Rilwan Akeyewale, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has been awarded the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) award.
This accolade, established by His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Ọọni of Ifẹ, Adeyẹye Ẹnitan Ogunwusi, Ọjaja II, celebrates exceptional young Africans who have made remarkable impacts on their communities and the continent at large.
The RAYLF, now in its fourth year, is an annual ceremony that honors 100 distinguished young leaders from 40 African countries.
These honourees are recognized for their outstanding achievements across various fields, including entrepreneurship, politics, advocacy, technology, healthcare, and social impact. This year’s event was a grand showcase of talent, innovation, and the relentless spirit of young Africans driving change.
Rilwan Akeyewale, a seasoned business strategist and financial analyst, stood out among this year’s honorees. He is celebrated for founding TechPlan Africa, a consultancy that aids startups and SMEs in crafting robust business plans and financial models. His visionary leadership and commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs have garnered widespread admiration.
Rilwan’s entrepreneurial journey includes the establishment of the Business Plan Academy, an online institution dedicated to equipping young Africans with essential entrepreneurial skills.
To date, the Academy has empowered over 2,000 young individuals, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of the business world. Over the past six years, a total of 10,000 individuals have benefited from the Academy’s programs, marking a significant milestone in Rilwan’s mission to foster a culture of innovation and enterprise across Africa.
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ọọni Adeyẹye Ogunwusi, expressed his admiration for the honorees, noting that their achievements are a testament to the potential and resilience of African youth.
“The Royal African Young Leadership Forum is a platform to celebrate and inspire the next generation of African leaders. These young individuals are not only making significant contributions to their communities but are also driving the narrative of a prosperous and self-reliant Africa,” he remarked.
