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In Conversation with OluwaKemi Ann-Melody Areola: Insights on Fintech, Gender Equality, and the Future of Work

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9 months ago

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OluwaKemi Ann-Melody Areola, an accomplished Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
graduate from London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom, boasts over 15 years of experience in designing and implementing strategies across the public, private, and NGO sectors. Recently, Kemi sat down with the media to share her perspectives on critical issues shaping Nigeria’s future, including government policies on the fintech sector, the push for gender equality, and the evolving landscape of work. The conversation also coincided with her birthday, adding a personal touch to the insightful discussion.

  1. President Tinubu’s Pledge to Support the Fintech Sector
    Kemi expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the fintech sector, which is predominantly driven by young, innovative Nigerians leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion. She noted that this pledge could unlock significant opportunities, including increased investment, regulatory reforms, and improved access to funding for startups. However, she cautioned that challenges such as cybersecurity threats, regulatory bottlenecks, and inadequate digital infrastructure must be addressed to fully realize the sector’s potential. If managed effectively, Kemi believes Nigeria could emerge as a leading fintech hub in Africa, creating jobs and empowering the youth economically.
  2. Push for Gender Equity in Nigeria: Gains and Challenges
    Reflecting on gender equity, Kemi acknowledged the progress made in areas like education, entrepreneurship, and political awareness, with more Nigerian women breaking barriers in business and leadership. However, she highlighted persistent challenges, including cultural biases, limited political representation, and gender-based violence. To achieve true equity, Kemi emphasized the need for stronger policies that promote equal opportunities, increase women’s participation in politics, and provide better access to funding for female entrepreneurs.
  3. Nigeria’s Readiness for the Future of Work
    Kemi assessed Nigeria’s readiness for the future of work, noting that while the country has taken steps to align with global trends—such as digital skills development and entrepreneurship—structural issues like unemployment, outdated educational curricula, and inadequate infrastructure remain significant hurdles. She called for urgent education reforms, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation and job creation. Kemi also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving these changes.
  4. Goals of ‘Nigeria Works 2030’
    Discussing the ‘Nigeria Works 2030’ initiative, Kemi highlighted its aim to create a future-ready workforce by equipping young Nigerians with skills relevant to emerging industries. She explained that the plan focuses on vocational training, digital education, and policies that support job creation in high-growth sectors like technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Kemi emphasized that collaboration with the private sector and international development partners will be crucial to achieving these ambitious goals.
  5. Nigeria’s Role in the Critical Minerals Value Chain
    Kemi pointed out that despite Africa’s abundance of mineral resources, the continent’s share of jobs in the value chain remains minimal due to limited processing and manufacturing capacity. She suggested that Nigeria could position itself as a key player by investing in local beneficiation, establishing industrial zones for mineral processing, and attracting foreign investment in refining technologies. Additionally, she advocated for policies that encourage local content participation and STEM education to create employment opportunities in this sector.
  6. Women’s Participation in Politics Under This Administration
    On the topic of women in politics, Kemi expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women in key government positions. While acknowledging some progress, she called for more active engagement by women in grassroots mobilization, advocacy, and mentorship programs. Kemi also urged electoral reforms that promote gender inclusivity and provide funding support for female candidates to level the playing field.
  7. Personal Journey in Politics, Public Relations, and Development
    Sharing her personal journey, Kemi revealed that her career has been driven by a passion for public service, strategic communication, and social impact. Starting with grassroots advocacy, she transitioned into public relations, where she played a pivotal role in shaping narratives and policies that drive development. Over the years, Kemi has been involved in international dialogues on governance, sustainable development, and youth empowerment, with her work consistently focused on creating opportunities for inclusive growth.
  8. Opinion on the ‘Japa’ Syndrome
    Addressing the ‘Japa’ syndrome—the trend of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities—Kemi described it as a reflection of systemic issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic instability. While acknowledging that migration can offer opportunities, she urged Nigeria to create a thriving environment where young people can build successful careers without feeling the need to leave. This, she argued, requires comprehensive policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and robust support for entrepreneurship.
  9. Advice for Women Seeking Impactful Careers
    Kemi’s advice to women aspiring to make an impact is to be intentional about their growth, build strong networks, and embrace leadership roles without hesitation. She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and mentorship. Above all, Kemi encouraged women to support one another in breaking societal barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Finally,What Are Your Plans for less privilege in the society

Time for me to reflect, give back, and celebrate life in meaningful ways. This year, I’m excited to continue building on the work we’ve started with the NGO. We’re planning to expand our reach by providing not just school bags and books, but also setting up small libraries in underserved communities to encourage a culture of reading and learning among children.

Additionally, I’m working on a new project aimed at empowering young girls through STEM education. We’ll be launching workshops and mentorship programs to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders. It’s something I’m truly passionate about, and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have.

This year, I’m focusing on gratitude, growth, and giving back—because there’s no better way to celebrate than by making a difference in the lives of others.

Through her insightful commentary, OluwaKemi Ann-Melody Areola not only highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria but also offered practical solutions and a vision for a brighter, more inclusive future. Her expertise and passion for development continue to inspire and drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

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NELFUND: The Renewed Hope Engine Propelling Nigeria’s Youth into Tomorrow

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3 days ago

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November 28, 2025

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By Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader, APC

As the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress, I have spent most of my tenure fighting for a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of their ward or local government, family income, or circumstance, can chase dreams without the chains of financial despair.

Today, that fight feels like victory, thanks to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Launched as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this initiative isn’t just a policy tweak; it’s a revolution. And under the steady, visionary hand of Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr, NELFUND has transformed from a bold promise into a roaring engine of opportunity, disbursing over ₦116 billion to more than 396,000 students and shattering barriers for over a million applicants.

Let’s be clear: NELFUND was always destined to be a game-changer. Signed into law by President Tinubu on April 3, 2024, it repealed the outdated 2023 Student Loan Act, replacing it with a modern, inclusive framework that covers tuition, upkeep allowances, and even vocational training—ensuring no Nigerian youth is left on the sidelines of progress.

But what elevates it from groundbreaking to generational? Leadership. Enter Akintunde Sawyerr, the diplomat-turned-executioner whose career reads like a blueprint for results-driven governance. From co-founding the Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN) in 2012—backed by icons like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina—to steering global logistics at DHL across 21 countries, Sawyerr brings a rare alchemy: strategic foresight fused with unyielding accountability.

As NELFUND’s pioneer MD, he’s turned a fledgling fund into a finely tuned machine, processing over 1 million applications since May 2024 and disbursing ₦116 billion—₦61.33 billion in institutional fees and ₦46.35 billion in upkeep—to students in 231 tertiary institutions nationwide. That’s not bureaucracy; that’s brilliance.

Sawyerr’s touch is everywhere in NELFUND’s ascent. Since the portal’s launch, he’s overseen a digital ecosystem that’s as transparent as it is efficient—seamless verification, BVN-linked tracking, and real-time dashboards that have quashed misinformation and built trust. In just 18 months, the fund has empowered 396,252 students with interest-free loans, many first-generation learners who might otherwise have dropped out.

Sensitization drives in places like Ekiti and Ogun have spiked applications — 12,000 in a single day in one instance, while expansions to vocational centers in Enugu pilot the next wave of skills-based funding. And amid challenges like data mismatches and fee hikes, Sawyerr’s team has iterated relentlessly: aligning disbursements with academic calendars, resuming backlogged upkeep payments for over 3,600 students, and even probing institutional compliance to safeguard every kobo. This isn’t management; it’s mastery—a man who doesn’t just lead but launches futures.

Yet, none of this happens in a vacuum. President Tinubu’s alliance with trailblazers like Sawyerr is the secret sauce securing Nigeria’s tomorrow. The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda isn’t rhetoric; it’s resources—₦100 billion seed capital channeled into a system that prioritizes equity over elitism. Together, they’ve forged a partnership where vision meets velocity: Tinubu’s bold repeal of barriers meets Sawyerr’s boots-on-the-ground execution, turning abstract policy into tangible triumphs. It’s a synergy that’s non-discriminatory by design—Christians, Muslims, every tribe and tongue united in access—fostering national cohesion through classrooms, not courtrooms.

As Sawyerr himself notes, this is “visionary leadership” in action, where the President’s political will ignites reforms that ripple across generations.

Why does this matter to us, Nigeria’s youth? Because NELFUND isn’t handing out handouts—it’s handing out horizons. In a country where 53% of us grapple with unemployment, these loans aren’t just funds; they’re fuel for innovation, entrepreneurship, and endurance.

Picture it: A first-generation polytechnic student in Maiduguri, once sidelined by fees, now graduates debt-free (repayments start two years post-NYSC, employer-deducted for ease) and launches a tech startup. Or a vocational trainee in Enugu, equipped with skills funding, revolutionizing local agriculture. This is quality education that endures—not fleeting certificates, but lifelong launchpads. Sawyerr’s focus on human-centered design ensures loans cover not just books, but bread—upkeep stipends of ₦20,000 monthly keeping hunger at bay so minds can soar. Under his watch, NELFUND has debunked doubts, refuted fraud claims, and delivered results that scream sustainability: Over ₦99.5 billion to 510,000 students by September, with 228 institutions on board.

As youth leaders, we see NELFUND for what it is: A covenant with our future. President Tinubu and MD Sawyerr aren’t just allies; they’re architects of an educated, empowered Nigeria—one where poverty’s grip loosens with every approved application, and innovation blooms from every funded desk. This isn’t charity; it’s an investment in the 70 million of us who will lead tomorrow.

We’ve crossed one million applications not because of luck, but leadership—a duo that’s turning “access denied” into “future unlocked.”

To President Tinubu: Thank you for daring to dream big and backing it with action.

To Akintunde Sawyerr: You’re the executor we needed, proving that one steady hand can steady a nation.

And to every Nigerian youth: Apply. Graduate. Conquer.

Because with NELFUND, your generation isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, enduring, and eternal.

The Renewed Hope isn’t a slogan; it’s our story, now written in scholarships and success. Let’s keep turning the page.

Dayo Israel is the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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