1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

One thing I have found particularly challenging is the art of delegating more to others. This is because I always have the fear that they might not deliver the exact result I expect. As a result, I have a tendency to micro-manage. As a leader, I am on a learning journey to discover how to delegate effectively.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

During my National Youth Service in 2014, the Oyo state government gave young people like me the opportunity to farm without the hassle of land ownership. My first farm was 5 hectares, and I planted maize on it. Despite working very hard on the farm, my harvest was very poor. As if that was not enough heartbreak, I couldn't find fair buyers for my harvest. That year, I experienced all sorts of problems, from low yields to post-harvest losses. But in the course of that one year, I interacted with farmers and realized it was a nationwide problem. And I decided I would make it my mission to solve that problem for Nigeria’s 64 Million smallholder farmers. That's why I started Kitovu Technology Company.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Upon waking up, I have a personal devotion, a time I dedicate to studying, reflecting, and praying. Thereafter, I would commence my daily run, as a way to keep fit. I then plan my work day, by reviewing my calendar to get acquainted with my itinerary. At the end of the day, I unwind with some soft music and occasionally some sci-fi movies, and then go to sleep reflecting on what went right, and what we could do better.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Recently, I was reminded that the more you trust people with responsibilities, carefully guiding them towards what they need to accomplish, they would work and exceed your expectations in terms of the outcomes they are able to deliver.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Trybe; we need you to lead us by Seth Godin is one book that has really redefined the way I lead and created the most impact in my leadership. The book made me realize that to be an effective leader, I have to create a tribe of people who share the same values and are inspired to achieve the same objectives. I began to turn my teammates and employees into tribes, making values-driven decisions that inspire every one of us to not just do what is necessary, but whatever it takes.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Never stop learning because your level of knowledge determines how effective you are going to be in your leadership. Leadership is not a title, it's a responsibility. Finally, you would fail sometimes. Don't be too hard on yourself; learn the lessons and move on.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Never stop learning because your level of knowledge determines how effective you are going to be in your leadership. Leadership is not a title, it's a responsibility. Finally, you would fail sometimes. Don't be too hard on yourself; learn the lessons and move on.