Five Nigerians have been recognized by Forbes Africa in its “Class of 2017 30 under 30”.
They are considered to be among 600 of the brightest young
entrepreneurs, innovators and game changers in the world, focusing on
business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and
lifestyle, according to the global media company.
They include Nasir Yammama, Shakeela Tolasade Williams, Muktar Onifade, Edikan Udiong and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji.
Yammama, 27, founded Verdant AgriTech, a social enterprise to support
rural farmers with mobile technologies for sustainable farming and
improved food production in 2014. In collaboration with Oxfam and GIZ,
Verdant is currently running a project to support 25,000 farmers. This
month, Yammama will receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in England.
Williams, 29, quit her banking job to pursue a career in the hair
extension industry and made a £150,000 turnover within the first two
years of opening a boutique and selling hair extensions and custom
products from her car.
Onifade, 26, founded VIZUVLGVDS, a fashion brand that focuses on
contemporary African art. He designs for Young Paris, Davido,
Patoranking, Banky W, D’banj, Ice Prince, Angela Simmons and Ugo Mozie.
Udiong, 29, started Oleander House in 2012, inspired from watching
her sister and friends search for a particular weight loss supplement.
To stay atop of her game, she created Flat Tummy Teatox and Oleander
House and has expanded an online health shop, owning other range of
products.
Aboyeji, 26, started Flutterwave, a provider of technology and
infrastructure solutions for digital payments across Africa. The company
processes over $760 million through 7.5 million transactions for
merchants in partnership with financial institutions.
According to Forbes, the average age of the class is 27 with the
average age of women who make up 33% of the class being 28.2 while the
average age of men is 26.4.
