Yejide Aina Shines at Global Entrepreneurship Festival, Receives Global Recognition Award.

Yejide Aina, fondly known as “The Illuminator,” was celebrated at the recently concluded Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) for her outstanding contributions to social entrepreneurship and impact. Held from November 22 to 24, 2024, in Akure, the festival drew entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers from across the globe.

On the final day of the festival, Yejide received the Global Recognition Award in the Social Entrepreneurship and Impact category. This prestigious honor acknowledged her unwavering commitment to empowering young people and promoting sustainable development across Africa.

“This award is not just a win for me but a win for every young African striving to make a difference,” Yejide said during her acceptance speech. “It shows that our efforts to educate, empower, and innovate are being seen and valued.”

Yejide’s work under The Illuminator’s Academy has been transformative. With initiatives such as PHD4GIRLS, PHD4BOYS,PHD4KIDS and the globally recognized PhDForGirls Podcast, she has created platforms that nurture the potential of Africa’s youth. Her podcast alone, broadcast on 13 global platforms, reaches thousands. As an author her book “5 Tips on Personal Agility For Today’s Girl ” translated into French and Swahilli is recognised as a global resource for equipping young minds with essential tools to navigate the modern world.

The Girl-child Letter Mug (GCLMug), a symbol of hope and empowerment available in 11 languages, is one of her standout innovations. The captivating letter-mug reflects Yejide’s ’s dedication to encouraging girls to dream bigger and achieve. “It’s about giving young girls the courage to see beyond limitations and thrive in spaces they never thought possible,unleashing their mindsets of boundless and borderless possibilities,” she said.

Yejide is Top 50 African Women in Development. Her influence extends to global collaborations with organizations like the United Nations and was featured in UN News, Microsoft, MIPAD, Stanbic IBTC. In October 2024, she was invited to the Presidential Villa by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to participate significantly in the girl-child education conference and sustainable development.

Speaking at the festival, GEF Chairperson Dan Walkovitz praised Yejide’s work: “Yejide has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. Her programs are changing lives, her voice inspires action, and her ideas are shaping the future of Africa.”

In addition to the award, Yejide was one of the invited speakers at the GEF to share insights on the 21st century entrepreneur, and empower the next generation. Her message to the world is that the youths in Africa are the blessings that can transform the continent.
“Every African youth is incredibly endowed with gifts and God-given talents even beyond their imaginations. You only need to look within, it’s in you already! ”
“Africa’s youth are our greatest asset. With the right support, they can lead us into a brighter, more equitable future.”

With over 18 years of corporate experience and a relentless passion for change, Yejide Aina continues to prove that one person’s vision can ignite a continent’s transformation.