About me
Olumide Kola-Lawal is a seasoned public policy and development expert, with a professional background spanning over 15 years in multilateral organizations, government, private sector, NGOs, and think tanks. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, a Master’s degree in International Policy and Practice (MIPP) from the George Washington University, USA, and a Public Management certificate from Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
Prior to pursuing his studies in the United States, Olumide worked as a youth development advocate at Youth 1960, and later as a Legislative Aide in Nigeria’s 7th National Assembly, where he later transitioned to partisan politics to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly in the 2015 general elections to represent Surulere 1 Constituency. He was also the pioneer Lagos State Coordinator for the Not Too Young To Run advocacy campaign, that culminated in The Age Reduction Bill that was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Presently, Olumide is a Public Sector and Policy Consultant at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC. Here, he has worked with various units and Global Practices, including the Office of the Executive Directors, External Communications & Relations, Global Facility for Disaster Recovery and Reduction, Corporate Secretariat, and Office of the Chief Economist for Africa Region. Olumide’s portfolio encompasses extensive experience in the Government Affairs and External Relations department of both the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Washington, DC. He has been instrumental in advising and partnering with governments and stakeholders in diverse nations, including Belize, Canada, Dominica, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Somalia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zimbabwe.
Recognizing his exceptional leadership capabilities, Olumide was honored as a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow through the US State Department program for young African leaders from 49 Sub-Saharan Africa countries. His selection, amidst 20,000 applicants from Nigeria, was a testament to his outstanding qualities. He further distinguished himself as the National President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria from 2016 to 2017. He was also a Freeman Foundation International Fellow as well as the David H. Miller Memorial Endowment Fellow in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. In 2018-2019, he assumed the role of Vice President of the George Washington University Elliott School Graduate Board and also served as a Senator representing the Elliott School of International Affairs.
Additionally, he founded the Nigerian Professionals Network, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, dedicated to advancing positive narratives about Nigeria, fostering social cohesion, and harnessing the intellectual acumen of Nigerians for greater societal impact. He remains an active member of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in Maryland and holds membership in the Global Diplomatic Forum, a distinguished London-based think tank promoting international knowledge exchange and collaboration. Olumide is also an esteemed member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN).
National and Subnational Impact
As a highly regarded Nigerian in the diaspora, Olumide has distinguished himself as a bridge-builder between Nigeria and the international community through his nonprofit, the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN). Leveraging his leadership and global networks, he has successfully facilitated high-level engagements for both national and subnational governments of Nigeria, creating platforms that connect policymakers with critical resources and international partners.
Through his flagship program, the Nurturing Nigeria’s Future Initiative, Olumide has led impactful convenings across the United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, strategically mobilizing diaspora resources to channel impact investments into Nigeria’s economy. His efforts have extended to organizing influential investment forums and closed-door discussions between leading global investors and Nigerian governors, as well as key Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By positioning Nigeria as an attractive hub for sustainable development and investment, Olumide has consistently demonstrated the vision, diplomatic acumen, and leadership capacity that mark him as a rising political force with the potential to shape Nigeria’s future trajectory.
Philanthropy and Community Contributions
Olumide Kola-Lawal has always believed that true leadership begins with service. Long before seeking public office, he demonstrated his passion for people by investing his personal resources to uplift lives across his community.
His commitment to education is evident in the scholarships and stipends he provides for secondary school and university students, ensuring that no dream is cut short due to lack of funds. In recognition of his dedication to academic excellence, through his Academic Endowment Fund, he established the Olumide Lawal Academic Prize at the University of Lagos, awarded annually to the Best Graduating Student in English Education as well as the Overall Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Education. This initiative reflects his conviction that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for future generations.
Olumide’s compassion extends beyond the classroom. He has been a pillar of support to the elderly and widows, providing monthly stipends and regular empowerment support to help sustain their small businesses and livelihoods. Through these efforts, he has restored dignity, hope, and independence to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Olumide’s philanthropy reflects not only his generosity but also his vision for a society where no one is left behind, a vision he is determined to bring to a larger scale through public service.
Professional Membership and Awards
- Founder, Nigerian Professionals Network – Washington, DC
- Global Diplomatic Forum – London
- Member, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization – Maryland, USA
- Commonwealth Alliance for Young Entrepreneurs
- Visiting Mentor, The Employability Incubator
- Mandela Washington Fellowship Award – United States
- David H. Miller Memorial Scholarship Award
- Freeman Foundation International Fellow Award
- Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria
- NYSC State Commendation Award
- Unilag Outstanding Student Award