Young women taking charge; Emerging female leaders share their experiences

By Thank-God Adeoye-Oke

In many parts of the world, the girl child still battles stereotypes, expectations, and systems that try to define what she can or cannot do. But times are changing. More young women are stepping into spaces with confidence, breaking barriers in politics, sports, business, media, and activism. They are not just participating, they are leading.

In this feature, three remarkable young Nigerian women Esther Olatimehin, Adeoye-Oke Toluwanimi, and Gloria share with Lagos Voice how they are paving their own paths, not just for themselves, but for every girl who dares to dream beyond limits.

Adeoye-Oke Toluwanimi, is an alumna of Ajayi Crowther University, once served as the Academic Officer of her department. Adeoye-Oke Toluwanimi is a purpose-driven communications professional passionate about media, leadership, and youth development.

Toluwanimi serves as the Executive Director of Achievers Spotlight, a youth-focused organization helping young leaders discover and express their potential through programs like the annual UNLIMITED Conference. She is now the Executive Director of Achievers Spotlight and the Vice President of JPI Oyo State Chapter.

While on campus, she won several prestigious awards, including the Excellent Leadership Recognition Award, Most Influential Female, and Most Outstanding Student of the Year. But beyond the accolades, her story is one of transformation. “There is this aura that flows when I speak, which I believe is the grace of God,” she says. “Students just want to hear me, and there’s always this quick turnaround and transformation that happens.”

For Toluwanimi, her journey began with the quest for financial freedom, but it evolved into something bigger. “I discovered there was more to my voice than just money. I was impact-driven,” she explained. “Leadership means putting yourself in a position of service to influence others.”

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She found her purpose in speaking and youth engagement. “There is this aura that comes and flows through when I speak, which I believe is also the grace of God. Students just want to hear me… there’s always this quick turnaround and transformation that happens.”

Esther Olatimehin, a final-year English student at Obafemi Awolowo University, is the current President of the Association of Campus Journalists at the University. A multi-award-winning journalist, she has worked with several media outlets and is known for her hands-on approach to storytelling. One of her standout moments was covering the iconic event where Hilda Baci prepared jollof rice for Nigerians. Esther believes in the power of telling African stories from the lens of the people. “Journalism is not just a tool, it’s a voice and I intend to keep using mine,” she says.

Gloria, a 300-level student of Human Kinetics at the University of Ibadan, has always had a passion for sports, especially swimming. “I have always loved sporting activity right from an early age, but I didn’t have the right platform to build on my athleticism,” she shared.

For Gloria, juggling life as a student, athlete, and entrepreneur came with stress. But she learned to prioritize what mattered most. “I was able to overcome this challenge by recognising which I need the most and had passion for and prioritising.”

Today, her love for swimming has evolved into a purpose. Gloria now trains both children and adults, helping them overcome fear and embrace water sports. “This is one of my biggest pushes and answers my ‘why’ why I take sports seriously,” she added.

All three women have faced their share of challenges be it self-doubt, limited opportunities, or juggling multiple roles. But they’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones. Their stories are a reminder that leadership has no gender, it only requires vision, courage, and a heart to serve.

As Esther, Toluwanimi, and Gloria continue to shine in their different fields, they light the path for other young girls to follow, proving that with consistency, purpose, and the right support, there are no limits to what a girl can achieve.

The future is female but more importantly, the future is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.