Meet Our Sunflower, Naomi.

"Sunflower, represents my soul; warm & bright. I have so much warmth to share & I’m always ready to brighten anyone’s world."

Meet Naomi Itiola Durosaro. She was born in 2000, went to school in Nigera and finished in England.

Who was Naomi in Secondary School?

I guess I was playful & life didn’t appear to be as deep to me. Life was just vibes haha.

Who are you now?

Now I’m definitely more serious, focused and intentional about the way I live my life. Life has a much more deeper meaning.

What dreams did you have when you were younger?

Hmm at such a young age, like 12 to 15, did I really dream. I was content and as I said just playful. I had milestones like finish school, get good grades ,etc but that was about it.

Have they changed over time?

Right now I’m very ambitious & literally chasing after/achieving my dreams and helping everyone I can along the way. Both in my circle and outside my circle. Honestly, I’ll say I’ve just started creating & fulfilling my dreams now as opposed to years ago at a younger age.

Talk to us about your other interests. What do you do for fun?

Polo, literally. I’m at my stables like everyday & then polo club after. Playing Polo, buying horses or equipment is my passion right now haha.

Did any of these interests influence your passion?

Hm, did it influence my passion? I don’t think so. If anything, my passion to help the world influences my polo life. Everywhere I go it’s like how I impact these people's lives.

When did you realize you were interested in Charity?

Since I was young, a lot of people that grew up with me knew how much I loved helping, at home, anywhere literally. That’s one thing my mum always says…”She’s always been like this.” No one is surprised about Aloiti. Actually maybe about how fast it has grown but not surprised I started it.

What/Who inspired/helped you take Charity to the next level?

Criminology and computer science. Again criminology, about helping people. Computer science..to acquire more knowledge. I love learning and found the degree interesting.

Seeing vulnerable children inspired me & as always I have the strongest support system ever so I got it done in such a short time…with so much love, support and affluence. My late grandfather is also my role model, in one of his tributes someone said “he educated more children that he biologically bore and helped many people achieve their dreams. He. He built bridges for people to cross not rooms.” That's literally Aloiti Foundation right now, over 100 kids, except the fact that I haven’t had my own kids yet haha.

Were there any discouraging factors in your process?

Discouraging factors? I guess the Nigerian system. But I prefer not to say too much about that. I feel like every other thing was smooth, I’m surrounded with some of the most intelligent, loving and hardworking people.

Did your secondary school play any role in elevating/deterring this passion?

I’d say secondary school definitely played an elevating role as in school you develop some life-long valuable skills. For example, discipline and commitment.

Do you think secondary schools encourage students’ entrepreneurial minds?

It definitely does. Every stakeholder makes reference to how powerful education is. I genuinely believe education has the power to transform your mind, body and way of life. However I believe so much more can be done to impact the entrepreneurial mind and not only “encourage.”

What are the most difficult & most rewarding aspects of doing Aloiti?

Seeing the reality of our country and how deprived children are encourages me to get things done. & Hearing the testimonies and seeing the bright smiles on the faces of the children. I am so happy the Aloiti family can give hope & love.

Have you ever wanted to give up? Why?

Never. I don’t see myself ever giving up. If I am even at a breaking point due to life’s challenges, the people around me have shown me they will carry me till I can walk again.

Where do you see Aloiti in 3 years?

Impacting many more lives & empowering many more people. Also encouraging more individuals to launch non-profit organisations.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Successfully completing the current project I am working on & owning two sister companies.

Whether you know it or not, we think you’re inspirational. With how you’ve gone about life so far, any words of advice to someone reading this?

Be kind to people always. Pray without ceasing. Protect your soul, mind & body.

Do you have any advice for IgeLead & what we’re trying to do?

Stay focused and eliminate distractions, physically and spiritually. Lastly, Well done. Proud of you all. You are going to impact multiple lives in your own way & that is the greatest thing to do in life.

Thanks for growing with us.