From a passionate advocate for youth empowerment to a globally recognized development practitioner, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, DBA (h.c.), has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for underserved communities through entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital solutions. In 2020, he founded the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) in Nigeria, an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), to champion youth-led innovation and inclusive economic growth.
Through YEDIS, Rafiu has mentored countless young entrepreneurs and spearheaded initiatives that leverage technology and entrepreneurship to address unemployment and economic challenges in rural communities. Rafiu’s impact extends beyond local borders. He has facilitated many high-level workshops and attended major international forums, including the ILO’s 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day in Turin, OECD Civil Society Days in Paris, the UN Economic Commission for Africa Africa Forum in Uganda, and high-level meetings with the World Bank and IMF in the USA and Morocco. He has also contributed to conferences such as the Accelerating Africa’s Growth Conference in Ghana, the One Young World Summit in Canada, the UN Civil Society Conference in Kenya, and the WTO Public Forum in Switzerland.
His leadership and expertise earned him election as Representative for the African Western & Central Regions to the World Bank Group Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) for 2024–2026, enabling him to shape inclusive development policies and advocate for effective stakeholder engagement across the continent. Rafiu’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His publication was featured in the World Bank Group’s March 2026 Stakeholder Engagement Newsletter. He has received prestigious recognitions including the British Council Digital Library Membership Reward (2026), Study UK Social Action Award finalist (British Council Nigeria, 2025), Job Creation Partner recognition by the World Bank Group (2025), UNCTAD Community Builder Award (2025), Peace Ambassador, International City of Peace, USA (2025), British Council Exclusive Professional Development Prize (2024), Outstanding Membership Award from the Osun State Polytechnic Alumni Association (2026), and the Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF) of Lions International (2018). In 2020, he was also conferred a chieftaincy title by His Royal Majesty, King Alase of Ilase-Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria, in recognition of his humanitarian contributions.
Academically, Rafiu has pursued excellence across multiple disciplines. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration (honoris causa) from Crown University International, USA (2024), an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Essex, UK (2012), an MBA from Ekiti State University, Nigeria, a BSc in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from the National Open University of Nigeria, and an HND in Purchasing and Supply from Osun State Polytechnic. He has also earned over 50 professional certifications from leading institutions, including the UN, the World Bank, and the British Council.
In his professional life, Rafiu serves as Chief Lecturer in Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Osun State Polytechnic, where he has held leadership roles as Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship Education (2013-2019), Head of Department (2008-2011, 2020-2022) and Member of the Governing Council (2001-2007). He is also Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter (2025–2027), and contributes to global knowledge networks, including the UN Office for South-South Cooperation Global Thinkers Network, ILO Youth Foresight and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Working Group.
A relentless commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and global development defines Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore’s journey. His story is one of impact, vision, and leadership, bridging local initiatives with international platforms to create meaningful change across Africa and beyond.
LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafiu-olaore-2b768553