerian Law School, he was called to the bar in 1992. He later advanced his legal education with a Master of Laws from Franklin Pierce University and was called to the New York Bar in 1999. His legal career includes serving as part of the defense team for Chief Moshood Abiola during his treason trial.
Bamidele’s political career began in 1992 when he contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Although he lost, his dedication to governance remained steadfast. He later served as Special Assistant on Legal Matters to Senator Bola Tinubu and, in 2000, was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Political and Intergovernmental Relations to the Lagos State Governor. His tenure in Lagos State saw him hold key positions, including Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development (2003–2007) and Commissioner for Information and Strategy (2007–2011).
In 2011, Bamidele was elected to the 7th National Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1. Throughout his legislative career, he has championed governance reforms, democracy, and youth empowerment. In 2015, he publicly critiqued the controversial The Lion of Bourdillon documentary, showcasing his firm stance on national issues.
His dedication to public service has earned him several accolades, including being recognized as a Life Bencher in the Body of Benchers and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria). In 2022, he was conferred with the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
With a career spanning law, politics, and activism, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele remains a formidable figure in Nigeria’s governance landscape, committed to legislative excellence, national development, and the pursuit of justice.
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson
Lawyer, Legislator, and Political Leader
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson is a Nigerian politician and member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
Benson was first elected into the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2015 to represent the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
He was re-elected for a second term in 2019 and has since been re-elected for a third term during the 2023 Nigerian general election in Nigeria.
Babajimi Adegoke Benson was born on 30 March 1972 in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
He attended Lagos State University where he obtained an LLB in 1994. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honors) in 1995. In 1999, he also earned an LLM in Comparative International Business Law from London Guildhall University.
He subsequently pursued an MBA at Warwick Business School in the UK and is a member of both the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
His career started in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
He was appointed as a Legal Officer in the General Counsel Division at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He had also served as an in-house Legal Counsel at Ecobank PLC from 2001 to 2003 and later as Deputy Manager (Legal) at Lead Bank PLC from 2003 to 2004.
In 2007, he became a Non-Executive Director at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, a position he held until his appointment as the company secretary (Strategy, Legal & Corporate Governance) of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
Babajimi Adegoke Benson has implemented several projects in his constituency.
Among these projects is the iCare Food Bank initiative, launched to provide relief to the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable groups during times of economic hardship.
Additionally, he set up IKD 106.1FM, a community radio in his Ikorodu constituency and also contributed to improving access to healthcare in his constituency by donating an 80-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Imota.
These initiatives have impacted the lives of his constituents and have contributed to the development of the community.
Hon. Abiola Hakeem Bakare, FCCA, FCA, FICA
Entrepreneur, Chartered Accountant, and Political Leader
Abiola Bakare is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Finance to the Executive Governor of Ogun State since October 2023.
An accomplished entrepreneur and finance leader. Before his appointment, he was the Chief Executive Office of Monarchs Consulting Limited, a growing Nigerian company with interests in CFO and BPO Advisory to medium class businesses across industries in Nigeria. He has been using his technical corporate financial experiences to drive corporate governance and compliance best practices to help a lot of Nigerian growing businesses to succeed financially and sustainably.
Prior to founding Monarchs Consulting Limited, he worked as the Country Financial Controller/Business
Controller for Fugro entities in Nigeria. Fugro is a Dutch multinational public company headquartered in the Netherlands. Fugro focus is primarily a service company focused on geotechnical, survey and geoscience services to the Oil and gas, Renewables, Infrastructure, Nautical industries, and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. Abiola also had a stint as acting Country Manager for Fugro in Nigeria.
Prior to joining Fugro, Abiola was the Finance Business Partner for West Africa (overseeing Nigeria, Ghana, Gabon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea) at Swire Oilfields Services, now Swire Energy Services. Swire is another multinational Oil and Gas servicing company headquartered in Aberdeen Scotland and presence across globe. He supported all Swire Oilfield’s markets across the West Africa region especially in commercial planning and investments/market entry evaluations. He extensive experience in Oil and Gas business controlling, strategy formulation and execution across the West Africa region.
He also worked with Shell Nigeria, spent four years across different roles – Business Process Specialist, Payable Accounting, Business Analysis, Tax Accounting and Management, Revenue Assurance and Credit Collections.
He is a professionally qualified Accountant with experiences in commercial and financial management. Abiola Bakare is rated very high in senior management team, leadership, and resources management and excellent in driving business transformation and turnaround strategies.
As a long-time senior management team member, Abiola has extensive knowledge of building, developing and growing businesses, managing risks and formulating growth and visionary strategies across board. He is a great thinker, innovator and go-getter shaping the way businesses are managed financially and commercially.
Possessing excellent communication skills and able to establish sustainable and profitable relationships with stakeholders across the spectrum.
As an exemplary professional, Abiola graduated from the prestigious Lagos State University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK) and the national Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria. He has Advance Diploma in Management Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA-UK), and a member of the Chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
Abiola is pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University. He recently finished a course on Strategic Leadership, Ethics and Policymaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos. Also, has a certificate from the Harvard Business Publishing Education in Management Communications.
Abiola is an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Finance & Energy Public Policy Enthusiast.
Abiola he is fun-loving, married with three beautiful kids, love to be part of community engagements and driving people-oriented programmes.
Dapo Lam
Business Leader, Legislator, and Political Leader
Dapo Lam advanced his working career in the oil and gas industry, as he was a principal partner in Skipet Oil Nig. Ltd.
He's co-founder and president of Future Initiative Nigeria, a platform for the Nigerian youth.
He also serves a patron for Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC RS 11:32) and a member of the advisory board of Youth Advocators Network.
Dapo lam was an intern at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and later at Stabillini Visinoni (a sister company of Bi -Courtney Construction Company) in Lagos. Dapo lam also worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, Enugu State.
Dapo Lam political career started in 1998 when he was elected as the pioneer secretary, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Youth wing of Ibarapa East local government.
Adesina contested for the same position he presently occupies in 2011 under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N) but lost.
Dapo lam was later appointed as Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State by Governor Abiola Ajimobi between August 2011 to September 2013, a position he held and performed exceptionally well as adjudged by series of the landmark achievements he initiated during his tenure before he was redeployed to the Ministry of Industry, Applied Science and Technology in November 2013 to December 2014.
Dapo lam resigned in 2014, and was elected as the representative for the Ibadan Northeast/south east constituency in the Federal house of representatives in the 2015 elections.
Ibrahim Mukhtar Olayode
Passionate Nurse, Educator, and Youth Advocate
Ibrahim Mukhtar Olayode is a dedicated and accomplished nurse from Magaji Aare Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State. He is a Registered Nurse (RN) in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with a strong commitment to healthcare and education.
He recently served as a Senior Nursing Officer at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara State. Ibrahim earned his Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSC) from Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division. He furthered his education with an MSc in Nursing Education from Lincoln University College, Malaysia. As the Provost of Adewale Ibrahim College of Health Sciences, Kwara State, he plays a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence and leadership in healthcare education. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics.
Ibrahim has obtained numerous professional certifications from prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and the American Heart Association.
Beyond his contributions to healthcare, Ibrahim is a passionate advocate for community development. He founded the MILA Foundation, which has awarded eight scholarships—ranging from primary to tertiary education—to students in Ilorin East since 2021. His leadership extends to being an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, a member of the Kwara State Innovation Working Group (KW-IWG), and a respected figure in Nigeria’s healthcare training sector. Notably, he became the youngest Provost in Africa at just 25 years old.
In addition to his healthcare and educational achievements, Ibrahim is an active political youth leader. He played a key role in the emergence of Nigeria and Kwara’s current administration and was a member of the APC Presidential Youth Campaign Council, Jagaban Army, and other youth groups. His impact in both healthcare and politics has earned him numerous leadership awards.
Ibrahim Mukhtar Olayode remains a visionary leader, dedicated to advancing healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, continually striving to improve lives through innovation, leadership, and service.
Moremi Ojudu
Strategic Political Communicator, Community Engagement Specialist, and Youth Advocate
Moremi Ojudu is a seasoned Political Communications Strategist and the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Community Engagement in the Southwest zone. A prominent figure in public engagement, she is an advocate for youth development, gender equality, and socio-economic empowerment.
With over seven years of experience in public relations and three years in bespoke political strategy and planning, Moremi has contributed immensely to diverse sectors. Her career highlights include key roles in legislative persuasion, contributing to the passage of impactful laws.
In 2017, Moremi gained national prominence by leading the I Stand with Nigeria protest, advocating for better governance and increased youth participation in politics. Her activism underscored her commitment to fostering civic engagement and holding leadership accountable.
Beyond politics, Moremi is involved in creative ventures, founding “Chez Mo Outfit” and leading initiatives like “Youth Next” and “1THUMB” for youth development and electoral integrity in Nigeria. Her dedication to community development is evident in her efforts to bridge the gap between the government and grassroots communities, ensuring that governance is inclusive and responsive.
Moremi is the daughter of Babafemi Ojudu, a veteran journalist and former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters. Her father's influence has significantly shaped her dedication to public service. Despite their political differences, their relationship exemplifies mutual respect and the essence of freedom in political choices.
Through her multifaceted roles, Moremi Ojudu continues to be a dynamic force in Nigerian politics and community development, driving progressive change and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka
Entrepreneur, Youth Advocate, and Political Leader
Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka is a dynamic entrepreneur and passionate youth advocate dedicated to fostering leadership and economic empowerment among young Nigerians. As the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Stakeholders Forum, he plays a crucial role in mobilizing and engaging the next generation of political and business leaders.
Abdulazeez pursued higher education at Bayero University Kano and Alhikmah University, equipping him with a solid academic foundation that complements his leadership endeavors. His background in entrepreneurship and governance has enabled him to bridge the gap between youth engagement and political participation, advocating for increased representation in decision-making spaces.
Abdulazeez has been at the forefront of several youth-focused initiatives aimed at skill development and economic empowerment. He has led numerous programs designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills in photography, video editing, and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship and motivational sessions, he has inspired many young individuals to take charge of their futures.
As a political leader, Abdulazeez has been instrumental in organizing voter registration campaigns and engaging APC ward youth leaders across multiple states. His advocacy efforts have strengthened youth participation in governance, ensuring their voices are heard at local, state, and national levels.
He has achieved significant milestones, including organizing skill development workshops, engaging with APC Youth Leaders and stakeholders across Kaduna, launching an online voter registration campaign in Kaduna North LGA, and strengthening the APC Youth Stakeholders Forum to support young political aspirants.
Beyond politics and business, Abdulazeez remains committed to mentorship, advocacy, and community development. His vision is to create a Nigeria where young people are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to drive national progress. Through his leadership, he continues to champion initiatives that ensure youth are at the forefront of economic growth and political transformation.
Saliu Adeniyi Rasaq
Business Executive, Investor, and Political Leader
Saliu Adeniyi Rasaq is a seasoned business executive with extensive experience spanning insurance, investment banking, entrepreneurship, and governance. As the Executive Director of LAGRIDE Nigeria Limited, a leading e-hailing company in Lagos, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the city's transportation landscape. His expertise extends across multiple industries, having served on the boards of LASACO Assurance Plc, LASACO Trading and Investment Limited, and LASACO Properties Limited, where he was Board Chairman. He is also a Director at Liquid Crest MicroFinance Bank and SFL Asset Management Limited.
Adeniyi's career began in the insurance sector as a Field Officer at Industrial and General Insurance, before advancing to Business Manager at Standard Alliance Insurance and later serving as Head of Administration at UBA Insurance. His transition into investment banking saw him rise to the position of Divisional Head of Financial Institutions at BGL Securities Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost investment banking firms.
Driven by a passion for finance and business, he established Commodities and Financial Services Limited, a company specializing in trading bonds, treasury bills, and other financial instruments. He also founded Accentril Global Services Limited, a logistics and courier services company. His diverse professional journey led him into politics, where he was elected Local Government Chairman of Eredo LCDA, bringing leadership and development to the grassroots level.
With over 25 years of combined experience across insurance, investment banking, entrepreneurship, and governance, Adeniyi has built a strong reputation as a strategic leader. He holds a Master’s degree in Managerial Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Lagos.
He is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a Certified Management Consultant from the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants (CIMC) Canada. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous local and international training programs, workshops, and seminars to refine his expertise.
A distinguished alumnus of Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Management and Leadership (EuroMoney), Adeniyi has specialized in Strategic Leadership, Risk Management, and Corporate Governance. His wealth of knowledge and leadership experience continue to drive innovation and progress across Nigeria’s financial, business, and political sectors.
Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda
Trailblazing Legislator, Visionary Leader, and Champion for Women’s Empowerment
Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda is a distinguished Nigerian legislator, an astute public administrator, and a formidable force in governance and policy development. A woman of firsts, she has shattered political barriers, becoming a beacon of inspiration for women in leadership. As a representative of Apapa Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, she has held several pivotal roles, making history as the first female Speaker of the Assembly and now serving as the esteemed Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
A lifelong advocate for education and excellence, Mojisola’s academic journey is marked by her commitment to continuous learning. She attended Randle Primary School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School before obtaining a Certificate in Software Development (Network Engineering) from NIIT. She further earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Lagos State University (LASU) and a Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) from the prestigious University of Lagos.
Her illustrious career spans public service, governance, and entrepreneurship. She began her professional journey as a Personal Assistant to the Senior Special Assistant on Information Technology and later served as Personal Assistant to the Director of the Land Information System Support Unit (LISSU) at the Office of the Surveyor General. Her leadership acumen led her to serve as Office Manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited in Lekki before founding Worthline International Services Limited, where she served as Managing Director/CEO.
Mojisola’s deep commitment to public service saw her excel in Apapa Local Government, where she played a key role in grassroots governance. She served as Senior Special Assistant on Intervention and Inter-Governmental Relations and later as Supervisor for Health, where she championed transformative healthcare initiatives that improved lives across her constituency.
A stalwart of progressive politics, she has been a dedicated member of Nigeria’s political evolution, from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her political trajectory is a testament to resilience, strategic leadership, and unwavering service to the people.
Elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola quickly distinguished herself as a legislative powerhouse. She served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in the 8th Assembly and Chairperson of the House Committee on Establishment, Training, Pension, and Public Service. She was later entrusted with the crucial role of Chief Whip in the 9th Assembly.
Her rise to prominence reached historic heights when she was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly. She went on to etch her name in history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly before voluntarily resuming her role as Deputy Speaker—an unprecedented demonstration of her selfless leadership and dedication to institutional stability.
Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda is a trailblazer whose leadership is defined by integrity, transparency, and an unyielding commitment to the people. A passionate advocate for gender equality, governance excellence, and social justice, she remains a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s political landscape.
A woman of unwavering principles, she upholds honesty, hard work, and responsibility as the cornerstones of leadership. She is happily married and blessed with children, balancing a thriving career in governance with a strong commitment to family and community. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, proving that the future of leadership is bold, dynamic, and unapologetically female.
Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan
Engineer, Technocrat, and Youth Development Advocate
Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan is a distinguished Nigerian engineer, technocrat, and public sector leader with a strong track record in technology-driven governance, youth empowerment, and policy implementation. His career has been defined by a commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and community development.
A highly skilled professional, Engr. Adigun earned his degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Lagos State University (LASU) and later obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He is a COREN-certified engineer, a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His technical expertise and leadership acumen have positioned him as a key figure in Nigeria’s engineering and public administration sectors.
Over the years, he has served in various capacities, contributing to digital transformation, governance reform, and infrastructure development. As the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, he has championed numerous programs focused on youth empowerment, skill acquisition, and socio-economic development. His work in the public sector includes serving as a Legislative Aide to Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule and as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on ICT to the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, where he played a pivotal role in leveraging technology for improved governance.
Beyond his professional contributions, Engr. Adigun is a passionate advocate for youth leadership, mentorship, and capacity-building. He has developed innovative tech solutions addressing governance challenges in Lagos and Ogun State, reinforcing his commitment to using technology for social impact.
With a distinguished career dedicated to national development, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan remains a respected leader in Nigeria’s engineering and public policy space, driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence in all his endeavors.
Idowu Sonoiki
Accountant, Youth Advocate and Leader
Idowu Sonoiki who holds a B.Sc in Accounting from the Lagos State University, Ojo is a former One Day Governor of Lagos State a position he attained in 2015 by emerging in the Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition a brainchild of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which began under the Bola Tinubu administration while he was Governor. He is currently pursuing his Chartered Accountancy qualification.
As a dedicated Advocate for youth development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he is a living testimony that one can achieve their dreams regardless of their background limitations.
Passionate about public service and committed to empowering young minds, Idowu is deeply involved in mentoring initiatives aimed at nurturing greatness in the next generation.
Idowu Sonoiki aims to be a great leader transforming his immediate environment and contributing to national development just like his role model, Nigeria's Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu...