INSPIRATION: First-Class Engineering Graduate Becomes Jollof Rice Vendor in UK

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted november 19th, 2024

The world is full of inspirational figures that challenge certain professional assumptions or pathways to success and they are truly an eloquent testimony to the unlimited possibilities of entrepreneurial spirit locked up inside every person, waiting to unplug when the opportunity emerges at a junction of time. This is the inspiring story of youthful Ayo Akande, who had a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from a Nigerian university and ended up a restauranteur in the United Kingdom.

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Ayo Akande’s journey exemplifies a blend of academic brilliance, entrepreneurial vision, and cultural advocacy. At just 25 years old, Ayo is a trailblazing Nigerian entrepreneur with an outstanding academic record and a sharp eye for opportunity. A proud alumnus of King’s College Lagos, Ayo graduated with first-class honors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos. He further honed his expertise with an MSc in Entrepreneurship from University College London (UCL) and an LLM in International Business Law.

AYO AKANDE

While working in London’s financial services sector, Ayo noticed a glaring gap in the city’s celebrated culinary diversity—an underrepresentation of African cuisine. Driven by his passion for West African flavors and culture, he decided to address this void by founding ‘City Jollof’. This innovative venture aims to showcase the bold and vibrant essence of West African food, offering Londoners an authentic taste of Africa’s rich culinary heritage.

Through ‘City Jollof’, Ayo not only celebrates his roots but also paves the way for African cuisine to thrive in global markets, fostering greater cultural appreciation and inclusivity in the food industry.

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Ayo’s inspiring story seems like a movie script worth enacting. He gives a time lime track of his emerging vision, goal, challenges, advice and more, paraphrased in his own words:

“I’m a proud Nigerian, born and raised in Lagos. I attended King’s College Lagos, where I built a solid academic foundation. Afterward, I pursued Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos, graduating with first-class honors. My passion for continuous learning led me to the UK, where I completed an MSc in Entrepreneurship at University College London and an LLM in International Business Law.”

“While working in London’s financial services sector, I noticed how underrepresented African cuisine was, despite the city’s multicultural food scene. I saw an opportunity to share the rich flavors of West Africa with a global audience. That’s how City Jollof was born—a brand focused on promoting authentic African meals, particularly the vibrant Jollof rice that’s central to our culture.”

“The initial challenges were introducing a niche cuisine to a new audience and ensuring quality while scaling. Collaborating with local chefs who shared my vision and using social media to educate people about West African dishes played a crucial role.”

“My engineering background honed my problem-solving skills and attention to detail, while my studies in entrepreneurship provided insights into building and scaling businesses. The LLM deepened my understanding of international business law, which has been invaluable for forming partnerships and navigating regulations.”

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“The goal is to expand City Jollof into a global brand, showcasing more African dishes while fostering international partnerships. Beyond food, I’m passionate about empowering African entrepreneurs to take their culture and ideas to the world stage.”

“Stay curious and embrace learning. Understand your market, leverage technology, and be resilient in the face of challenges. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of storytelling—your personal journey and the authenticity of your brand can connect deeply with people.”

“It’s been fulfilling to see the growing appreciation for African culture, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute. This journey reminds me that success is not just about personal achievements but also about sharing and celebrating where you come from.”
Ayo Akande’s story offers valuable lessons for emerging youth entrepreneurs, to leverage their backgrounds and education. In his case, his academic excellence and diverse qualifications in engineering, entrepreneurship, and business law gave him a strong foundation for problem-solving and running a business. Young entrepreneurs should maximize the skills and knowledge they gain from their education to build innovative and sustainable ventures.
Ayo had a good vision to identify an unmet need in London’s culinary scene, especially African cuisine which was underrepresented. Like typical successful entrepreneurs, his focus on solving real-world problems or addressing market gaps has led him to creating value.

Interestingly, Ayo was able to turn his passion into business. His love for West African culture inspired City Jollof. Passion drives commitment, creativity, and resilience. If you build a business around what you love, you’re more likely to stick with it through challenges. By introducing African cuisine to a global audience, Ayo showcases how local ideas and traditions can be scaled to reach international markets. Youths should dream big while staying rooted in their unique strengths and cultural assets.

No doubt, his academic navigation from engineering to law, enabled him adapt his skills to meet the needs of his venture. This kind of flexibility and willingness to learn new skills to navigate the dynamic nature of business is essential for emerging youth entrepreneurs to share their heritage and promote cultural identity.

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Overall, launching a business, especially in a competitive market like London or any cosmopolitan city in the world, requires courage and perseverance. Hence, burgeoning entrepreneurs should be prepared for challenges and remain focused on their goals.

Ayo Akande’s journey is a testament to the power of education, innovation, and cultural pride, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to think big and act decisively.