Mrs Adekunbi Akin-Taylor is a distinguished educator, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader with a lifelong commitment to service and uplifting others. Born on June 7, 1958, her remarkable journey has spanned education, public service, entrepreneurship, and faith-based initiatives, leaving an indelible impact across Nigeria and beyond.
A proud product of St. Agnes Primary School, Lagos, and Abeokuta Girls Grammar School (1969–1974), Adekunbi pursued higher education at The Polytechnic Ibadan (A-Levels, 1974–1976), University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), earning a B.Ed. Hons (1976–1980), and later at City University Business School, Barbican, UK , where she obtained her MBA in Management .
Her career began with the Kano State Sports Council (1980–1981) during her NYSC service year. She excelled as a School Games Mistress at St. Louis, Bompai, Kano and as a Television Presenter for Kano State Television, where her creative talent shone through drama writing. Subsequently, she served as a lecturer at the Kano State Institute of Higher Education (1981–1984) and later at Ogun State Polytechnic (1985–1989), now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Relocating to the UK in 1989, Amb. Akin-Taylor held various impactful positions, including Principal Officer in Housing Management for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other administrative and supervisory roles with City of London Police and Wandsworth Borough Council. After retiring in 2009 following spinal surgery, she returned to Nigeria to champion education and youth development.
She founded and serves as CEO of Charlie Marie Group of Schools and Charlie Marie Sports Academy, both of which provide education and sports opportunities to grassroots children in Ogun State. As an advocate for youth empowerment, she personally sponsors many children and collaborates with friends and families to ensure their education and sports training.
A passionate writer, Evang. Akin-Taylor is the author of several works, including her autobiography, “Standing on My Promises,” a collection of poems titled “Random Musing”, and her devotional series, “Random Whispers.” Her dedication to evangelism is reflected in her proactive Christian ministry and her contributions to charitable causes.
A lifelong supporter of her alma mater, Great Ife, Akin-Taylor has served as Pioneer Chairman of Great Ife Mainland Metro (GIMM), Vice President (Southwest) of the Great Ife Alumni Association, and active member of its UK and Dallas branches.
Beyond her professional life, she is actively involved in social and sporting activities, holding leadership positions such as the first female Chairman of the Darts Section at Lagos Country Club and serving as Publicity Secretary at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.
Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous awards from philanthropic organizations, communities, and her alma mater. She is Matron to several associations, including the Prestigious Oduduwa Daughters Association and the Nigeria Police Darts Association.
Blessed with three adult children and seven grandchildren, Amb. Evangelist Adekunbi Akin-Taylor embodies resilience, leadership, and a passion for service. Her legacy continues to inspire countless lives, particularly in education, philanthropy, and community development.
It was in recognition of her contribution to nation building in the area of Development, Management and Delivery of Quality Education in Nigeria that Amb. Evang. (Mrs) Adekunbi Akin-Taylor was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.
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