Draft:Adedayo Adeniyi

Adedayo Adeniyi (Dayo Nigeria) is a Nigerian social entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Known for his patriotism, he often dons the national colors of Nigeria (green and white) to inspire national pride and active participation in nation-building. He mentors numerous young individuals across Africa and beyond.

Early life and Career
Adedayo Adeniyi was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on September 18, 1986. His formative years were in Osogbo, Osun State, where he grew up in a family that upheld values of selfless leadership, integrity, and discipline, which have profoundly influenced his professional endeavors.

Dayo has an extensive background in volunteering and has held prominent roles in various organizations. Notably, as the Head of the Campus Leadership Network of GEMSTONE Nation Builders Foundation, he was instrumental in expanding the organization's campus network from 4 to 42 campuses across Nigeria and West Africa in just 7 months. He is currently the Founder of Matadors Leadership Institute, where his work encompasses governance and leadership, international development, youth advocacy, and community building. The institute also addresses educational challenges by providing capacity-building training for secondary school students and facilitating mentorship opportunities.

With over a decade of experience, Dayo has collaborated with numerous prominent brands across the private, public, and civil society sectors. He is a recognized speaker, having presented at TEDx, Social Media Week, and various training sessions in Nigeria, Kenya, the United States, and Ghana.

One of his significant initiatives, Osun Girls Can Code supported by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria and other international and local organizations has introduced STEM education to 300 schoolgirls and 60 female teachers in Osun State..

He has authored five books, including "Atunko Idari," which is the first leadership book to be written in a Nigerian indigenous language.

Tertiary Education and Professional Development
Dayo's educational background includes studying Mass Communication at Yaba College of Technology and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He has completed a Civic Leadership Institute Training Course at the Staley School of Leadership Studies, Kansas State University, and holds various certifications in election monitoring, values-based leadership, people management, and professional coaching. He is currently pursuing graduate studies at George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Philosophical and/or political views
Dayo adheres to the philosophy that societal transformation begins with individuals. He advocates for the active participation of youth and women in political and leadership roles, emphasizing their significant potential to drive change. His philosophy centers on the belief that responsible leadership is rooted in individual commitment to community betterment.

Honours and Awards

Dayo has garnered multiple awards and recognitions for his leadership both locally and internationally. Among these accolades, he has been nominated for various leadership awards and has received recognition as one of the outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, he was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow by the US Government.