celebrity radar - gossips
LIKE A METEOR, EVELYN JOSHUA CRUSADE LIGHTENS LATIN AMERICA. BY DARE ADEJUMO
Business
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI
Faith, Discipline and Hard Work Brought Me This Far- Now I’m Building Platforms That Will Outlive Me- AMB. TOSIN MICHEAL OWONIFARI
From the humble streets of Ise-Ekiti to the boardrooms of global influence, Amb. Tosin Michael Owonifari has carved a path defined by resilience, purpose, and visionary leadership. With roots in education, healthcare, and digital empowerment, he has evolved into a trailblazing entrepreneur and global development advocate. As the founder of T21 Global Group and an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador, his mission is crystal clear — to build enduring platforms that empower generations across Africa and the diaspora. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey, values, challenges, and the future he envisions for Africa and the world.
Tell us something about your background and academic adventure.?
I was born in Ise-Ekiti, a town I carry with pride everywhere I go. I started my education in Nigeria and later continued in the United Kingdom, where I obtained a BSc in Oil and Gas Management (Second Class Upper). Over time, I’ve earned professional qualifications in Education, Internal Quality Assurance, Immigration Law, and most recently, I completed a Strategic Leadership & Ethics Programme at Liverpool Hope University. Education has shaped my path and continues to fuel my growth.
How palatable was your upbringing and family rapport?
I come from a humble, values-driven background where faith, discipline, and hard work were the order of the day. My family may not have had wealth, but we had love, structure, and support. That upbringing built the foundation of who I am today.
Were you ever an employee at the beginning?
Yes, and I’m proud of every stage. I started with cleaning jobs, kitchen porter roles, and even factory work when I first arrived in the UK. Later, I moved into tech as a Software Tester, then worked for over a decade in the NHS across roles like Data Quality Analyst, RTT Validator, Hospital Admin, and System Training. These experiences prepared me to understand people, systems, and leadership from the ground up.
What led you into entrepreneurship?
I saw consistent challenges — youth unemployment, digital skill gaps, healthcare staffing issues, and lack of access to global opportunities. I knew I had to act. So, I started T21 Services in the UK, and from there it expanded to Nigeria, and now operates globally as T21 Global Group.
Give us an overview of your companies?
Under T21 Global, we operate three entities:
T21 Services (UK)•RTT Validation & Hospital Admin Training (CPD-certified)
•Remote Job Training & Placement
•NHS Workforce Support
•Immigration Advisory & Recruitment Services
•Civil Service Bootcamps & Public Sector Training
•Digital Inclusion Projects (with UK councils)
•Leadership & Ethics Courses (in partnership with universities)
•Diaspora Engagement & Talent Matching
T21 Consultancy Services (Nigeria)•ICT Training & Federal Programmes (e.g., 3MTT)
•Remote Job Hubs & Global Talent Export
•Software & Web Development
•Certification & Testing Centre
•Startup Incubation & Innovation Hub
•Government Contracts & Policy Advisory
•Student Recruitment (UK, Canada, Hungary, Poland)
•Event Management & Capacity Building
Tosin Owonifari Empowerment Foundation (TOEF)•Leadership Development & Mentorship
•Youth & Women Empowerment
•Community Development Projects
•Grants & Social Welfare Support
•Civic Engagement & Humanitarian Services
These three arms work hand-in-hand to deliver education, empowerment, employment, and investment.
What’s your present workforce at T21 Global?
We currently engage over 150 professionals globally — this includes permanent staff, part-time consultants, freelance trainers, developers, assessors, and remote workers across the UK, Nigeria, Europe, North America, and parts of Africa.
From Ekiti to the world, how did you break the barriers?
I embraced my origin, not as a limitation but as a source of pride. I combined the values from Ise-Ekiti with global vision. I stayed consistent, kept building relationships, invested in learning, and never gave up — even when doors were shut. Hard work, faith, and purpose broke the barriers.
How easy was it at the beginning?
It was extremely tough. There were moments I had nothing but hope. Rejections, delays, financial struggle — I faced them all. But I kept pushing. I believed that every great vision must pass through the fire before it becomes gold.
How did you overcome the challenges of new terrain that you never anticipated?
I stayed teachable. I listened, partnered wisely, studied new systems, and always stayed open to learning. When I didn’t understand a terrain, I asked for guidance and built relationships with people who did.
Tell us something about your first ever award and how you felt.?
It was an award for my contribution to youth development and digital inclusion. I was surprised and deeply honoured. It reminded me that even when you think no one sees you, your work is making an impact.
How many awards so far? Or you have lost count?
I’ve been blessed with several meaningful awards:
•Fellowship – Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM)
•Speak-Up Champion – EKSU Alumni & Student Union
•Outstanding Media Support Award – FIBAN (Ekiti)
•Humanitarian Service Award – 2023
•Ekiti Parapo UK Presidential Award – 2023
•Several others from churches, communities, diaspora groups, and institutions
Every award reminds me to serve better and remain focused.
What’s your source of motivation?
Legacy. I want to build platforms that will outlive me — in people, in policies, and in systems. I’m motivated by the transformation of lives, especially young people who were once overlooked.
Have you ever failed? And how did you get over it?
Yes. I’ve had projects collapse, contracts lost, visa denials, and cash flow struggles. But I don’t let failure stop me. I always step back, learn, regroup, and move forward. Failure is part of the process, not the end of it.
Who is your number one supporter?
My wife, Chief Mrs. Jumoke Owonifari. Her unwavering belief, support, and prayers have been priceless. She’s been with me through every stage, and I’m grateful beyond words.
T21 Global operates on a wider range. How do you cope?
We run with clear systems and trusted leadership across departments. I focus on vision and strategy while my teams handle execution. We use digital platforms, weekly reviews, and regular audits to stay on track across regions.
Your recent Global Award as an AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador — what new terrain is it opening for you?
It’s a gateway to policy, diplomacy, and global development work. As the official AU Agenda 2063 Liaison Officer (UK – Merseyside), I now oversee:
•Investment and diaspora engagement
•Leadership and legislative training
•Talent export and youth development
•Government and NGO collaboration
It’s more than a title — it’s a platform for shaping Africa’s future across continents.
You are gradually becoming a Global African figure. Are you gravitating towards politics in no distance time?
Yes, but not for power — for purpose. I believe public office, when entered with vision and competence, can change lives at scale. If the opportunity comes, I’ll serve with integrity and results, not promises.
Have you been conferred with any chieftaincy title?
Yes, I’ve been honoured with the title of Otunba in an Ekiti community. The official installation will happen soon. I see it as a cultural responsibility to serve, protect, and uplift my people, not just a title.
What new thing is T21 Global cooking?
We are launching:
•A Global Talent Export & Diaspora Registry
•Remote Job Hubs across Nigeria & UK
•A Leadership & Legislative Academy for African public servants
•Diaspora-to-Africa Investment Matchmaking Portal
•Our first Africa Investment & Innovation Summit in the UK
These will shape the future of jobs, policy, and innovation in Africa and beyond.
Who is your hero?
I draw inspiration from values like integrity, service, and resilience — values that have shaped my journey. In global leadership, I admire Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Barack Obama, and Prof. PLO Lumumba — leaders who lead with courage, wisdom, and a passion for people.
celebrity radar - gossips
Help Isaac Solarin Represent South Africa in Prague – A Young Athlete’s Dream Deserves Your Support
13-Year-Old Nigerian-Born Softball Talent Selected for International Tour – Let’s Make It Happen Together
At just 13 years old, Isaac Solarin has achieved what many only dream of – he’s been selected to represent South Africa on the international stage in the Softball Tour to Prague, scheduled for October 5–14, 2025.
But for Isaac, this is more than just a sporting opportunity. It’s a life-changing moment—a chance to shine, grow, and inspire.
Born to Nigerian parents and raised in South Africa, Isaac has shown remarkable dedication both on and off the field. His exceptional performance at a provincial tournament last year caught the attention of Blue Runnings Sport International (BRSI), a top South African organization that facilitates global exposure for promising young athletes. Partnering with IRT Softball, they extended a rare invitation to Isaac—making him the only Nigerian-born athlete on the team.
A Mother’s Pride, A Community’s Hope
Behind every rising star is a story of quiet sacrifice. For Mrs. Doris Solarin-Ikeri, Isaac’s mother and a widow, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
“I’m proud of my boy,” she says. “He’s outstanding in his studies and his extracurriculars. This tour is a reward for his years of discipline and dedication.”
Now, with limited financial resources, she’s appealing to fellow South Africans, Nigerians, and well-wishers worldwide to help raise the R56,000 needed for Isaac to travel, compete, and grow as an international athlete.
This amount covers:
Return flights and airport taxes
Accommodation and meals
Professional coaching
Tournament participation
Team kit and apparel
Travel insurance
Additional costs—like visa fees, passport renewals, and equipment—push the total even higher. As a single mother on a modest income, Mrs. Solarin simply can’t do it alone.
Why Your Support Matters
In a world where many youths lose hope, sports can be a powerful force for transformation. By supporting Isaac, you are:
Investing in the future of African youth
Promoting unity and representation in sport
Encouraging academic and athletic excellence
This is more than a donation—it’s a vote of confidence in a hardworking young boy.
“Every cent counts. You’re not just funding a trip—you’re building a future,” Mrs. Solarin adds.
How You Can Help
Visit Isaac’s official fundraising page and donate here:
If you can’t contribute financially, please share the campaign across your social media networks. Awareness is just as powerful.
Let’s Help Isaac Soar
Let’s show the world what African talent can do when it’s given the right support. Together, we can send Isaac to Prague and help him carry the hopes of many young athletes across the continent.
Be part of his story. Be part of the journey. Support Isaac today.
celebrity radar - gossips
Prophet Ogundipe Honors Governor Dapo Abiodun’s 65th Birthday With Gratitude And Blessings
-
society3 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoCourt To Hear ₦5 Billion Suit Against Sinach For Alleged Copyright Infringement
-
Business6 months agoDangote Refinery, wonder of modern technology ― Japan Ambassador, business community
-
society5 months agoNAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment