Toyosi Akerele Wins "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award

The reward for diligence is not far-fetched when zeal and passion is involved. It was a moment of fun and excitement on Saturday, 12th November, 2011 at the 15th Success Digest Enterprise Awards held to recognize and honour outstanding Entrepreneurs in the society who have made landmark achievements in their chosen fields of endeavour.



The awards which held at Oranmiyan hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja had in attendance high-calibre guests and the crème de la crème of the society. The CEO, RISE Group Ms. Toyosi Akerele was awarded the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” in recognition of her passion for the development of Nigerian Youth.

Toyosi Akerele basking in the euphoria of the honour and encomium thanked the organizers for the honour and recognition she was accorded at the event. She also used the occasion to encourage Nigerian Youths that with much determination, faith in God and Integrity, they can be whatever they aspire to be. The Founding Executive Director of RISE could not quantify her gratitude in words as she humbly stated that “I put all Men given accolades at the feet of Christ, it’s only his Grace that has brought me thus far”

Her success strides have been clearly visible since the start of the year.

Between 22nd through April 14th May 2011, Toyosi was the only Nigerian selected for the International Visitors’ Leadership Programme that held in the U.S. : The International Visitor Leadership programme is an initiative of the U.S Embassies around the world.

The thoughtful selection came as recognition of her extraordinary capacity as a Young Enterprise Builder, hard work and resilience towards ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and that there is visible transformational change in Nigeria. This year alone, RISE has hosted very successful Sessions of her annual National Youth Forum in 10 Universities cut across all the 6 Geo-Political zones of Nigeria.

In similar vein, she was also the only one from Nigeria nominated to join other Young Women Leaders in South Africa during an official visit of the Wife of the President of United States, Michelle Obama to Africa from June 21 – 26 with focus on Youth Leadership, education, Health and Wellness.

Mrs Obama in her words during her Press Briefing preceding the event said “Everywhere I have gone during my time as First Lady, I have been inspired young people like Toyosi who gathers 50,000 Youths every year for the largest Youth Conference in Nigeria.

For Toyosi, it has been a Year-round celebration; In her words she stated “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply!