Olumide Makanjuola (born June 7) is a Nigerian human rights activist,[1] storyteller,[2] LGBTQI advocate,[3][4] and social entrepreneur. He was the executive director for The Initiative For Equal Rights (TIERS)[5] and presently the program director for Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), a regional activist-led organization supporting an inclusive society free from violence and injustice through funding to local organisations.[6][7]
In 2016, Makanjuola received a Queen's Young Leader Award for his work within the LGBTI+ community[8] and was the 2012 Future Awards nominee in the Best Use of Advocacy category.[9] Makanjuola's work has contributed immensely to the advancement of LGBTIQ rights in Nigeria. He is considered a pioneer of many initiatives, and has contributed to shifting public discussion around LGBTIQ rights and issues.[10]
Education
Makanjuola is a graduate of business management from the Ogun state Institute of Technology, Strategic Project management at Anglia Ruskin University. He holds an introduction project management certificate from City University London.[11]
Activism
Makanjuola co-produced a documentary on what it means to be gay in Nigeria in 2014 just after President Goodluck Jonathan signed the same sex marriage prohibition act into law.[12][13] Makanjuola also co-produced Veil of Silence, Hell or High Water, Everything in Between, We don't Live here anymore[14] and Walking with Shadows,[15][16] adapted from Jude Dibia's 2006 book.[17][11]
Makanjuola joined The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) in October 2006 as a community volunteer and one of the founding members, and grew in rank to become its executive director in September 2012, serving until March 2018 when he stepped down.[18] He has served as an independent expert to the European Asylum Support Office and as a board member at The Equality Hub, a queer women-led organization.[19][20] He has served as the executive vice-chairman of The Future Project since 2015.[21] In March 2019, he became the program director for Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), a West African philanthropic fund that is working to ensure a just and inclusive West Africa free from violence and discrimination;[22] and it's notably to note that he still works there.
Awards and recognition
2012, Future Award nominee in the Best Use of Advocacy category