Dr. Nimi Stephanie Ekere is a highly cerebral and resourceful physician. She is   a Consultant Family Physician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja where she  heads the Adolescent Health Clinic in the Department of Family Medicine. In this crucial role, she oversees the holistic care of young people, addressing not only their medical concerns but also their emotional, psychological, and social needs with warmth and compassion.

With over two decades of medical practice, she has distinguished herself as a clinician, teacher, advocate and mentor who is passionately committed to improving the health and well-being of children, adolescents and families. She also makes huge impact as the Medical Director of Cedarville Specialist Hospital, Victoria Island, Lagos, a center providing holistic healthcare for the entire family.

Dr. Ekere’s foundational commitment to service is anchored in her deep professional specialization and certifications. She is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Family Physicians and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. Further sharpening her leadership edge, she holds certifications in management and time mastery from the London Graduate School. This comprehensive expertise allows her to deliver over 150 keynote addresses, lectures, and presentations nationally and internationally, sharing vital insights on child advocacy, adolescent health, public health, and family wellness.

Her most profound legacy lies in her dedicated advocacy and empowerment initiatives. She is the Founder of Smile and Shine Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that has touched countless lives in Nigeria and beyond through its transformative programs on child protection, advocacy, and empowerment. Furthermore, she is the Convener of the STRIVE Conference, a nationally recognized youth empowerment platform that has reached thousands of adolescents and parents with critical interventions on safety, mental health, and leadership. Dr. Ekere is also a best-selling author of five transformational books and affirmation cards, including pioneering works on child sexual abuse prevention that are now utilized in schools across Nigeria. Her expertise and advocacy have earned her widespread recognition, including features on the BBC and other major media outlets, and being named among the Top 30 Most Inspiring Women by the New York City Journal in 2022.

Dr. Ekere’s passion for children development and empowerment is very deep. Her efforts focus on child protection, youth advocacy, mental health initiatives, and family strengthening to uplift vulnerable communities across Nigeria. Her unwavering dedication inspires transformative change in adolescent health and child welfare.

It was in recognition of her accomplishments and contribution to national development in the sphere of Children Development and Empowerment that Dr. Nimi Stephanie Ekere was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.