The 2024 edition of the Custodian’s mentorship programme – Custodian Mentors Conference holds on Saturday, August 24, 2024. This is the 6th edition in the series since its commencement in 2018.

Meet our Mentors

Adenike Ogunlesi is a pioneer in Africa’s fashion industry, possessing extensive experience in both fashion and retail business. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the fashion business on the continent. She is the visionary founder of Gatimo Limited and the creative director of Africa’s leading premium children’s clothing brand: Ruff ‘n’ tumble.

An alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School, Mrs. Ogunlesi has received several awards. She was a finalist at CNBC AABLA (All Africa Business Leaders Awards) in the category of the Business Women of the year 2014 and 2015.

Mrs. Ogunlesi is the founding member and the first President of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NEW) at the Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA). She is an advisory board member and mentor at WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), a structured mentoring program for young women. She is a Non-Executive Director at Lafarge Africa Plc.

Her entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond fashion, Adenike Ogunlesi is a dynamic innovator, a compelling speaker, and a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment. Her passion resonates in her efforts to inspire women to embrace their truest selves and attain financial independence.

Ali Baba (as he is popularly called) began his professional career performing at corporate events, appearing on television shows with Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy, and Danladi Bako, and making cameo appearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor, and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked with Prince Adedapo Benjamin Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991.

In 2014, Ali Baba started an annual comedy event called the 1 January Concert. Comedians come up to review the events of the previous year and a first-class graduate from the preceding year receives an award. In 2015, he started an event called Spontaneity; a quarterly event for budding comedians. Notable among the finalists of this competition is Woli Arole at the 2016 edition.

Ali Baba maintains the philosophy that the business of comedy is big enough for everyone who wants to pursue the genre. As such, he supports, mentors, and provides a platform for comedians helping to ensure that standards are maintained, and professionalism encouraged.

Over the course of his career, Ali baba has won many awards. He was inducted into the Johnnie Walker 'Striding Man' Society in 2009 which recognizes men who have achieved great strides in their chosen fields and who motivate and encourage others. In 2012, he rang the Year End Closing Bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the first Nigerian comedian to do so. In March 2015, Ali Baba was featured on CNN African voices, speaking about his goal to professionalize and gain acceptance for Nigerian comedians. In April 2018, Ali Baba received the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contribution to the Nigerian Comedy industry.

He is a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Recognized as one of Africa's most prominent rappers, MI Abaga first rose to fame in 2008 with his debut album, Talk About It. This pivotal release marked a significant milestone for Nigeria's hip-hop scene, setting a precedent for commercial success in the genre.

MI's musical journey began in high school. His passion for rap deepened while he was pursuing a Business Degree at Calvin College in Michigan, USA, where he was influenced by the American rap culture and artists such as Jay-Z and DMX. These influences helped shape his distinctive punchline-driven style.

MI Abaga is celebrated for his innovative approach to music production and marketing, as well as his dedication to promoting emerging talent. His album MI2 holds the title of Nigeria's best-selling hip-hop album. His 2018 project, Rendezvous, highlighted a blend of new talents and upcoming stars from Nigeria's "alte" music scene. Additionally, he set a record with five of his albums charting simultaneously on Apple Music in Nigeria. In 2022, MI released his 11th studio album, The Guy, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Duncan Mighty, The Cavemen, Wande Coal, Nas, and BNXN.

Beyond his musical achievements, MI is the founder of TASCK, a company dedicated to creating sustainable revenue streams for creatives. He also runs a music label, Incredible Music, and spearheads various impactful social projects.

MI is currently working on his 12th studio album.