By Ibironke Semowo
Today, I celebrate Yinka Ogunde, a visionary leader transforming Nigeria’s education sector.
Described by THISDAY LIVE as the “undisputed chief connector for educators and industry regulators,” Yinka Ogunde’s impact extends far beyond this title.
As convener of the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), she has created a beacon of hope for parents, families, educators, and institutions across Africa.
CPE, began as a Facebook group and has evolved into a powerhouse advocating for children’s welfare, educational values, and innovative teaching. It serves as the voice for educators and parents, striving to reform the education sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Working with Mrs. Ogunde as a CPE volunteer has been inspiring, but it was during the 2020 pandemic lockdown that I truly experienced the essence of her vision and leadership.
As the education sector faced unprecedented challenges, her adaptability shone through. Leading her team, she redirected CPE’s focus to launch humanitarian programmes supporting educators and parents in need.
Through initiatives like the CPE Food Basket, Donation Drives, and Mental Health Webinars, she ensured no one in the CPE community of over 200,000 members was left behind. Her selfless dedication to helping those she had never met demonstrated that true leadership is service.
Yinka Ogunde’s ability to rally people around her vision is remarkable. As a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, she has shown that a shared vision has the power to create real change.
Her company, Edumark Consult, further exemplifies this by organizing trainings and conferences that foster trust and communication between parents and educators.
Today, I applaud Yinka Ogunde for her tireless efforts in education reform and humanitarian work. She embodies adaptability, selflessness, and visionary leadership, inspiring countless individuals like myself to make a difference in our communities.
Today is a good time for us to reflect on how we can adapt our skills to help others, especially in challenging times. Let’s share in the comment section, how can we start the change we want to see.
Ibironke Semowo, MPA
Childcare Service Provider and Parenting Advocate