Let’s explore the inspiring Odunayo Eweniyi biography.
Odunayo Eweniyi is a Nigerian entrepreneur, fintech expert, and women’s rights advocate known for her contributions to Africa’s digital finance space.
She is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PiggyVest, Nigeria’s first online savings and investment platform.
Her work has revolutionized financial technology in Nigeria, making it easier for individuals to cultivate a savings culture. In addition to her fintech achievements, Eweniyi is a co-founder of the Feminist Coalition, a group dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and social justice.
She has also played a key role in supporting female-led startups through FirstCheck Africa, an early-stage investment fund. Her contributions to technology, entrepreneurship, and activism have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list and TIME100 Next.
Odunayo Eweniyi Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Odunayo Eweniyi |
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | First-class degree in Computer Engineering from Covenant University (2013) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Activist |
| Notable Roles | Co-founder & COO of PiggyVest; Co-founder of Feminist Coalition and FirstCheck Africa |
| Awards & Honors | Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2019); TIME100 Next (2021); Bloomberg 50 (2020) |
Early Life and Education of Odunayo Eweniyi
Odunayo Eweniyi was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on December 23, 1993. She was raised in an academic-oriented family, as both her parents were university professors.
Growing up in such an intellectually stimulating environment, Eweniyi developed an early interest in technology and problem-solving. Her parents encouraged her to excel academically, instilling a deep love for learning and critical thinking.
She attended primary and secondary school in Ogun State, where she stood out as a bright student.
Her excellence in mathematics and sciences motivated her to pursue a career in technology. In 2009, she gained admission into Covenant University, where she studied Computer Engineering.
Her years at the university were marked by a strong commitment to academic excellence, culminating in her graduating with a first-class degree in 2013. She was the best graduating student in her department, a testament to her dedication and intellect.
Odunayo Eweniyi Career
Eweniyi’s career began shortly after completing her university education.
Her entrepreneurial journey started with the co-founding of PushCV in 2013, an online job recruitment platform designed to connect job seekers with verified employment opportunities.
The platform aimed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, tackling the high unemployment rate in Nigeria. PushCV quickly gained traction, helping thousands of Nigerians secure employment.
In 2016, Eweniyi co-founded PiggyVest alongside Somto Ifezue and Joshua Chibueze. PiggyVest was inspired by the traditional Nigerian saving method known as “kolo” (wooden saving boxes). The platform digitized this practice, offering users a secure and automated way to save and invest money.
Under her leadership as COO, PiggyVest has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most successful fintech startups, with over 4.5 million registered users.
Beyond fintech, Eweniyi has been instrumental in promoting gender inclusion in technology. In 2020, she co-founded the Feminist Coalition, an organization dedicated to advancing the rights of Nigerian women through education, financial empowerment, and political advocacy.
She also co-founded FirstCheck Africa, an angel investment fund that supports female-led startups, addressing the gender funding gap in Africa’s tech industry.
Her work has earned her widespread recognition. In 2019, she was featured on Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list. In 2020, she was included in Bloomberg’s 50 Most Influential People, and in 2021, she was named in TIME100 Next, which highlights emerging global leaders.
Odunayo Eweniyi Personal Life
Eweniyi maintains a private personal life, with much of her public focus centered on her career and activism. She is known for her strong work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to social impact.
Despite her professional commitments, she continues to mentor young entrepreneurs, particularly women, encouraging them to pursue careers in technology and business. She frequently speaks at conferences and industry events, sharing her experiences and insights on entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Odunayo Eweniyi to co-found PiggyVest?
Eweniyi and her co-founders were inspired by the traditional Nigerian saving method of using wooden boxes (kolo) to store money. They saw the potential to digitize this habit and make saving and investing more accessible to Nigerians through technology.
How has Odunayo Eweniyi contributed to women’s empowerment in Africa?
Eweniyi has played a significant role in advancing women’s rights through the Feminist Coalition and FirstCheck Africa. These organizations promote gender equality, provide funding for female entrepreneurs, and advocate for women’s representation in leadership positions.
What challenges did Odunayo Eweniyi face in her entrepreneurial journey?
Like many entrepreneurs, Eweniyi faced challenges such as securing initial funding, building trust in a new financial technology platform, and navigating a male-dominated tech industry. Her resilience and strategic vision helped her overcome these obstacles.
What is Odunayo Eweniyi’s vision for the future of tech in Africa?
She envisions a more inclusive and innovative African tech ecosystem. She advocates for increased investment in local startups, greater opportunities for women in technology, and the development of sustainable digital solutions for Africa’s economic challenges.
How can aspiring entrepreneurs learn from Odunayo Eweniyi’s experiences?
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from her persistence, ability to identify and solve real-world problems, and dedication to social impact. Her journey highlights the importance of leveraging technology to create scalable solutions and empower communities.
