In an era where Nigeria’s young population is increasingly redefining leadership, entrepreneurship, and governance, Emmanuel Agida stands out. At just under 25, Agida has carved a reputation as one of the nation’s most promising emerging leaders, blending his expertise in governance, economics, and social impact with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Agida currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the African Centre for Governance, Economy and Development and as the Executive Director of the International Institute for Governance and Economy. His leadership in these institutions underscores his commitment to advancing sustainable development and fostering innovative solutions for Africa’s governance and economic challenges.
In 2021, Agida made history as the youngest political officeholder in Nigeria, when he was appointed Public Relations Strategist in the Osun State Government, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. In this role, he championed reforms that enhanced public engagement and citizens’ participation in governance at the agency level, leaving an indelible mark on public service at a very young age.
Global and National Affiliations: Agida is affiliated with leading international and national professional bodies, including the World Economic Forum (Switzerland), the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Politics (Ghana), and Amnesty International. These affiliations reflect his active engagement in global policy dialogues, professional standards, and human rights advocacy.
Beyond governance, Emmanuel Agida is deeply involved in philanthropy and social development. In 2019, he founded the Emmanuel Agida Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on human capital development, food security, education, healthcare, and social empowerment. The foundation has reached over 3,000 young Africans and families, providing aid to displaced communities, offering scholarships, and donating learning materials to schools.
Agida’s influence extends into the private sector, where he leads as CEO of Bezoni and Chairman of EA Group, with investments spanning media, technology, e-commerce, logistics, real estate, and energy. His ventures reflect a clear vision for Africa’s future—one where innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment drive inclusive economic growth.
An alumnus of the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Agida has also been honored with an Honorary Doctoral Fellowship in Youth Development and Humanitarian Services by the Chartered Institute of Public Resource Management and Politics, Ghana. Remarkably, he became the youngest recipient of this recognition at the age of 20.
His numerous accolades include the Junior Chamber International Award, the Association of Nigerian Students Excellence Award, the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence, and an international health certification from the IntelyCare Nursing Institute in the United States. He has also previously served as Chairman of the Board of the West Africa Youth Fellowship.
As an accomplished author with several books to his name, Emmanuel Agida continues to inspire through thought leadership, writing, and mentorship. He remains a firm believer in the transformative power of people-oriented policies, domestic investment, public-private partnerships, and human capital development as tools for lifting developing nations out of hardship.
Emmanuel Agida’s story is one of vision, resilience, and leadership—a testament to what Nigeria’s youth can achieve when innovation meets service. As he continues to chart new paths across governance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, he stands as a beacon of hope for a new generation of African leaders.
