Mobolaji Otuyelu
“It’s not if I can, it’s how I can.”
The Transcript
Mobolaji Otuyelu is an entrepreneur focused on black innovation and social change.
She is the founder of two startups—AGBO ILÉ and Ọjà Wellness Foods. AGBO ILÉ produces healthy kitchenware and homeware from locally sourced clay, catering to the needs of wellness-conscious consumers. Ọjà Wellness Foods complements this mission by creating health-focused and enjoyable beverages and teas, all centred around the versatile Roselle (Zobo) leaf.
Throughout her career, Mobolaji has worked in black social healing and community-driven innovation, aiming to create safer and more supportive environments for black communities.
She is also deeply involved with the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), where she collaborates on member-led initiatives to provide support such as health insurance, mortgage opportunities, and pension schemes for informal workers.
Mobolaji believes there is no economic development without healing and is committed to promoting Nigerian heritage and entrepreneurship that does not neglect the environment or the community it relies on. Her work stems from a desire to leave a lasting positive impact on the economy and the well-being of future generations.
She is the founder of two startups—AGBO ILÉ and Ọjà Wellness Foods. AGBO ILÉ produces healthy kitchenware and homeware from locally sourced clay, catering to the needs of wellness-conscious consumers. Ọjà Wellness Foods complements this mission by creating health-focused and enjoyable beverages and teas, all centred around the versatile Roselle (Zobo) leaf.
Throughout her career, Mobolaji has worked in black social healing and community-driven innovation, aiming to create safer and more supportive environments for black communities.
She is also deeply involved with the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), where she collaborates on member-led initiatives to provide support such as health insurance, mortgage opportunities, and pension schemes for informal workers.
Mobolaji believes there is no economic development without healing and is committed to promoting Nigerian heritage and entrepreneurship that does not neglect the environment or the community it relies on. Her work stems from a desire to leave a lasting positive impact on the economy and the well-being of future generations.
Project Spotlight:
AGBO ILÉ’s New Clay Pots
After nearly three years of research, learning, and collaboration with skilled artisans, AGBO ILÉ is excited to introduce a new line of clay pots. These pots combine ancestral knowledge with modern design thinking, aiming to bring the best of both worlds into contemporary kitchens.
Today’s conversation is with Mobolaji Otuyelu, the founder of two startups—a kitchenware company AGBO ILÉ and Ọjà Wellness Foods, a beverage company. As an entrepreneur focused on black innovation and social change, Mobolaji is also deeply involved with the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), where she collaborates on member-led initiatives to provide tangible support like health insurance, mortgage opportunities, and pension schemes for informal workers. In this conversation we discuss the ties between economic development and healing—the two need each other—, the gift of now and the power of the contemporary.
Timestamps
04:02 FIWON: A Model for Informal Workers
08:48 Resourcefulness in Nigerian Entrepreneurship
16:15 Healing Through Money and Economic Capital
25:34 The Gift of Now/Culture is Dynamic
Full transcript to be uploaded soon.