It all started on a social media platform, Facebook. Ten years on, just like the proverbial mustard seed, Sola Adesakin has transformed Smart Stewards into a vehicle that has trained thousands and impacted families across the globe. And in her words, the “journey has been one of vision, resilience, and transformation.”
According to Mrs. Adesakin, Smart Stewards began as a “response to personal financial struggles and a desire to help others avoid the same mistakes. From a Facebook group to a global movement, we’ve grown into a platform. It has trained thousands, impacted families, and built a generational bridge of financial literacy. Through our signature ‘Make, Manage, Multiply’ model, Smart Stewards has empowered people to move from financial stress to stability and prosperity.”
And would she say most of the outfit’s targets have been met in the last 10 years? Adesakin responded: “Yes! Many of our targets have been met. While the journey continues, many of the initial targets such as building a strong financial education community, launching tech-driven solutions like WealthSync and creating sustainable wealth-building programmes have been successfully achieved. But more importantly, we’ve built a legacy of impact, dignity, and stewardship.”
And how exactly has Smart Stewards impacted the lives of the average person in Nigeria and in the over 40 other countries it has operated in? She explained: “Smart Stewards has democratised financial literacy by making it accessible, relatable, and actionable. In Nigeria, it has helped thousands of individuals – from students to professionals – gain clarity on money matters, reduce debt, and build wealth. Globally, its online academy, investment club, and coaching programmes have reached people in the diaspora, helping them make smarter financial decisions. Testimonials from users in the UK, US, and across Africa highlight life-changing results, such as saving seven-digit figures and transitioning from debt to wealth.
“Our ripple effect has touched millions through media, conferences, and shared resources. In Nigeria and beyond, we’ve helped families move from financial stress to stability, and children through Smart Stewards Junior are being groomed into financially empowered leaders. And just on September 20, Smart Stewards marked its 10th year anniversary with two-part celebration: The TENacity Summit at KICC Dome, Maryland, Lagos, a free-to-attend event, which featured keynote speeches, spotlight sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities; and a Gala & Thanksgiving Night held earlier on September 14, 2025, celebrating gratitude, legacy, and future vision, featuring praise worship, networking, and major announcements.”
These events, according to Adesakin, reflected “our journey and our future — celebrating the past while investing in what’s next. The theme, TENacity is a creative blend of the number 10 (marking the anniversary) and the word ‘tenacity,’ symbolising resilience, empowerment, and forward motion. It stands for – Together, Empowered, Now. This theme reflects our belief that tenacity is essential for personal and collective prosperity in today’s world.”
She disclosed that speakers at the TENacity Summit were chosen based on “their embodiment of guts, grit, and God – individuals whose stories reflect resilience, innovation, and impact. They are leaders who have built wealth, influenced industries, and inspired change, aligning with our mission to empower Africa’s future. The lineup included trailblazers like Ibukun Awosika, Tosin Eniolorunda, and Yanmo Omorogbe, among others, each bringing unique perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment.”
The next decade has some equally audacious plans lined up for Smart Stewards. In her words: “The next decade is about financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and generational wealth. We’re scaling our platforms – Smart Stewards Academy, FRUIT Foundation, Smart Stewards Junior, and WealthSync – to reach 20,000 lives annually. We’re building family wealth offices, accelerating businesses, and deepening our partnerships across Africa and globally. Post-TENacity, Smart Stewards is set to scale its impact through: MINATM by Smart Stewards, a Financial Literacy plus Money Mastery plan designed to you keep and grow your money confidently; WealthSync, a financial planning app designed to simplify money management; Business Incubator; expanded global partnerships for financial inclusion; new cohorts in the Smart Stewards Academy; community-driven initiatives focused on youth, women, and SMEs. The next decade promises deeper tech integration, broader reach, and more transformative programmes for financial empowerment. “Together, empowered now, we are investing in the future of Africa.”
In all of this, who is Sola Adesakin? “Sola Adesakin is a globally recognised wealth coach, chartered accountant, author, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Smart Stewards and has impacted lives in over 40 countries through financial education. With credentials from Oxford Brookes, Edinburgh Business School, and affiliations with ICAN, ACCA, CPA Canada, she is a powerhouse of financial wisdom. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a Mastercard Foundation EdTech and NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Centre Milestone Makers Fellow, and a mentor with the Cherie Blair Foundation. Her work is rooted in purpose, impact, and legacy.”
Asked how she has effectively managed her professional and marital life, she said: “Balance comes from clarity of purpose. I integrate my roles as a coach, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, through intentional living – prioritising what matters, delegating wisely, and aligning my work with my values. My approach is anchored on stewardship, not just of wealth, but of time, relationships, and legacy. I often tell people that financial success should not come at the expense of personal well-being or family harmony.”
