Leah Tolulope Akinfiresoye

Leah Tolulope Akinfiresoye is a highly accomplished Nigerian humanitarian, advocate, and public servant currently serving as a Special Adviser on Social Security Administration to the Minister for Youth Development. Her extensive work spans social welfare, youth empowerment, and gender advocacy, child advocacy, making her a significant voice for vulnerable populations.

Leah is the visionary Founder of DOLTMA PEARLS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION, an NGO previously known as Child Development & Female Rescue Foundation. This organization provides crucial support to children, teenagers, teenage mothers, widows, voiceless women, and people living with disabilities. Beyond her foundational work, she is also the CEO of Doltma Signature and Leah’s World International, and the Convener of the Women Helping and Empowering Women Initiative (WHEW). Furthermore, she servesd as the Administrative Secretary for Life Compendium Empire Limited, which publishes LifeCel Magazine.

Leah’s academic background includes elementary education in Akure, Ondo State, and a Bachelor of Technology in Building & Woodwork Technology from Ekiti State University. Following her mandatory national service in Ibadan, Oyo State, she pursued and obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State. This robust educational foundation underpins her expertise as a Social Welfare Administrator and a dedicated child advocate, with a strong emphasis on responsible parenting.

Her career in public service began as a Personal Assistant and subsequently Special Assistant on Special Duties and Documentation to the former Ondo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Ayodele Olawande. Upon his appointment as the Minister of State for Youth Development, Leah transitioned to serve as his Special Assistant on social welfare. Her commitment and expertise led to her reappointment as a Special Adviser on Social Security Administration when he was upgraded to the substantive Minister for Youth Development.

Leah Akinfiresoye has spearheaded numerous impactful projects aimed at societal betterment. Her initiatives include:

“Stop the Hurt” Campaign: Street advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

“Take Kids Off the Street”

“One Pupil, One Book, One Pen Project”

“Help Girls Bleed with Pride and Ease”: Distribution of menstrual hygiene packs to pupils.

“One Woman, One Skill Empowerment”

“Desire Health, Disregard Drug Abuse”

“Feed the Voiceless”: A COVID-19 relief project.

“War Against Rape (WAR)”: Advocacy for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill.

“Glow Girls Project”

“One Girl, One Digital Skill”

“Widows Support Program”

“Walk Against Girl Child Trafficking”: Market advocacy.

“Campaign Against Child Prostitution”

“The Complete Man: Boys to Responsible Men Project”

Her most recent and notable project is “Catch Them Young,” which led to the authorship of “Sex and Moral Education for Preschoolers & Children.” This book is meticulously crafted to subtly address critical topics, aiming to instill sound moral values, promote understanding of sexuality, enlighten children about sexual abuses, empower them to speak out against risks, teach protective measures, encourage love over bullying, and foster self-esteem. The book has been thoroughly reviewed, approved, and recommended by the Ondo State government as an essential text for every child, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is currently being reviewed by the Nigeria Education Research & Development Council NERDC.

Leah is also the Ondo State Representative of the Progressive Young Women Forum, serving as a role model for countless young women across Nigeria, particularly in Ondo State. Her intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication continue to earn her widespread recognition and numerous accolades.