In the busy Lagos neighborhood of Ketu, Nigeria’s commercial center, lives the Anifowose family. Their name, which means “prosperity” in Yoruba, reflects their history of helping others and being involved in the community. Chief Anifowose has many children, including Titilope. Titilope grew up wanting to help people, just like her family. She felt this calling in both her Lagos home and her hometown of Igbonla, Kwara State, in central Nigeria.Titilope’s childhood was filled with Yoruba traditions. Living in the lively Ketu community, she learned a lot about the challenges and dreams of the people around her.
“About 90% of the traders in Ketu sawmill markets are from Igbomina. So, I lived in Lagos in a community predominantly of people from Kwara South,” Titilope recalls, highlighting her strong ties to her roots.
Fueled by a desire to represent and uplift others, Titilope embarked on a journey of education and activism, enrolling in law school to champion the cause of justice and equity. Her passion for advocacy found fertile ground at the University of Ilorin, where she distinguished herself as a fearless voice for change, particularly in advocating for gender equality within student politics
In 2022, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) reported that the national average for women’s political participation in Nigeria was 6.7 per cent in elective and appointive positions, a significant disparity from the regional and global averages of 15 and 22.5 per cent respectively.
In a country with lagging women’s participation in politics, Titilope’s ascent into leadership stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit. This early exposure to the political arena led to her first appointment as an Information Officer for Adams Oshiomhole at 22. She navigated the intricate landscape of Nigerian politics, leveraging her influence to champion the cause of the marginalized and underserved.
From her early days as a student politician to her current role as Director of Programs at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Titilope has remained steadfast in her commitment to effecting meaningful change.
Her foray into oil and gas
However, her dedication to public service extends beyond the realm of governance, transcending into the male-dominated domain of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
In 2022, the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICiR) published an analysis of employment data in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector that revealed that women make up only 18 per cent of the workforce, underscoring a significant gender imbalance.
Introduced to the intricacies of the sector at a tender age by her late father, Titilope has emerged as a formidable presence in the field, managing two successful ventures—OlaTaran Oil and Gas Ltd and MUTASIT Oil and Gas Ltd—in Lagos State
However, the path has not been without its hurdles. Titilope candidly acknowledges the challenges within the oil industry, citing lax enforcement of regulations and inadequate insurance measures as persistent issues. Recounting the personal toll of losing two trucks of oil products within two months in 2023, she reflects on the daunting risks that deter many women from entering the sector
“Regulatory agencies focus more on handouts than getting the job done,” she bemoaned.
Navigating male-dominated industries has demanded resilience and fortitude from the 29-year-old entrepreneur, qualities honed during her upbringing. Drawing inspiration from her roots, Titilope remains undeterred, driven by a vision of pioneering clean energy initiatives in Nigeria
Aspirations
“I see myself as a frontrunner of clean energy in Nigeria,” she asserted, citing a recent trip to China that opened her eyes to the vast potential of sustainable energy sources. With aspirations to represent the people of Kwara South in Nigeria’s National Assembly, Titilope envisions a future where she can drive tangible change and development for her community, bridging the gap between governance and industry with unwavering determination.
The Anifowose family, residing in Lagos' Ketu neighborhood, is well-known for their community involvement. Titilope Anifowose, one of the children, grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and advocacy, shaped by her Yoruba traditions and the community's challenges. She pursued law, driven by a desire for justice and equity, and became a vocal advocate for gender equality at the University of Ilorin.
Titilope's journey in governance started early, securing her first political appointment at 22. She now serves as the Director of Programs at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership. Titilope's career also extends into the oil and gas industry, where women represent only 18% of the workforce. Despite significant challenges, she manages two successful ventures in Lagos.
She envisions herself as a pioneer in clean energy in Nigeria and aspires to represent Kwara South in the National Assembly, aiming to merge governance and industry for community development with a focus on sustainable energy solutions.
