Opolo Global Innovation recently welcomed a group of highly talented and accomplished fellows who will be joining our team to drive innovation and spearhead transformative projects.
These exceptional individuals bring a wealth of expertise and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With their diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives, they will contribute fresh insights and ideas to our dynamic ecosystem of innovation.
Allow us to introduce our esteemed fellows:
Samson SIMON, Ph.D., CPLP has B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. all in Economic Sciences from the University of Abuja. With additional qualifications from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) and Nexford University. His main research interests are in innovation, entrepreneurship, finance, climate, and macroeconomics with publications in reputable Nigerian and international journals. Before Opolo, SIMON worked at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); ARKK Economics & Data Ltd; Gurama Investments Ltd and many more places. He is a member of Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Royal Economic Society (RES), American Economic Association (AEA). He heads the Research and Hub Management Unit.
“ I bring passion to disrupt and achieve results to the table of what we do at Opolo Global. With my background, love for empirical evidence and facts, I stand to impact fully the research and hub management ecosystem in the social enterprise”
Oluwafemi Oyedeji (Ph.D.) is an agricultural economist and currently a Research for Innovation and Community Coordinator with OPOLO Global Innovation Limited. He holds a doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics which he bagged from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. His research interests align with OPOLO focus area of Agriculture, Health, Climate change, and Technology. His areas of research include health economics, bio-economy studies, impact studies and agricultural development economics. He has worked as a team member on different projects including internationally funded projects.
“At Opolo, I am committed to carrying out innovative researches that provide solutions to economic problems and generate sustainable income in the society.”
Agatha O. Ogbe is an early career researcher and independent data analyst. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Economics with bias in Food Marketing and International Trade from Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Her research interest has revolved round but not limited to international trade, agricultural production, gender issues, food security and household welfare. She has worked on several projects and consulted for both local and international organisations.
“As Research for Innovation Manager at Opolo, I am ready to identify needs, new opportunities and ideas that drive innovation and technology advancement targeted towards addressing societal challenges and improving quality of life.”
Joy Oluwatomi Folorunso holds a PhD in Environmental Management from the PAULESI-Pan African University Institute of Life and Earth Sciences. She has both the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Geography from the University of Ibadan. Her areas of research interest include environmental sustainability, renewable energy, population studies, and climate change. is the Research for Innovation and Community Coordinator at Opolo Global Innovation Limited, University of Ibadan Hub
“ As a member of the Opolo team, I am committed to using my research and leadership skills to promote innovation in sustainable socio-economic development that would create a better future for our communities and build a more sustainable society.”
Olanike Esther Ogunsakin holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal/Inorganic Chemistry from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. In 2016, she received her Master’s Degree in Medicinal/Inorganic Chemistry from the same institution. Earlier in 2010, she obtained a B.Sc. Honors in Chemistry (Education) from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in affiliation with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Her areas of research interest cover medicinal chemistry, inorganic compounds synthesis, mitigation of greenhouse gases and innovation.
“As a research associate, I want to make Opolo stand out through excellent performance and productivity as I engage issues on innovative solutions to climate change, incubation and acceleration programs for climate change solutions providers as well as commercializing research output.”
Adesola Adebola Ikudayisi obtained her PhD degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2019. Her research interests revolve around the sustainable urban food system and food security. She has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles and presented at international conferences on urbanization, sustainable food systems, food access, and the green economy. She is proficient in quantitative methods and statistical analysis. She has actively participated in a number of research grant awards as part of an interdisciplinary team. She also engages in consultancy services for institutions and organizations on sustainable food security, green and digital technologies. She is currently the Research for Innovation Coordinator at Opolo Global Innovation Limited, Nigeria.
“ With me in Opolo as a Research for Innovation Coordinator in Ondo State, I want to bring my expertise and skills to bear on Opolo’s agronovation and other research for commercialization ventures.”
Rasheed Ademola ADEBIYI holds a PhD in Strategic Communication from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has, in the last ten years, taught courses in PR & Advertising at the Department of Mass Communication, Fountain University, Osogbo, Nigeria. His research interests cut across strategic communication for profit-oriented and non-profit organisations, digital humanities, political communication and solutions journalism. He is the lead author of the Handbook of Public Relations Case Studies: Making a Case for Data-Driven Digital PR Practice. He has consulted for organizations in Nigeria and beyond. He is the Head, Branding and Strategic Communication as well as Regional Manager for Opolo Innovation Hubs in Osun.
“I am committed to communicating the values and impact of Opolo to the critical stakeholders in order to create more sustainable values using the stakeholder management approach.”