In this insightful conversation, we explored how technology is reshaping Nigeria’s economy from boardrooms and startups to classrooms and creative spaces. At a time when the digital economy is fast becoming the backbone of growth and opportunity, Adebola ‘Rez’ Afolabi,  Chief Technology Officer at Soft-Thread Solutions, Executive Director at Wabi Nigeria, and Founder of Griots and Bards, shares practical insights from nearly two decades of leading digital transformation across industries and continents.

From the promise of innovation and digital inclusion to the persistent challenges of infrastructure, regulation, and skills, this episode looks at what it will take for Nigeria to build a digital economy that truly works for everyone.

Joining us to unpack these realities is Adebola ‘Rez’ Afolabi — a business technology leader with nearly two decades of experience driving digital transformation across Africa, Europe, and Asia. He currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Soft-Thread Solutions and Executive Director at Wabi Nigeria, where he has led large-scale projects that improve business processes, foster digital adoption, and promote growth.

Beyond the boardroom, Rez Afolabi is also the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Griots and Bards, a platform that fuses African storytelling with digital innovation to promote social consciousness. His work as a poet and creative voice, known to many as Rez the Poet, has taken him to global stages in Cape Town, Paris, and Nairobi.

Rez Afolabi brings a rare combination of technical depth, leadership insight, and creative perspective, helping us understand not only how technology is reshaping Nigeria’s economy but also how culture, inclusion, and innovation must work together to ensure this transformation truly benefits everyone.

•  What defines Nigeria’s digital economy, and what’s driving its growth

•  The biggest barriers to inclusion — from infrastructure to digital literacy gaps

•  Why regulation can both enable and restrict innovation in Nigeria’s tech space

•  How education and upskilling can prepare young Nigerians for the future of work

•  What the next phase of Nigeria’s digital transformation could look like

• Reflections on building a digital economy that works for everyone

Listen to how Nigeria can build a digital economy that leaves no one behind.

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In this engaging conversation, we looked into what it truly means to guard the ballot and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s democracy.

Coming off the back of a new change in leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and at a time when public confidence in institutions like INEC is under strain as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Mukhtar Modibbo Halilu makes a compelling case for citizen-led accountability, open governance, and the role of young people in restoring democratic integrity.

From the potential impact of INEC’s leadership transition to how technology and data are reshaping civic participation, this episode explores how Nigerians can reclaim trust in the system, one act of citizenship at a time.

Joining us is Mukhtar Modibbo Halilu, one of Nigeria’s most passionate voices on civic engagement and governance accountability. A governance, transparency, and accountability expert, Mukhtar currently leads Follow The Money, Africa’s largest citizen-led social accountability movement. His work spans grassroots mobilisation, open government advocacy, and policy dialogue across 36 Nigerian states and 10 African countries.

A former Youth Leader for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Mukhtar has spent over a decade working with marginalised communities to promote transparency, strengthen public participation, and improve access to essential services. His leadership at Follow The Money has mobilised over 20,000 young Africans to track public funds, hold leaders accountable, and demand better governance from the ground up.

Our conversation covers:

• What inspired Mukhtar’s journey into governance, transparency, and civic engagement
  

• Why INEC’s leadership transition is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy
  

• The reforms Nigeria needs before the 2027 elections to ensure credible polls
  

• Ways civil society and INEC can work together to promote transparency
  

• What the next generation of reformers must do differently to shape Nigeria’s future
  

Whether you are a first-time voter, a civic leader, or someone who believes in a better Nigeria, “Guarding the Ballot and Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Democracy” challenges you to see your role in strengthening the system, because protecting democracy begins with empowering its people.

 Listen now to discover how trust, transparency, and active citizenship can redefine Nigeria’s democratic future.

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In this episode, we shine a light on the role of Nigerian youth in shaping the country’s future. From grassroots initiatives to national movements, young people are stepping forward with energy and creativity. yet many still face barriers such as limited opportunities, systemic challenges, and exclusion from decision-making.

We discuss what meaningful youth engagement looks like today, why participation is critical to progress, and the practical steps that can empower young Nigerians to move from the sidelines to the center of change. The conversation also highlights how social media can evolve beyond activism to drive tangible impact, how young people can balance personal career goals with civic responsibility, and what it takes to stay motivated when the challenges feel overwhelming.

At its core, this episode is a call to action: for Nigerian youth to embrace their power, claim their voices, and take an active role in building the nation’s tomorrow

Joining us is Dr. Dipo Awojide (Ogbeni Dipo), a Nigerian-British strategic management scholar, human capital advocate, and entrepreneur. He is a Senior Management Consultant leading projects in the UK Defence and Security Industry.

Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Awojide earned his B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Abuja, an M.Sc. in International Business (Distinction) from Coventry University, and a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Loughborough University. His career has spanned financial services, human resources, and strategic consulting in the UK.

He is the Founder of BTDT Hub and Co-Founder of High Impact Careers, both of which support students, graduates, and professionals globally. Through these platforms, he has mentored over a thousand young people across Africa, Europe, and North America. Recognised for his thought leadership, he was named one of the Top 20 LinkedIn Voices UK in 2019 and nominated for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader program in 2020.

Our Conversation Covers:

• What “youth engagement” looks like in the Nigerian context and why it matters

• Why active participation is critical for shaping the nation’s future

• The biggest barriers preventing Nigerian youth from meaningful civic and political participation

• How social media can move beyond activism to drive tangible results

• Practical steps to ensure young people feel their voices count in decision-making

• Balancing personal career goals with contributing to community and national development

• Words of encouragement for young Nigerians who want to be change-makers but feel overwhelmed by the challenges

If the future of Nigeria matters to you, this episode provides the insights, hard truths, and inspiration needed to see youth move from the sidelines to the centre of change

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bagudu shares her journey from medical training in Nigeria and the UK to becoming President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). We discuss her pioneering cancer advocacy, including leading one of Nigeria’s largest annual cancer walks, and explore the pressing issues affecting the country’s healthcare system, from diagnostic gaps and cancer advocacy to maternal health, brain drain, and the urgent need for reform.

Joining us is  Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in healthcare advocacy. A paediatrician, cancer control champion, and global health leader, she’s the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics & Clinics, the first comprehensive diagnostic centre in Abuja. Her work bridges clinical care, public health reform, and global policy, making her a formidable force in the fight for better healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

Our conversation covers:

• What training and practising medicine in Nigeria and the UK reveal about building stronger health systems
  

• Why Dr. Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and the urgent gaps it addresses in cancer care
  

• The impact of leading one of Nigeria’s largest cancer awareness walks and why such campaigns matter
  

• The hard truths behind Nigeria’s maternal and infant mortality rates and what we’re still failing to confront
  

• How the brain drain of doctors affects the nation and whether there’s still hope for change
  

Whether you work in healthcare, policy, or simply care about the future of health in Nigeria, this episode offers valuable insights, hard truths, and a call to action.

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In this thought-provoking episode, we discuss how the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has not only stirred the political landscape but also intensified conversations around leadership, governance, and the true meaning of democracy in the country. As political parties grapple with internal power struggles and citizens grow increasingly disillusioned, questions about the viability of meaningful change from within or outside the system become more urgent.

Joining us is  Aisha Yesufu, a Nigerian activist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement. She is widely recognised for her fearless advocacy during the #EndSARS protests, becoming a symbol of resistance against police brutality. Aisha remains a prominent voice for justice, transparency, and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

We explore:

• Whether Nigeria’s democracy is working for its people or only for those in power
  

• The role of coalition politics and emerging parties in breaking the status quo
  

• How citizens can reclaim power in a system rigged against them
  

• Why activism and political engagement must go hand in hand
  

This episode is a clarion call for all who believe in the promise of democracy and the power of the people to shape their nation's future.

Listen now and join the conversation on the future of Nigerian democracy.

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In this episode of I Am Change,  we discuss how Nigeria is a country powered by its youth,  with over 70% of the population under the age of 30. Yet, despite their numbers and potential, many young Nigerians find themselves excluded from key political and civic conversations. From the #EndSARS movement to record-breaking youth turnout during the 2023 elections, it’s clear that young people have the power to drive change, but how do we sustain that momentum beyond protests and hashtags?      

Joining us is Oluwatomisin Adebukola Badewole, popularly known as The Golden Tomisin,  a journalist, grassroots advocate, and founder of the Nigeria Grassroots Government Summit and Awards (NIGGSA). She shares powerful insights on what it truly means for young Nigerians to engage in nation-building, even in the face of systemic challenges.

Together, we explore:

• Why so many young Nigerians feel disconnected from governance
  

• What real nation-building looks like beyond politics and policy
  

• How young people can lead from where they are,  through media, education, entrepreneurship, and local impact
  

• The role of storytelling in shifting mindsets and inspiring civic action
  

• How to move from protest and burnout to long-term, sustainable change
  

Whether you’re a young Nigerian seeking your place in the nation’s development or someone passionate about grassroots transformation, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode of I Am Change, we discuss the chaos surrounding the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. This national crisis left nearly 380,000 students stranded due to severe technical issues. From blank screens to sudden power cuts, thousands of candidates, especially in Lagos and the South-East, were left in academic limbo, their futures hanging in uncertainty.

Joining the conversation is award-winning education journalist Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, whose investigative reporting sheds light on the systemic breakdowns behind the exam failures and the ripple effects on students and their families. Together, we explore how inadequate infrastructure, poor planning, and lack of accountability have led to widespread distrust in Nigeria’s educational systems.

We also address the heartbreaking story of a 19-year-old student who died by suicide amidst the chaos, an event that has forced the nation to confront the unbearable pressure placed on young Nigerians chasing higher education dreams.

 In this episode, we ask:

• What caused the mass technical failures during UTME 2025?
  

• Is JAMB doing enough to fix the mess—and prevent it from happening again?
  

• How are students coping mentally and emotionally in the aftermath?
  

• What structural reforms are urgently needed in Nigeria’s exam systems?
  

• And what hope can we offer to students who feel broken by a system meant to uplift them?
  

🎧 Tune in to hear a thoughtful, urgent, and necessary conversation on education, equity, and reform in Nigeria.

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In this episode of the I Am Change Podcast, we confront one of the most urgent challenges facing Nigerians—inflation and the soaring cost of living. With Nigeria’s inflation rate currently at 23.71% and food inflation at 21.26%, essentials like rice, maize, and wheat are becoming increasingly unaffordable. What does this mean for your money, your future, and your daily survival?

Joining us is Kalu Aja, a seasoned financial educator and analyst with over two decades of experience in capital markets and personal finance. Together, we unpack:

• • What inflation is and how it impacts your everyday expenses
  • The root causes of Nigeria’s inflation crisis
    The widening gap between wages and the cost of living
  • How to protect your savings and investments from losing value
  • Smart budgeting and spending strategies during economic downturns
  • What the government can do and what they aren’t doing
  • Practical tips for individuals, families, and small businesses navigating tough times

You can get Kalu Aja’s book on Amazon ⁠here⁠, and his podcast ⁠here⁠Whether you're trying to make ends meet, plan for the future, or simply understand what’s happening with Nigeria’s economy, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

Tune in now and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in a collapsing economy.

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In this episode of the I Am Change Podcast, we unpack the complexities of Nigeria’s new tax reform bills and their implications for everyday Nigerians. On October 3, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted four major tax bills to the National Assembly in a bid to modernize the country’s tax system and drive sustainable economic growth.Joining us is Akin Oyebode, the Commissioner for Finance in Ekiti State and a leading voice in Nigeria’s economic policy landscape. Akin breaks down the objectives of the reform, which include harmonizing revenue administration, promoting transparency, leveraging digital innovation, and protecting vulnerable taxpayers.

We also explore some of the critical concerns raised by stakeholders, including fears of disproportionate tax burdens on low- and middle-income earners, threats to Free Trade Zones, increased business taxation, and potential constitutional contradictions. Akin shares expert insight into how these bills could reshape Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, the role of state governments, and what an ideal implementation should look like.

This episode thoughtfully analyses the tax reforms' promises and pitfalls, encouraging Nigerians to stay informed and engaged in policies that directly impact their livelihoods.

Tune in to understand how these reforms could affect you and what needs to change for Nigeria’s tax system to truly work for all.

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 In this episode of the I Am Change Podcast, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian youth in the digital era. With 70% of Nigeria’s 160 million people being young, many rely on online opportunities like e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and remote work to build their careers. However, the reliability of internet access and frequent power outages make global competition increasingly difficult.

Charity Ekezie, a Nigerian journalist and TikTok creator with over 3.4 million followers, joins us. Known for using humour to challenge misconceptions about Africa, Charity has built a global audience despite facing unreliable internet and frequent power outages. She shares her journey, insights, and practical advice on thriving as a content creator in Nigeria.

This episode highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian youth, exploring how they navigate the challenges of power and internet instability. We also discuss potential solutions and the urgent need for improved infrastructure to unlock their full potential.

Tune in and be inspired by the relentless drive of young Nigerians shaping the digital landscape.

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