![40 Nigerians Under 40: Toyosi Akerele [18]](https://i0.wp.com/businesscabal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/toyosi-akerele.jpg?fit=431%2C428&ssl=1)
Tough-talking Toyosi Akerele is the chief executive officer of RISE (Reputation Impact Style Development) Network, an internationally acclaimed youth oriented enterprise, she rose form the rubbles of a lowly student magazine she founded during her third year as a student of Law at the University of Jos. Toyosi, an alumnus of United States International Visitor Leadership Programme.
Toyosi, the founder of Nigeria’s first and most prominent youth interest organization, RISE, is a consummate young professional and outstanding Manager. Toyosi, is also a public speaker, Youth Advocate and Entrepreneur She was selected as part of 101 young African Leaders to be delegates to the African’s Business Leader’s Forum. A multiple Award winner, “The Best Use of Youth Advocacy Category at the 2008 edition of Nigeria’s Boldest and Brightest Youth Achievement Awards and the Future Awards of which she has been nominated 5 consecutive years”.
In 2011, Toyosi was invited as a Consultant and Strategist on the Federal Government Project tagged, “Bring Back the Book”, an initiative with the aim to encourage Young Nigerians to cultivate Reading culture. She was a finalist for the category of Business owner of the year at the 6th Season of the Future Nigeria Awards. Toyosi is a worthy alumnus of the United States Government Prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program for emerging African Youth Leaders. Toyosi Akerele was in June 2011 described by Mrs. Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States of America, as one of her personal inspirations.
