Founder | CEO | Pharmacist
Global Health Professional | Speaker | Philanthropist – Giving Back
Rolayo Akpuluma’s story begins not in the classrooms or boardrooms, but in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, where tradition and ambition collided to shape a young girl’s dreams. The last of four children, she was raised in a household where the weight of her father’s engineering background met the grace and wisdom of her mother, a princess from the South-Western part of Nigeria. Surrounded by the vibrant echoes of family and heritage, Rolayo was taught from an early age that true strength comes from both your roots and your aspirations. But it was not just the stories passed down by her mother’s royal lineage or the lessons of resilience from her father’s tireless work that set Rolayo on her unique path—it was the belief that her journey could make a difference, not just for herself, but for the world around her. Her childhood was a tapestry of discipline, love, and learning. Despite the financial constraints that often stretched her family’s resources, Rolayo’s father remained unwavering in his commitment to give his children the best education Nigeria could offer. It was through this determination that Rolayo attended St. Saviour’s School and later, Adesoye College—two institutions known for their high academic standards. Yet, when the time came for her to choose a career, she found herself at a crossroads. What she did know, however, was her deep passion for science. This curiosity and love for the subject would soon guide her to make a bold decision. At the age of 18, Rolayo embarked on a life-changing adventure that would take her far from home. She moved to Russia, a place where the language, culture, and climate were worlds apart from what she had known in Lagos. Here, she set out to study pharmacy at People’s Friendship University. The journey was anything but easy. The challenge of learning a new language—Russian—while simultaneously pursuing a demanding course of study tested her in ways she never imagined. But Rolayo was determined not to let the barriers of language or culture stand in her way. With unwavering resolve, she earned her Master’s degree in Pharmacy, proving to herself and others that no dream is too distant if you have the heart to chase it. It was during her years in Moscow that fate led Rolayo to meet her husband, a connection that blossomed into marriage five years later. But even as her personal life flourished, Rolayo’s thirst for knowledge and growth remained insatiable. The drive to make an even greater impact on her community led her to pursue a second Master’s degree, this time in Public Health from the University of Suffolk in the United Kingdom. The field of Public Health became her new passion, as she discovered a deep calling to make health knowledge more accessible, relatable, and, most importantly, life-changing.
This passion for health and social impact eventually culminated in the creation of the Gold Health Initiative, a nonprofit organization founded by Rolayo to focus on vital areas such as hygiene education, mental health awareness, antibiotic stewardship, and sanitation advocacy. Her organization has worked tirelessly to provide education and support to underserved communities, particularly in schools, where it has fostered behavior change and built hygiene clubs that empower young people to take charge of their health.
Through the initiative, Rolayo has become a beacon of hope for many, proving that one person’s passion can lead to lasting change. Yet, even as Rolayo found success in her nonprofit work, many questioned her choice. Why, they wondered, would a trained pharmacist, with an impressive academic background, step away from a conventional career to pursue a path less traveled? But for Rolayo, the impact she could make in her community outweighed any doubts. She saw possibilities where others saw risks, and with every challenge, she became more committed to her mission.
Seven years after the founding of the Gold Health Initiative, Rolayo’s work is still thriving. But beyond her academic achievements and nonprofit success, her greatest lesson has been that determination, when paired with passion, can overcome any obstacle. The detours and delays, she believes, only enrich the journey, and if she could speak to her younger self, she would say, “Explore every idea in your head — there’s time for it all. Trust your instincts.”
Today, Rolayo continues to empower others by equipping young minds and underserved communities with the knowledge that has the power to transform lives. As an executive director, consultant, and speaker, she shares her story and expertise on topics like project management, mental health, wellness in organizations, and corporate social responsibility. Fluent in Russian, English, and French, and certified in Leadership and Management in Health Services from the University of Washington, Rolayo has become a versatile and sought-after leader in the global arena. She is also currently training to become a master practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth.
A multilingual project management professional with over 10 years of experience in government and stakeholder engagement, Rolayo has led countless initiatives that have shaped public health and community development. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, program implementation, team development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy management.
Through her journey, Rolayo has learned that living a purposeful life requires no permission, only the courage to begin. Today, she continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and create lasting impact, proving that no dream is too big, and no challenge insurmountable. The story of Rolayo Akpuluma is not just about one woman’s triumph; it’s a reminder to all that every step toward change, no matter how difficult, holds the power to reshape the world.
