Ademola Rifkatu’s Journey Into Purpose, Leadership, and Creating Lasting Change

From the early days of primary school, leadership came naturally to Ademola Rifkatu.

I’ve always had the urge to lead. I’ve always been keen to handle one thing or the other.”

Whether as a class prefect or taking charge in her community, those small moments planted seeds that would one day bloom into something far bigger.

But purpose isn’t just born, it’s often forged in hardship.

Growing up in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria, Ademola saw firsthand the systemic barriers holding girls and women back, including early marriage, poor access to education, and a lack of voice or choice.

 “I’ve seen how education can take someone from zero to 1000. That became my turning point. I needed to light the way for others.” 

That conviction led her to found the Focusing on Women and Girls Initiative for Positive Change, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, and access.

“When you’re starting, you’re the only one who knows your vision.”

 There were no funders, no full team, no applause. But there was deep conviction. Ademola funded the organization with her savings, income from her business, and support from her husband and personal salary. For the first seven years, not a single donation came through.

 “I was the communication person, I was the program person, I was the ED, I was everything.” That season built resilience, skills, and determination. And slowly, the world began to notice.

“I’m an introvert. I used to feel like if I’m doing something good, people should just see it.” 

But vision isn’t enough if others can’t see it too. Learning to communicate her mission clearly and boldly became a game-changer. She began attending workshops, reading widely, and researching, anything to sharpen her capacity and connect with people who might one day become allies or funders.

Mentorship wasn’t formal. It came from observing others and learning by watching. 

“You can be mentored by people who don’t even know they’re mentoring you.”

 Ademola became a student of impact, studying the NGO ecosystem, improving her strategy, and taking lessons from afar. 

“I was always researching. Looking at the work others were doing, bringing it to the table, and asking: How can I be better?”

“Passion alone isn’t enough. Money plays a big role.” 

She admits there were times she got tired, burned out. But each time, the calling pulled her back. 

“I’ve quit many businesses when they didn’t work. But my organization? It’s different. I see it as a vision God gave me.” 

Even when she paused, she didn’t stop. Instead, she planned. She built. She rested, only to rise again stronger.

To anyone thinking of starting something meaningful, Ademola offers this: 

“You don’t have to found an organization to have a big impact.” 

Too many rush to register an NGO before testing their capacity, sustainability, and support system. Instead, she encourages people to collaborate, serve, and partner. There’s room to make an impact without carrying the weight of founding something alone.

And perhaps the most underrated advice of all? 

“You are your own marketer. As much as what we do is for impact, if you don’t talk about the work you do, nobody will.”

Visibility opens doors. One friend’s consistent posting earned her six grants and over 30 awards. Stories create trust. And trust builds support. 

“Do the right thing. Collaborate. Be visible. And remember, when you want to go far, go with others.”