Oke, who grew up in Mushin, Lagos, recounted a childhood marked by hardship, including years spent sleeping on the floor. Her story has since transformed into one of remarkable achievement: she is now a First-Class Economics graduate, a Distinction holder in International Management from a UK institution, and an emerging advocate for social transformation.
The event drew an impressive audience of industry leaders, faith influencers, academics, creatives and community champions, all united in support of expanding opportunities for underprivileged students. Through the newly established foundation, Oke aims to provide scholarships, mentorship, and access to learning materials for children in low-income communities.
In her welcome remarks, she announced the foundation’s first initiative—The Floor to Future School Campaign—which will distribute 300 free copies of her debut book to students in underserved areas. The goal, she said, is to plant a message of hope: that their present circumstances do not determine their future.
“This is not just a book; it is a lifeline,” Oke said. “I am a living testimony that the floor may be your bed today, but it is not your destiny. Every child deserves a chance to rise.”
Delivering the keynote address, Wola Joseph-Condotti emphasized the importance of legacy, the transformative power of education, and the shared responsibility of shaping future leaders. She urged attendees to support systems that nurture potential, noting that societal progress depends on collective action.
A panel session added further depth to the evening’s discussions. The speakers included Jemima Ketiku, MD/CEO of Bigberry Designs; Precious Eniayekan, Leadership and Youth Development Specialist and Founder of Boycode Africa; Kemi Sope Agbebi, Convener of BOLD with KSA; and Lukman Shobowale, real estate entrepreneur and founder of Dukiya Investment. Each panelist shared insights on leadership, resilience, youth empowerment and building sustainable avenues for growth.
The launch of Floor to Future, coupled with the unveiling of the Dami Oke Foundation, underscored a central message: adversity can be the starting point for transformation, and empowering the next generation begins with giving them the tools—and the belief—to rise beyond their circumstances.