Adeyemi Adelekan, PhD
Convener
Dr. Adeyemi Adelekan is a Research Associate at the University of Manchester (UoM) and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Understanding Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP). He carries out research on social enterprises, sustainable business models, circular economy and behavior change in both the Global North and South.
Prior to his engagement at UoM, Adeyemi obtained a PhD from Middlesex University London, with research that explored social enterprise strategies for the circular economy in Lagos. He also has an MBA from the University of Salford, where his research won the Dean’s Award for Excellence in the Business Innovation Live Project category for the year 2015.
Adeyemi believes social enterprises have a critical role to play in Africa’s sustainable development. He co-convened the first ASEW in 2019 while carrying out fieldwork in Lagos, where he witnessed first-hand the impact self-identified social enterprises are having in and beyond their communities, sometimes with little or no resources. His interest lies in how they can organize better, strategically navigate the tensions to meet commercial, social and/or environmental objectives, while scaling their impact.
Adeyemi’s professional experience also spans across business management, administration, and IT consulting both in Nigeria and in the UK.
Rita Chikwem
Program and Social Media Manager
Rita Chikwem is a dynamic and passionate individual with a diverse background in program management, mental health advocacy, volunteerism, and social entrepreneurship. Her relentless drive to make a positive impact in the world has led her to excel in various domains, leveraging her unique blend of skills and experiences.
She has a proven track record of successfully overseeing and implementing complex projects from inception to completion. Rita is currently the Program and Social Media Manager for ASEW where she plans, executes, and reports on various workshop activities organized around specific themes for the organization. She possesses exceptional organizational and strategic planning abilities, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and effectively. With her keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence, she consistently delivers results that exceed expectations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rita is a dedicated Mental Health Advocate. She recognizes the importance of mental well-being and has dedicated her time and efforts to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting accessible mental health resources. Through her advocacy work, she strives to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges and encourage open conversations around this crucial topic.
Known as a Serial Volunteer, Rita has a passion for giving back to the community. She has actively volunteered for Mental Health for youths’ initiatives, Women in ICT, Mental Health with Ditty foundation, The Sunshine Series, Nigeria Mental Health and YouthUp Global and other causes, lending her expertise, time, and energy to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
