Their train left the Yaba train station early Tuesday morning, enroute Abeokuta in Ogun State, in continuation of their transformative journey across some selected locations in Nigeria.
18 innovative professionals who are set to reshape African leadership through the Elevate Africa Fellowship, continued their groundbreaking journey of innovation, discovery, and transformative impact in Nigeria with a visit to the ancient city of Abeokuta in Ogun State.
Their first point of call in Abeokuta was the famous heritage of the Egba people, the great Olumo Rock! The inaugural fellows, comprising 18 exceptional professionals from 13 African nations, climbed the historic rock with great enthusiasm and gait. One after the other, in company of their ever flashing phones and a busy photographer, they filed on the rough terrace to the summit of the rock, screaming, laughing, asking questions after questions. It was a load of fun.
After having a feel of the height of the road and the serenity of the rocky neighbourhood, their next destination was to the famous and ever busy Adire Mall at Kemta Itoku in Abeokuta. Famously noted as the largest market in Africa for the locally made fabric called Adire, the well structured market houses traders from all lands in Yoruba who specialises in the production and sales of the locally made attire.
The Twenty Minutes Shopping Spree!
Fascinated by the beautiful display of the Adire wears, these transformative leaders went on a shopping spree. From bubu shorts to trousers, well tailored tops to buba, to the yards of the well patterned attire, each of these shoppers satisfied their appetite for the beautiful designs.
From the Adire shopping mall, they moved to the legendary and historical Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, still within Abeokuta.
Olawale, the tour guide took the fellows through all historical artifacts of the OOPL. The first point of call was the building that housed all the vehicular relics of ex President Olusegun Obasanjo. From his first ride, a bicycle to his first beetle car (a volkswagen) to his Peugeot car, his Mercedes and his various official cars, armoured tanks, a naval ship replical and helicopter. It was indeed of an international standard.
From there, the Fellows crossed the Bailey Bridge, also known as the Unity Bridge, to the main arena of the library.
All relics there qualified as a selfie centre and the fellows did justice to that. Although, phones and cameras were not allowed inside the library, but a dedicated photographer followed the Fellows everywhere they turned and made sure he captured every moment of fun and history the Fellows shared at the library to make their visit a memorable one.
Earlier in the week, the Fellows had visited Sahara Group, a leading African energy conglomerate, were they were introduced to the Sahara Verse, a corporate philosophy driven by their “Making A Difference” (MAD) mantra.
The cohort also explored the dynamic intersection of trade, fintech, and innovation at Providus Bank.
By engaging with the bank’s collaborative ecosystem and witnessing their partnership with Paystack, a prominent fintech platform, fellows gained invaluable insights into financial innovation and strategic collaboration.
Following the one-week experiential tour in Nigeria, where they also visited Warri in Delta State and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the cohort will proceed to Mauritius for an intensive one-week academic classroom training focused on leadership development.
The program is set to culminate in an exhibition in October, providing fellows with a platform to showcase their insights and potential transformative projects.
Ikuenobe, CEO of Elevate Africa Fellowship articulated the program’s core philosophy, stating that, “…The African story did not begin with slavery. Before then we were warriors, and innovators. We want to reclaim that story of who we truly are. The Elevate Africa Fellowship is rooted in the belief that African leaders are best positioned to address the continent’s unique challenges through collaborative leadership, innovation, and community engagement.”
The 2025 Elevate Africa Fellows represent a diverse range of sectors and expertise, from climate advocacy and public health to technology and creative industries. Selected from over 3,447 applicants across 37 countries, these 17 professionals embody excellence, integrity, and a commitment to continental transformation.
This immersive tour is just the first phase of a comprehensive leadership development program. The fellows will engage in structured modules, executive coaching, and network-building opportunities, all designed to equip them with tools to drive meaningful change across Africa.
Elevate Africa Fellowship is a brainchild of Royal Majesties Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, and Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom. This initiative affirms a measured and intentional investment in Africa’s future through a carefully curated fellowship programme supported by a $1 million commitment.
As Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom and a key architect of the initiative, previously stated, “This wasn’t just work—it was a bet on the future of Africa.”
The Elevate Africa Fellowship continues to illuminate the path for a new generation of African leaders, promising a future shaped by innovation, collaboration, and transformative action.