Nigerian talent advisor and culture agent, Taiwo Adeyemi, has been named one of 35 global changemakers selected for the 2025 Skoll Fellowship held at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, England.
Founded in 1999 by veteran entrepreneur and first eBay President Jeff Skoll, the Skoll Foundation catalyzes social change by investing in and connecting impact-driven entrepreneurs to advance solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

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With over $1.2B invested in 420 organizations globally, the foundation focuses on tackling interconnected problems and driving systemic change. The Skoll
World Forum, an annual gathering hosted by the Foundation, brings together global leaders and a cohort of fellows from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Tribal Nations to discuss social issues, share ideas, and kick off a long-term journey of mutual care, shared learning, and regional
opportunities.
Past speakers include Jim Yong Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Muhammad Yunus, Maria Ressa, Mary Robinson, Jacinda Ardern, Jimmy Carter, George and Amal Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Bono, Al Fore, and Stacey Abrams.
Don Gipps, CEO of the Skoll Foundation and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa under President Barack Obama emphasized the significance of the fellowship, stating:
“The Skoll Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Adeyemi, a leading figure at the intersection of popular culture, media, and social impact, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between entertainment and advocacy, helping mission-driven talents expand their influence beyond traditional spaces.
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His longstanding collaboration with Nollywood star Nse Ikpe-Etim has been instrumental in leveraging her platform to advocate for women living with adenomyosis and other fertility challenges.
More recently, his work with humanitarian and cultural icons like Tunde Onakoya—the National Chessmaster who set a world record for the longest chess marathon, raising a million dollars for children’s education in Africa—has further solidified his reputation as a key connector between social impact and popular culture.
Through BoxxCulture, his consulting agency, Adeyemi continues to help purpose-driven individuals and organizations amplify their voices through strategic storytelling and creative advocacy.
This approach is not new in more developed markets like Hollywood, where the United Talent Agency (UTA) created a Culture and Leadership division led by Darnell Strom, a former political staffer turned talent agent.
As a 2025 Skoll Fellow, Adeyemi will join a distinguished cohort of leaders from diverse industries, including entrepreneurship, philanthropy, advocacy, and the arts, to exchange insights and collaborate on solutions to critical global issues.
Reacting to his selection, Adeyemi expressed his gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the project in focus for him with the fellowship.
“I’m deeply honoured to join a global network that is redefining leadership, storytelling, and social innovation. My work has always been about service—both to my clients and to society—but I rarely find myself on the receiving end of opportunities like this, which makes it all the more special. Through this fellowship, my focus is on gradually learning the intricacies of building a foundation that holds deep personal meaning for me. Using the same creative storytelling techniques that have helped my clients amplify their impact, I want to raise awareness and drive action to prevent fire accidents—a cause that hits home, as I lost my father to one.”
A senior Skoll Fellow and documentary photographer, Onafuwa Damilola, who nominated Adeyemi for this fellowship, highlighted his impactful work in documenting individuals making meaningful contributions to society.
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Through his award-winning project, Road2Blow, and Polygon, a Co-Creation Hub for emerging voices, Adeyemi has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem that equips young talents with the tools, mentorship, and strategic support needed to amplify their influence and drive meaningful change.
The Skoll Fellowship has a track record of supporting visionary leaders who go on to scale their impact through high-profile partnerships and collaborations. Past fellows have launched initiatives that address climate change, economic inequality, healthcare access, education, and governance
reform.
Adeyemi’s selection further underscores Nigeria’s growing footprint in the global social innovation landscape, as more young leaders from the country gain international recognition for their groundbreaking work.

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