Yinka Atunde Named Youth Business Leader of the Year by WSBL
Yinka Atunde, CEO of Yikodeen Nigeria Ltd, has been recognized as the Youth in Business Leader of the Year by WSBL. His company has transformed from producing 20 pairs of slippers to becoming West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer, with a daily output of 5,000 pairs.
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Yinka Atunde, at 32 years old, has been awarded the Youth in Business Leader of the Year title by the Women School of Business and Leadership. He founded Yikodeen Nigeria Ltd, which has evolved into West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturing plant, operating from a 120,000-square-foot facility in Lagos.
Starting in 2016, the company faced a significant capacity crisis after winning a large order from the Nigerian Police. Atunde's innovative approach included refurbishing idle machinery and expanding his workforce.
By strategically targeting industrial safety boots and securing contracts with major clients, including Saipem and the Nigerian Army, Yikodeen has manufactured over five million pairs to date. The company received a $1.5 million investment from Aruwa Capital Management in 2025 to enhance growth. Atunde will deliver a keynote at the WSBL International Youth Day Forum in 2026, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to a successful enterprise.
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