At just 30 years old, Engineer Henrich Bankole Akomolafe is emerging as a compelling force in Nigeria’s political evolution. With a rare blend of entrepreneurial success, global academic exposure, and grassroots activism, he symbolizes the aspirations of a new generation—one that is hungry for change, driven by innovation, and committed to inclusive governance. Hailing from Ikere-Ekiti, Akomolafe’s rise represents more than personal ambition; it signals a broader societal shift toward accountable, youth-led leadership.
Born on October 1, 1992, Akomolafe spent his formative years in Ekiti and Abuja, gaining early insight into Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic landscape. His academic journey reflects both focus and foresight. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the prestigious Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics in Ukraine in 2015. He later obtained a Master’s degree from the Barcelona School of Management in Spain, an institution renowned for grooming globally minded business and policy leaders. These academic experiences, steeped in technological innovation and international best practices, have prepared him to address Nigeria’s challenges with fresh ideas and practical solutions.
In the business world, Akomolafe has made a name for himself as the founder and CEO of Akotex Group, a conglomerate with interests in elevator manufacturing and real estate. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a nationally recognized brand, showcasing his capacity for vision, execution, and sustainable growth. His entrepreneurial prowess earned him a spot on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list in 2019 and the prestigious Africa Prize for Entrepreneurship in 2020, testaments to his impact and influence on the continent’s business landscape.
Yet, his ambitions extend beyond boardrooms and balance sheets. Akomolafe is equally committed to social transformation. Through the Henrich Initiative and Academy, he has awarded over 100 scholarships to underprivileged students, championed youth capacity development, and mentored aspiring leaders across Ekiti State and beyond. His passion for community development also led to the establishment of the Henrich Football Club in Ikere, a platform that combines sports, mentorship, and social inclusion to keep young people positively engaged.
In 2022, Akomolafe made a decisive entry into politics. In May of that year, he emerged unopposed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, a development that underscored the confidence reposed in him by both party leaders and constituents. His political platform is built around three pillars: youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and economic revitalization all issues that resonate deeply with Nigeria’s pressing needs.
A vocal advocate of the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, Akomolafe insists that young Nigerians are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the changemakers of today. “It is youth o’clock,” he declared in a widely circulated interview with BusinessDay, underscoring his belief in generational renewal. His youth-focused agenda includes vocational training, digital upskilling, entrepreneurship support, and policies that open up political space for young voices to thrive.
In the area of gender equity, he has been a staunch proponent of affirmative action. Working closely with established figures like Senator Biodun Olujimi, Akomolafe supports a 35 percent quota for women in political appointments and elected offices. He believes that Nigeria cannot progress meaningfully without fully harnessing the talents and perspectives of its female population.
On the economic front, his vision is both progressive and pragmatic. He advocates for higher living wages, targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and reforms that promote transparency and fairness in labor policies. He also emphasizes the need for strategic investments in public infrastructure, particularly in healthcare, education, electricity, and security, where accountability and delivery must be non-negotiable.
Akomolafe’s candidacy comes at a time when political disillusionment is widespread. In Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, there is growing fatigue with the current APC-led representation. Amid rising economic hardship, youth unemployment, insecurity, and failing public services, many constituents are increasingly eager for a new kind of leadership, one grounded in competence, compassion, and accountability. Akomolafe presents himself as a disciplined, results-oriented alternative, offering practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
What distinguishes Akomolafe is not just his age or charisma, but the coherence of his agenda and the credibility of his record. Unlike many political hopefuls, he enters public life with demonstrable achievements in business and philanthropy. He is not merely promising change, he has already modeled it in the private sector and within his community.
Still, the path to electoral victory is never easy. While his message has galvanized significant grassroots support, Akomolafe faces the complex challenge of converting popularity into actual votes. As with every candidate, the coming months will test his campaign machinery, coalition-building ability, and ground game. But his mantra, “If elected, I’ll be the voice of youths and the downtrodden,” continues to gain traction among voters eager for authentic representation and meaningful impact.
In Henrich Akomolafe, many see more than just a politician, they see a prototype of the modern Nigerian leader: young, competent, globally informed, socially grounded, and unapologetically committed to service. As Ekiti South prepares for its next electoral decision, his campaign is shaping up not just as a political contest, but as a referendum on the future of governance in Nigeria.
Whether or not the electorate is ready to embrace this new leadership model remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Henrich Akomolafe is not waiting for the future, he is building it.
