FATE Foundation has announced a leadership transition with the appointment of Ayomide Akindolie-Igwe as its new Executive Director, effective January 12, 2026.
The appointment was disclosed by the organisation’s Board of Directors, which said the move aligns with FATE Foundation’s growth trajectory and its focus on a digital-first strategy aimed at expanding entrepreneurship support and strengthening policy advocacy across Nigeria.
Akindolie-Igwe brings extensive experience within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly in advancing Small and Medium Enterprises.
The Board noted that her leadership will be critical as the Foundation works toward its goal of reaching five million Nigerians by 2030 through digital innovation and increased engagement in policy formulation.
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Her appointment follows the planned exit of Adenike Adeyemi, who will conclude her tenure as Executive Director on February 28, 2026, after more than a decade in the role.
During Adeyemi’s leadership, FATE Foundation expanded its footprint beyond Nigeria to Kenya and South Africa and implemented three successive multi-year strategic plans that significantly strengthened the organisation’s regional influence.
Adeyemi also led the restructuring of the Foundation into three specialised arms—the FATE School, FATE Institute, and FATE Giving—broadening its scope to include research, policy advocacy, access to capital, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence-driven growth initiatives.
To ensure continuity, Adeyemi and Akindolie-Igwe have been working closely throughout the transition period.
The handover process is expected to reinforce stakeholder relationships and sustain the execution of the Foundation’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
FATE Foundation expressed appreciation for Adeyemi’s contributions while welcoming Akindolie-Igwe to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.
