The FATE Foundation has announced a major leadership transition, appointing Ayomide Akindolie-Igwe as its incoming Executive Director, effective January 12, 2026, as the organisation positions itself for a new decade of digital growth and stronger policy advocacy.
The appointment, approved by the Board of Directors, reflects the Foundation’s ambition to deepen its impact within Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and scale its digital initiatives to reach five million Nigerians by 2030. Akindolie-Igwe brings extensive experience in enterprise development and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a background the Board says will be critical as FATE expands its footprint in digital innovation, research and advocacy.
The transition comes as Adenike Adeyemi, who has led the organisation for more than a decade, prepares to conclude her tenure as Executive Director on **February 28, 2026**. Widely credited with transforming FATE Foundation into a regional force, Adeyemi oversaw three successive multi-year strategic plans that expanded the organisation’s reach beyond Nigeria into **Kenya and South Africa**.
During her tenure, FATE Foundation evolved into a more structured and impactful institution through the creation of three specialised divisions – The FATE School, The FATE Institute, and The FATE Giving. This strategic restructuring enabled the organisation to adopt a holistic approach to entrepreneurship support, while expanding into areas such as research, policy advocacy, access to capital, and digital and AI-driven growth.
To ensure continuity, Adeyemi and Akindolie-Igwe have been working closely throughout the transition period. The collaborative handover is focused on strengthening stakeholder relationships and maintaining momentum in the execution of the Foundation’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
Commenting on the transition, Fola Adeola, Founder and Chairman of the Board of FATE Foundation, commended Adeyemi’s years of service and leadership, describing her tenure as pivotal to the organisation’s growth and regional influence. He also expressed confidence in Akindolie-Igwe’s ability to steer the Foundation into its next phase.
As FATE Foundation looks ahead, the leadership change signals a renewed commitment to innovation, digital inclusion and policy engagement – pillars expected to define its next decade of impact in Nigeria and across Africa.
