The Zikoko Culture List 2025
Our definitive list of the 100 Nigerians who shaped, disrupted and redefined culture in 2025.
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Table Of Contents
Film & TV
Arts & Culture
Music
Beauty & Fashion
Digital Creators
Business & Entrepreneurship
Advocacy
Sports
Media & Journalism
At Zikoko, we pride ourselves in being custodians of Nigerian culture. We document the zeitgeist, trace its shifts, and amplify the people and ideas shaping it. This year, it became clear that we also needed a more intentional way to recognise the Nigerians whose influence on culture cannot be ignored.
That’s how the Zikoko Culture List was born.
The Zikoko Culture List 2025, our inaugural edition, is our way of celebrating Nigerians who shaped, disrupted and redefined culture in 2025. Spanning nine categories — from film & TV to advocacy — and voted on by carefully selected committees, the list is not just about fame or power. It’s about influence, innovation, and lasting impact.
Simply put, it’s Zikoko’s declaration of the people who, in 2025, made Nigeria’s culture pulse louder, at home and across the world.
These are the 100 honourees, in no particular order.
Film & TV
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Samson Toromade (Culture Journalist)
- Nonzo Bassey (Actor)
- Collins Okoh (Screenwriter)
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Joel Kachi Benson
Filmmaker
Joel Kachi Benson is a thoughtful and empathetic documentary filmmaker known for immersive stories that capture the intimacy of real lives. His films lean on empathy, detail and a strong…
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Kaelo Iyizoba
Filmmaker
Kaelo Iyizoba is an up-and-coming director and screenwriter with a distinctive flair for imaginative storytelling, as shown in his 2023 short films, Boy Meets Girl and Nkemefuna (What Is Mine…
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Olalekan Fabilola
Gameshow Host
Olalekan Fabilola is a Yoruba writer, researcher, content creator, and author who centres Yoruba heritage in fresh, contemporary ways. He experiments with language, folklore and cultural plays to keep tradition…
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Uzoamaka Power
Filmmaker/Actor
Uzoamaka Power is an actor, writer and director who brings the same precision and empathy to every part of her craft. Whether she’s in front of the camera or behind…
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Bucci Franklin
Actor
Bucci Franklin is an actor known for his strong dramatic presence and his ability to command attention on screen. He brings intensity to his roles while maintaining a grounded emotional…
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Blessing Uzzi
Producer
Blessing Uzzi is a filmmaker and showrunner whose work is grounded in social reality and emotional honesty. She crafts stories that reflect the lived experiences of Nigerians with care and…
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Daniel Etim Effiong
Actor/Director
Daniel Etim Effiong is an actor and director whose performances are guided by precision, emotional intelligence and careful craft. His dual skill set allows him to build stories from both…
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Dika Ofoma
Filmmaker
Dika Ofoma is a fast-rising filmmaker drawn to intimate, emotionally charged stories that foreground queer life and inner conflict. His work embraces subtle gestures and layered narrative textures. He is…
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James Omokwe
Director
James Omokwe is a director and showrunner whose work stretches across genres with confident, cinematic ambition. He has shaped a reputation for bold visual scale and meticulous storytelling. His projects…
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Akinola Davies Jr and Wale Davies
Filmmakers
Akinola Davies Jr and Wale Davies (one half of the acclaimed rap duo, Show Dem Camp) are brothers who approach filmmaking with a shared instinct for visual depth and emotional…
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Arts & Culture
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Mikey Oshai (Photographer)
- Desmond Vincent (Culture Journalist)
- Osemudiamen Ehiabhi (Product Design Lead, BCM)
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Omobolade Mayowa (@hookedbylade)
Crochet Designer
Omobolade Mayowa (commonly known by her social media handle, @hookedbylade) is a crochet designer whose handcrafted pieces highlight Nigerian creativity in a modern context. She works with texture, colour and…
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Temidayo “SDL” Arise
Visual Artist
Temidayo “SDL” Arise is a visual artist whose practice spans illustration, storytelling and world-building. He creates imaginative universes through detailed visual language. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to narrative-driven…
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DJ Aniko (Aderinsola Ogala)
DJ
Aderinsola Ogala, known as DJ Aniko, is a genre-blending electronic DJ and the founder of Group Therapy, a rave company. She fuses African rhythms with global club influences to create…
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Bolu Babalola
Writer
Bolu Babalola is a bestselling writer and cultural commentator whose work focuses on witty and contemporary love narratives. Her stories centre romance and the joyful representation of it. Her voice…
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Eloghosa Osunde
Writer
Eloghosa Osunde is a writer and multidisciplinary creative whose stories interrogate identity and the surreal. Their work spans literature, conceptual art and boundary-pushing narrative forms. They are being honoured for…
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Daniel Obasi
Photographer
Daniel Obasi is a photographer, stylist and art director known for a dreamlike, Afrofuturist aesthetic. He creates imagery that blends fantasy, fashion and cultural commentary. His vision has shaped the…
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Niyi Fabgemi
Photographer/Filmmaker
Niyi Fagbemi is a photographer and filmmaker recognised for dynamic and movement-focused imagery. His work captures the pulse of everyday life and the shifting energy of urban spaces. He has…
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Anthony Azekwoh
Visual Artist
Anthony Azekwoh is a multidisciplinary artist and writer whose work blends African mythology, contemporary culture and vivid symbolism. His paintings, stories and digital art explore imagination in bold ways. He…
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Music
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Dami Ajayi (Poet, Critic & Music Writer)
- Tomide Marv (Music Journalist)
- Jim Donnett (PR & Admin Manager, Sony Music, West Africa)
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Akinade Ibuoye (Gaise Baba)
Artist
Akinade Ibuoye (Gaise Baba) is a Nigerian gospel artist whose work blends faith and contemporary sound. He writes and performs music rooted in conviction but open to experimentation. His efforts…
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Ayra Starr
Artist
Ayra Starr is a pop star whose music blends confidence, emotional colour and agile vocal work. She moves across genres with ease and has become a defining young voice in…
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Melody “M.I.A” Adigo
Hype Woman
Melody “M.I.A” Adigo is a broadcaster, hype act and nightlife presence who brings an unmistakable voice to stages, studios and digital platforms. She is being honoured for being one of…
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Beauty & Fashion
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Edwin Okolo (Co-founder, Studio IMO)
- Mazzi Odu (Writer & Creative Consultant)
- Mary Edoro (Fashion Editor)
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Kayito Nwokedi
Stylist
Kayito Nwokedi is an stylist, image architect, and creative director who entered fashion early and built a career on precision and collaborative vision. He works across photography, styling and brand…
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Nathan Jones
Director, Atelier Onikan
Nathan Jones is the technical mind behind Atelier Onikan, where he works as the director and a consultant bridging vision and execution for designers. His expertise sits in garment construction,…
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Omoyemi Akerele
Entrepreneur
Omoyemi Akerele is the convener of Lagos Fashion Week and a cultural strategist whose work shapes the future of African fashion. She focuses on sustainability, talent development and global industry…
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Adebayo Oke-Lawal
Founder, Orange Culture
Adebayo Oke-Lawal is the founder of Orange Culture, a menswear brand known for its emotional storytelling and gender-fluid design language. His work embraces colour, introspection and tender masculinity. He is…
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Victor Anate
Designer
Victor Anate, known widely as Vicnate, is a designer who channels Parisian haute couture influences into a distinctly Nigerian fashion voice. He began designing at fourteen and has since developed…
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Subuola Oyeleye
CEO, Beauty Hut
Subuola Oyeleye is the founder and CEO of Beauty Hut Africa, a retail and distribution company addressing long-standing gaps in the beauty supply chain. Her platform focuses on authenticity, transparency…
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Kanyinsola Onalaja
Designer
Kanyinsola Onalaja is a designer whose work blends sculpture, textile study and personal heritage. She brings a distinctive visual language to contemporary fashion, marked by structure and emotive detail. Her…
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Renike Olusanya and Damilola Onosowobo Marcus
Co-founders, Bawsty
Renike Olusanya and Damilola Onosowobo Marcus lead Bawsty, a fashion label dedicated to fuller-busted women. They design with precision and empathy, consistently centring the bodies that mainstream fashion often sidelines.…
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Nez Anazodo, Cosmas Ojemen, Adedayo Laketu, and Oluwadare Seyi
C0-founders Pith Africa
Nez Anazodo, Cosmas Ojemen, Adedayo Laketu and Oluwadare Seyi are the founders of Pith Africa, a streetwear brand built on experimentation, cultural instinct and anti-fashion rebellion. Their work evolves constantly,…
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Rukky Ladoja and Ozzy Etomi
Co-founders, Dye Lab
Rukky Ladoja and Ozzy Etomi are the co-founders of Dye Lab, a brand rooted in traditional Nigerian dyeing and minimalist design. They work with a craft-first philosophy that prioritises heritage…
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Digital Creators
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Ayo Lawal (Editor, This Day Style)
- IK Nwosu (Managing Editor, Okay Africa)
- Dami Olatunji (Managing Editor, Zikoko)
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Political Baby
Content Creator
Political Baby is a fast-rising video essayist and self-proclaimed “baddie scholar” known for her brilliant, culturally aware commentary on Nigerian life. Her thoughtfully researched video essays hold up a mirror…
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Charity Ekezie
Content Creator
Charity Ekezie is a satirist and digital storyteller who uses humour to challenge global misconceptions about Africa. She creates sharp, short-form videos that highlight stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings. Her style…
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Chinasa Anukam
Content Creator
Chinasa Anukam is the creator and host of Is This Seat Taken?, a hit interview series beloved for its sharp wit and effortless authenticity. She has built a profile as…
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Hauwa Lawal
Content Creator
Hauwa Lawal is a Nigerian content creator, writer and comedian known for personality-driven videos. Her work blends character comedy and reflective digital essays. She has earned a dedicated following through…
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Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu
Podcast Hosts
Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu are the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast I Said What I Said. Their show blends humour, cultural commentary and honest conversation. They have shaped a…
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Alma Asinobi
Lifestyle & Travel Content Creator
Alma Asinobi is a lifestyle and travel content creator. Her work combines travel, culture and reflective narration. She has built an audience that looks to her for thoughtful stories about…
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Salem King
Content Creator
Salem King is a content strategist and creative educator who teaches people to communicate, create and build with confidence. His work sits at the intersection of personal growth, creativity and…
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Asherkine (Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo)
Content Creator
Asherkine (Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo) is a philanthropist and digital creator dedicated to supporting people in vulnerable situations. His platform blends storytelling with direct social intervention. He is being honoured for…
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Jay-On-Air (Joseph Onaolapo)
Content Creator
Jay-On-Air (Joseph Onaolapo) is a broadcaster and digital creator who works across radio, video and online storytelling. He is known for a warm presenting style and a strong ability to…
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Korty (Eniola Olanrewaju)
Filmmaker
Korty (Eniola Olanrewaju) is an independent filmmaker, digital storyteller, and Zikoko alumnus. She is known for her distinctive visual style and intimate narrative voice. Her YouTube channel has become a…
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Business & Entrepreneurship
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Favour Ogunlana Azeez (Head of BizDev, BCM)
- Ganiu Oloruntade (Senior Editor, TechCabal)
- Lawretta Egba (CEO, Mustard Insights)
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Deola and Dare Art Alade
CEO/CCO, Livespot360
Deola (Chief Executive Officer) and Dare Art Alade (Chief Creative Officer) are creative entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s entertainment ecosystem. They lead Livespot360, a company known for large-scale cultural experiences and digital…
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Aanu Adedoyin Adasolum
CEO, Sabi
Aanu Adedoyin Adasolum is the CEO of Sabi, an e-commerce and infrastructure company. She works across supply chains, traceability and commerce technology. She is being honoured for launching TRACE in…
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Daniel Ajayi, David Alade, and Oluwapelumi Dada
Co-founders
Daniel Ajayi, David Alade and Oluwapelumi Dada are the founders of Sorce, a platform often described as Tinder for jobs. Their product uses a swipe-based interface to match job seekers…
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Seye Bandele
CEO, PaidHR
Seye Bandele is the CEO of PaidHR, a company focused on building HR and payroll solutions for African businesses. He works across technology, financial access and workforce management. His goal…
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Habib Olawale Wasulu
Founder, Smileys Africa
Habib Olawale Wasulu is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and the founder of Smileys Africa. He built the brand from a small investment into a rising streetwear and lifestyle label. His…
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Damilola Olokosusi
CEO, Shuttlers
Damilola Olokosusi is the founder of Shuttlers, a mobility company modernising urban commuting in Nigeria. She leads a team focused on technology, sustainability and efficiency in daily transport. Her work…
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Odunayo Eweniyi
COO, Piggyvest
Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and COO of PiggyVest, one of Africa’s leading digital savings and investment platforms. She works at the intersection of financial inclusion, product innovation and community-building,…
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Victor Ekwealor
Founder, Clarus
Victor Ekwealor is a founder, journalist, and growth leader with over a decade of experience in Africa’s technology ecosystem. His career has spanned reporting, operations and strategy. He now channels…
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Femi Aluko
CEO, Chowdeck
Femi Aluko is the CEO of Chowdeck, a technology-powered delivery platform that connects consumers with their favourite restaurants, food vendors, grocery and medicine providers. He works at the intersection of…
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Folayemi Agusto
Co-founder, Tix Africa, Eat.Drink.Lagos
Folayemi Agusto is a Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of tix.africa, the self-service ticketing and event management platform streamlining how organisers publish, promote and sell tickets across the continent. She also…
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Advocacy
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Afolabi Aiyela (Executive Director, TIERS Nigeria)
- Hauwa Ojeifo (Founder, She Writes Woman)
- Astor George (Senior Editor, Zikoko)
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Dorothy Njemanze
Civic Advocate
Dorothy Njemanze is a civic advocate and founder of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation. She has spent years championing women’s rights and representation. Her work combines activism, policy engagement and public…
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Aproko Doctor
Health Influencer
Aproko Doctor is a public health advocate whose videos reach audiences across Nigeria and beyond. He explains medical information in clear and accessible ways. His online presence has made reliable…
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Solomon Ayodele
Founder, Boys Quarters Africa
Solomon Ayodele is the founder and CEO of Boys Quarters Africa, a movement challenging outdated ideas of masculinity. He builds programmes focused on education, mentorship and empowerment for boys and…
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Ushie Rita Uguamaye (Raye)
Civic Commentator
Raye is a civic commentator whose voice resonates strongly with young Nigerians. She uses direct language and digital presence to spotlight governance issues and daily frustrations. Her platform has become…
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Iyola Afeez
Educator
Iyola Afeez is an educator and social entrepreneur who founded CoachAfrika, a platform that supports teachers across the continent. He trains educators to improve their classroom skills and strengthen their…
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Amara Nwuneli
Climate Activist
Amara Nwuneli is a seventeen-year-old Nigerian-American climate activist, writer and founder of Preserve Our Roots. She leads a youth-driven movement focused on environmental education and climate action. She is being…
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Abayomi Della
Entrepreneur
Abayomi Della is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Tsion Academy in Osun State. She designed the institution to accommodate children from low-income and out-of-school backgrounds. Her mission is…
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Aramide Kayode
Founder, Talent Mine School
Aramide Kayode is an educator who founded the Talent Mine School in Sango-Ota. She created the school to offer tuition-free, long-term learning opportunities to children who would otherwise be shut…
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Priye Diri
Feminist Filmmaker
Priye Diri is a gender justice advocate who is deeply invested in safeguarding the dignity and safety of vulnerable groups. She is being honoured for launching a petition against efforts…
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Tunde Onakoya
Founder, Chess in Slums Africa
Tunde Onakoya is a chess educator and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, who uses the game as a tool for transformation. He works with children from underserved communities, teaching…
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Sports
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Tolu Olasoji (Sports Journalist)
- Oluwatobi Ayinde (Sports Journalist)
- Solace Chukwu (Sports Journalist)
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Ezekiel Nathaniel
Athlete
Ezekiel Nathaniel is a Nigerian athlete who competes in the 400m hurdles. He represents a new wave of track talents pushing Nigeria back into global contention. His rise has drawn…
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Eniola Bolaji
Para-Badminton Player
Eniola Bolaji is a para-badminton player representing Nigeria and Africa on the global stage. She is known for her determination, speed and technical skills on the court. Her performances have…
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Kanyisola Ajayi
Athelete
Kanyinsola Ajayi is a Nigerian sprinter whose rise has injected new hope into the Nigerian men’s sprinting scene. He is known for his speed, focus and competitive maturity. His performances…
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Victor Osimhen
Footballer
Victor Osimhen is a professional footballer and has become one of the most feared attackers in world football. His impact is seen both in his finishing and his leadership on…
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Favour Ofili
Athlete
Favour Ofili is a Nigerian-Turkish sprinter who competes in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events. Popular for her speed, explosive power and consistency across sprint distances, she has emerged…
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Elizabeth Anyanacho
Athlete
Elizabeth Anyanacho is a Nigerian taekwondo athlete known for her discipline and strong international presence. She competes at the highest level and represents a growing generation of Nigerian martial artists,…
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Rena Wakama
Coach
Rena Wakama is a former professional basketball player and current head coach of the Nigeria Senior Women's Basketball Team, D’Tigress. She is recognised for her clear vision, sharp tactical thinking…
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Amy Okonkwo
Basketball Player
Amy Okonkwo is a Nigerian basketball player and the captain of the women’s national team, D’Tigress. She is known for her strong scoring ability, defensive awareness and leadership on and…
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Tobi Amusan
Athlete
Tobi Amusan is a track and field athlete and one of Nigeria’s most recognisable sports exports. She competes in the 100m hurdles and has been a constant presence on major…
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Chiamaka Nnadozie
Footballer
Chiamaka Nnadozie is a professional footballer and goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club. She is known for her sharp reflexes, vocal leadership and…
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Media & Journalism
VOTING COMMITTEE
- Fu’ad Lawal (EIC, TechCabal)
- Daniel Orubo (EIC, Zikoko)
- Todah Opeyemi (Reporter, BBCAfrica)
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Vincent Desmond
Journalist
Vincent Desmond is a journalist whose writing spans fashion, culture and queer history. His work has appeared in global publications such as Vogue, Vice and Paper. He brings a sharp…
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Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie
Journalist
Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie is a journalist and the host of Untold Stories with Adesuwa, a long-form interview video series that explores Nigeria’s identity, culture, and history through intimate conversations with key…
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Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega
Founder, Notadeepdive
Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega is the founder and writer of Notadeepdive, a newsletter focused on breaking down big moves in business, technology and digital culture. His writing blends analysis with humour and…
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Kunle Adebajo
Journalist
Kunle Adebajo is an investigative journalist whose work focuses on conflict reporting, accountability and financial networks. His reporting is shaped by a commitment to uncovering the structures that enable harm.…
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Samson Toromade
Journalist
Samson Toromade is the Storytelling and Community Lead at Archivi.ng and author of The Archivist dispatches. He helps shape the project’s editorial voice and contextual reporting. His work supports Archivi.ng’s…
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Oluwamayowa Idowu
Journalist
Oluwamayowa Idowu is a journalist, lawyer and media entrepreneur whose work spans cultural reporting and creative-economy documentation. He is co-founder and editor-in-chief at Culture Custodian and producer/host of Overnight Success. …
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Kofoworola Odozi
Journalist
Kofoworola Odozi is the editorial lead at WeAreGST, where she has reshaped the platform into a youthful, incisive news voice. Her work blends rigorous reporting with sharp visual storytelling. She…
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David I. Adeleke
Founder, Communiqué
David I. Adeleke is the founder of Communiqué, a media platform that began as a newsletter but evolved into a broader intelligence and research operation. He works across reporting, strategy…
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Wale Lawal
Founder, The Republic
Wale Lawal is the founder and CEO of The Republic, a platform dedicated to sharp, long-form analysis on African politics, business and culture. His background in research and consulting shapes…
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CREDITS
PRODUCERS
- Daniel Orubo
- Astor George
WRITERS
- Astor George
EDITORS
- Daniel Orubo
- Toheeb Lanlehin
- Dami Olatunji
- Adeyinka Odutuyo
RESEARCHERS
- Tomide Marv
- Adaora Obeleagu
DESIGNERS
- Osemudiamen Ehiabhi
- Lanre Adebanjo
ENGINEERS
- Basil Okache
- Stephen Akinola
- Tuedon Tuoyo
- Chioma Nwadiko
OUR MISSION
Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.