Esther Oke Ikhioya’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of passion, resilience and purpose. While many professionals spend years searching for a career that aligns with their talents, the Nigerian-born technology expert has “successfully woven together her expertise in information technology, healthcare administration and dance to create a movement that is transforming lives in Cardiff, Wales.”

Born with a natural love for movement, she never imagined that dance would one day become the defining feature of her professional life. Although she excelled academically and pursued a career in technology, “dance has remained a constant companion from childhood. It was the one activity that brought me unmatched joy, serving as both an emotional outlet and a creative expression.”

Today, that lifelong passion has evolved into Ayaoba Fit & Dance, “a wellness initiative that is encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to embrace healthier lifestyles through music, movement and community,” she said.

Esther’s academic credentials reflect a remarkable commitment to excellence. She studied Computer Science at Covenant University, where she balanced demanding academic work with participation in the institution’s dance team. The dual commitment taught her discipline, resilience and effective time management.

Her academic journey later took her to the University of Georgia in Tbilisi, where she earned a distinction in Information Technology while simultaneously teaching at a primary school and sharing her dance skills during weekends.

“Rather than abandoning dance in pursuit of a conventional career, I found ways to integrate it into every phase of my life,” she revealed.

She believes that her work in information technology, healthcare administration and entrepreneurship complements her role as a dance fitness instructor rather than competing with it. Her technological skills enable her to manage branding, digital marketing, content creation, video editing and event coordination, while her healthcare experience gives her a deeper understanding of physical wellbeing, movement, pain management and healthy living.

“My years in Georgia proved to be a turning point. Immersed in an environment that celebrated creativity, I discovered a society where artistic talent was respected and encouraged,” she said.

Inspired by that atmosphere, Esther founded “Magic Moves,” a dance troupe that “eventually grew into a vibrant collective of African students passionate about promoting Afrobeat dance and cultural expression. The group participated in performances, cultural events, modelling assignments and film productions, becoming an important platform for African representation within the Georgian community.”

Looking back, Esther describes “Magic Moves as more than a dance group. It became a community where young Africans found confidence, friendship and opportunities to showcase their talents while celebrating their heritage. The initiative also strengthened cultural understanding by introducing wider audiences to African music and dance traditions.”

In October 2023, she relocated to Cardiff in the United Kingdom for a new career opportunity. As she settled into her new environment, she intentionally observed the lifestyle and routines of people around her. Conversations with colleagues, church members and residents revealed a recurring theme: many people desired healthier lifestyles but lacked the motivation, confidence or supportive environment needed to begin exercising.

She also noticed that many people spent long hours sitting at desks, commuting or standing at work before returning home exhausted. Despite the availability of gyms and fitness centres, many found traditional exercise intimidating or uninspiring.

“These observations planted the seed for Ayaoba Fit & Dance, a community-centred initiative designed to make exercise enjoyable rather than burdensome,” she said.

She deliberately chose Zumba and Afrobeat as the foundation of her brand because they combine fitness with fun, rhythm and cultural expression. “Rather than focusing on perfection, the classes encourage participants to enjoy themselves while improving cardiovascular health, building endurance and relieving stress. Her philosophy is simple: people are more likely to remain physically active when exercise feels like a celebration instead of an obligation,” she admitted.

The official launch of Ayaoba Fit & Dance held on April 10, 2026, coinciding with Esther’s birthday. The event, themed “Daring Night,” attracted around 40 participants who joined an energetic Afrobeat-inspired Zumba session. For Esther, “the event represented far more than a birthday celebration. It was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning and praying. Although she initially worried that few people would attend, the enthusiastic response exceeded every expectation. Participants not only enjoyed the class but also expressed interest in future sessions, validating her vision of creating a welcoming community centred on wellness.”

Encouraged by the success of the launch, Ayaoba hosted another major event at Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre on May 16, 2026. “The evening blended fitness, culture and entertainment in an atmosphere described as energetic and glamorous. Supported by family, friends and dedicated volunteers, Esther witnessed participants dancing enthusiastically while encouraging one another throughout the session. For her, the overwhelming support confirmed that Ayaoba was meeting a genuine need within the community.

Central to Ayaoba’s identity is inclusivity. Esther insists that dance fitness is for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or previous dance experience. She actively challenges the misconception that fitness is reserved for athletic individuals, reminding participants that health is measured by wellbeing rather than appearance. In her classes, everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace, celebrate small victories and focus on personal growth rather than comparison.

Beyond physical health, Esther has witnessed remarkable emotional and mental benefits among participants. She has seen people arrive burdened by stress only to leave smiling, energised and more confident. The combination of uplifting music, group participation and movement helps participants forget their daily worries, improve their mood and develop stronger self-belief. Many proudly share the number of calories burned or express surprise at what they accomplished during a single class, reinforcing the confidence that comes from achieving personal milestones.

The name “Ayaoba” itself carries deep meaning. Derived from an African name meaning “the wife of a king” or “queen,” it symbolises dignity, confidence, strength and self-worth. Esther hopes every participant leaves her classes believing in their own value and recognising their potential to achieve more than they previously imagined. She wants Ayaoba to become a place where people from every culture feel welcomed, respected and inspired.

Her long-term ambitions extend well beyond weekly dance classes. Esther envisions Ayaoba Fit & Dance expanding across the United Kingdom and internationally, partnering with healthcare providers, rehabilitation centres, workplaces, schools and community organisations. She believes dance can play a powerful role in improving mobility, mental health, emotional wellbeing and social connection while helping combat sedentary lifestyles.

Ultimately, Esther Ikhioya’s story is one of courage, reinvention and unwavering commitment to serving others. By integrating technology, healthcare knowledge and an enduring passion for dance, she has created far more than a fitness brand. Ayaoba Fit & Dance represents a movement dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles, celebrating cultural diversity and strengthening communities through the universal language of music and movement. As the initiative continues to grow, Esther remains focused on empowering people to embrace wellness with confidence, joy and a sense of belonging.