The name, Sherifat Amoke Adesunbo Adegbesan might not readily come to mind, but the impressive track records of the unassuming care giver and charity worker is second to none.
Sherifat’s choice of lifestyle has always been to see the next evolutionary step for humankind moving from man to kind. For this dynamic teacher fondly addressed as Sherry, humanity should be the race for mankind and love the religion for all to practice.
With a burning desire to make a change in the society, this London based educationist, care giver, serial entrepreneur, teacher, farmer and woman of substance has invested so much to breaking barriers with a view to forging new and dynamic frontiers to define some of unique initiatives she passionately nurtures.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria to a close-knit family that embodies discipline with a father of mixed Nigerian and British nationality. She describes her upbringing as a stark reflection of her parents’ different heritage crediting her warmth and dedication to improving the lives of others to the supportive household in which she was raised.
Having being privileged to have fundamental African values instilled in her, some of which have remained her priceless disposition till today, this effervescent lady has also been able to adapt to the Western principles needed to embrace metropolitan lifestyle.
Sherifat started her formative years at Stepping Stone Nursery and Primary School before she proceeded to Baptist Girls’ College, after which she completed the West African Examination Council (W.A.E.C) at Corona Secondary School.
Sherifat’s quest for more knowledge saw her enrolling at Lambeth College, London where she bagged a diploma certificate in Business Studies before matriculating to North London University – now London Metropolitan University where she was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing with honours in 2002.
After shelving aspirations to becoming a lawyer, she remains resolute in instigating policy reforms and due process throughout the Commonwealth and has hosted legislative trainings in the United Kingdom for politicians and political aspirants from Australia, Maldives, Pakistan, Ghana and Nigeria to mention a few.
Although, it may sound like a reverberated rhetoric, she stands as a voice for the voiceless, a unique trait she’s demonstrated through the numerous charitable initiatives that she has ventured through her Non-Governmental and Non-profit making organization, Life Changers Foundation- a U.K registered charity, which she founded and remains its Chief Executive Officer. The impact that the Foundation has made globally is a testament to her impressive track records, not just uplifting those in dare needs but recognising other philanthropists through the Life Changers annual Awards held in the United Kingdom and Africa.
The fervency to see women empowered and making valuable contributions to the society, most especially back home, Nigeria and Africa as a whole is also one of the fundamental visions of the Foundation. Sheri believes that the stereotype of women being conformed to the kitchen, child-bearing and rearing should be challenged; little wonder the Foundation is focused on helping women, particularly those from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community to transition to work, using her own experience as a working mother. This was followed from her previous experience as a Sixth Form Coordinator where she assisted young adults with their admission to the University.
The work of the Foundation transcends borders as it has successfully assisted over 2000 individuals to access vocational skills training to attain meaningful employment to support their families. Other projects include free eye tests, cataract surgeries and the distribution of glasses and pharmaceutical drugs to the less fortunate in Nigeria. It also hosts what is dubbed ‘Give Back Weekend’ where it supplies toiletries and household essentials every month to vulnerable individuals in Lagos and Ogun State Nigeria.
With her background in business, Sheri is also the Chief Executive Officer of Novelty Business Solution which has supported the establishment of over 120 charities and Limited Companies in the United Kingdom. The services include consultancy on how to secure grants, access business loans and marketing.
And as if that’s not enough, Sheri owns an educational institution in Nigeria and in her bid to be well equipped with the knowledge of operating an accredited institution; she went back to class to get re-trained as a Teacher in 2015 at the University of East London, where she obtained her Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She currently teaches students at the primary level in London.
Despites all her achievements, this woman of substance has been able to strike a balance between being a mother at home and working class status. With her overly supportive family, she is able to accomplish it all while raising three beautiful children. She relishes family life and attributes her ability to remain grounded to her Christian faith, despite being from a traditional Muslim family. She receives inspirations from Anthony Robbins, the highly respected author, coach and motivational speaker.
When asked if she feels that she has accomplished enough, she scuffed and noted that there is still so much to be done but finance and logistics pose the greatest hindrances. She remains resolute to continuing her philanthropic endeavours; to helping those who are desolate, vulnerable and often forgotten. She hopes that in the upcoming years, she can be a voice of change in the African continent and play a pivotal role in shaping a more transparent political landscape. The go-getter and woman of intellectual capacity who holds chieftaincy titles such as Yeye Shewa of Owode Ota, Yeye Fimogboye of Awowo Land Owu Kingdom and Yeye Amuludun of Ibaragun Land amongst others adds another year on Saturday, November 14th, 2020.