Oluwatomisin Adebukola Badewole
journalist, mentor, leadership coach, and advocate for grassroots development
Oluwatomisin Adebukola Badewole is a journalist, mentor, leadership coach, and advocate for grassroots development. She is the Convener of NIGGSA (Nigeria Grassroot Government Summit and Awards), and has spent nearly two decades amplifying the voices of underserved communities, using storytelling and advocacy to drive meaningful change.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Tomisin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and African Languages and a Mini MBA from the International Business Management Institute, Berlin. She has also earned numerous certifications in Leadership, Strategy and Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Media Production, and Public Policy. With experience spanning broadcast journalism, market research, sales, and operations management, she has worked across multiple industries, always guided by a commitment to impact-driven storytelling.
As the Convener of the Nigeria Grassroots Governance Summit and Awards (NIGGSA), Tomisin has championed a national conversation on the role of grassroots governance in driving sustainable development. The inaugural NIGGSA Summit, held on October 30, 2024, brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, local government administrators, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders. With the theme "Sustainable Grassroots Governance: The Panacea for a Resilient Democracy and Progressive Economy," the summit emphasized the importance of local governance in national development.
The summit successfully:
- Hosted over 200 attendees, including government officials, community leaders, and development experts.
- Facilitated discussions on policy reforms and community-driven development.
- Strengthened advocacy for transparent government policies on food security, palliative distribution, and civic engagement.
- Honored outstanding individuals and institutions making significant contributions to grassroots development through the NIGGSA Awards.
Beyond the summit, Tomisin continues to engage stakeholders, ensuring that the resolutions from NIGGSA translate into tangible policy actions and community projects. Her leadership in this space reinforces her vision of bridging the gap between government and the people, fostering accountability, and ensuring that grassroots governance truly serves its purpose.
She is particularly proud of her work with Hope for the Masses Foundation, which spearheads clean water initiatives, menstrual hygiene projects, and advocacy for food security, all of which create tangible, lasting change in the lives of vulnerable populations. She also runs TAN 247 Studios, a media production firm dedicated to telling the stories that matter.
Through her work in television and radio, Tomisin has produced and anchored over 1,400 TV episodes and 700 radio broadcasts, using these platforms to educate, inform, and inspire. She is a published author, and an award-winning presenter.
Her journey is a testament to the power of media, leadership, and advocacy in shaping a more equitable world. Through her work, Tomisin continues to challenge the status quo, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of changemakers. Her passion for change is fueled by a deep concern for the exploitation of young people in Nigeria’s political landscape. Recognizing how media is often used to manipulate and disenfranchise the youth, she is committed to countering these narratives by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for a better future.
Tomisin draws inspiration from global and African leaders who champion resilience, strategic thinking, and social impact.
For more insights into her work and vision, visit her YouTube channel: @thegoldentomisin.