Young entrepreneurs to gain support from Kola Aluko Foundation

The Kola Aluko Foundation have promised to provide young Nigerian entrepreneurs mentorship and a platform for them to grow.

Owned by one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, Kola Aluko, the foundation, is a philanthropic project he established in 2013 to inspire, mentor and support ‘future’ African leaders.

According to Aluko, the announcement of the foundation’s philanthropy coincides with a reception to open the Nigerian Centenary Photography Exhibition, to be held at Bonhams, the world-famous auctioneers in London, and hosted by the Kola Aluko Foundation.

The exhibition, which the Foundation is sponsoring in celebration of Nigeria’s Centenary, showcases what Bonhams describes as “an astonishing collection of photography documenting Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage”.

The show and its related educational programme is the first in a series of major cultural events to be supported by the Aluko Foundation, designed to encourage a deeper understanding of Nigeria and the 54 countries on the African continent.

“This unique collection of photographs,” says Aluko, “showcases the wealth of artistic talent in Nigeria over the last 100 years. We hope that this exhibition will inspire young Africans to pursue their talents and achieve success on a global scale.

The exhibition is dedicated to J.D.Okhai Ojeikere, one of Nigeria’s most lauded photographers and a leader in his field. The Kola Aluko Foundation believes that every story of individual leadership has the power to inspire and affect change.”

In addition he explains, “The Kola Aluko Foundation is passionate about identifying and nurturing talented young African adults across all fields of endeavour to help them evolve into the new generation of leaders. In doing so, we hope that the young people we engage with will not only develop into leaders, but also become inspirational role models for others.”

Notably, youth organisations from all over the UK have been invited to visit the exhibition throughout its run.

A highlight of the evening will be a donation to the Foundation by Sesu Tilley-Gyado, the award-winning British-Nigerian artist and entrepreneur. “By featuring this young leader and her outstanding contributions to date, the Foundation hopes to show its commitment to and acknowledgement of an exemplary individual representing Africa’s talented youth,” says Aluko.

Central to the Foundation’s vision is the belief that leadership is above all a mind-set and that large-scale social impact always starts with the individual.