Priorities That Shape My Work
Education
Education is the foundation of Olumide’s mission. Through scholarships, stipends, and his Academic Endowment Fund, he has enabled countless secondary and university students to pursue their dreams. His establishment of the Olumide Lawal Academic Prize at the University of Lagos – awarded to the best graduating students in English Education and the Faculty of Education – cements his commitment to academic excellence. Beyond local impact, Olumide has collaborated with leading institutions such as the Global Partnership for Education, Brookings Institution, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Malala Fund, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, advancing sustainable education on both national and global scales.
Global Governance
At the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC, Olumide has worked across key divisions – ranging 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 – advising governments and shaping development strategies across Africa and the Caribbean. His impact spans various countries including Belize, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, Somalia, South Africa, the U.K., the U.S., and Zimbabwe. In addition, his leadership roles at the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reflect a career deeply rooted in policy, diplomacy, and international development.
Collective Growth and Impact
Through his flagship, Nurturing Nigeria’s Future Initiative, Olumide has convened diaspora leaders across the U.S., U.K., South Africa, and Nigeria to channel impact investments into Nigeria’s economy. His compassion extends to vulnerable groups—providing stipends, business support, and empowerment programs for widows and the elderly, restoring dignity and independence. A trailblazer in youth advocacy, Olumide served as the pioneer State Coordinator for the Not Too Young To Run Campaign, mobilizing broad-based coalitions that strengthened youth participation in governance.
