THE STORY SO FAR
From Lagos to Wales — education, resilience, enterprise and a voice of conviction.
Author. Entrepreneur. Public affairs commentator. Community leader. Kayode’s story is a journey across places, professions and perspectives, grounded in experience and a commitment to thoughtful contribution.
AUTHOR PORTRAIT
Official photograph to be suppliedKayode Emola was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Mr Wilson and Mrs Elizabeth Emola. From the age of ten, he attended boarding school in Ode-Aye, Ondo State, where he developed independence, adaptability and a spirit of teamwork. During school holidays, he worked at his uncle’s palm oil processing plant in Okitipupa.
In September 2003, Kayode chose the Applied Geophysics university pathway at the Federal University of Technology Akure, following his mother’s advice. Her deteriorating health brought him home to Lagos that December. She passed away on 28 December 2003, a profound loss during the beginning of his academic journey. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Public Relations Officer of the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences and Treasurer of the National Association of Ondo State Students. He was also the pioneer Editor-in-Chief of Earth Watch, the faculty’s maiden news magazine. His work included fundraising, opening an organisational account and establishing financial records. His supplied biography records that he left more than ₦160,000 in the association’s account at the end of his tenure. He graduated in December 2009.
Between March 2010 and March 2011, Kayode completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Nasarawa State. He taught Physics and Further Mathematics at a secondary school in Masaka, alongside additional teaching and business activities. These experiences shaped his perspectives and subsequent decisions. He later returned to Lagos before relocating to Accra, Ghana.
In August 2012, Kayode received a $30,000 Niger Delta Development Commission scholarship to study Applied Marine Geosciences in the United Kingdom. He completed the programme in September 2013. A subsequent employment opportunity in Qatar did not proceed because of visa restrictions, and he later pursued a career in British financial services.
Kayode joined Lloyds Banking Group in 2015, working in Chester, Leeds and Bristol. In September 2017, he moved to Nationwide Building Society and also gained experience in the pensions industry. He returned to Lloyds in May 2019 as an Assistant Manager and left in December 2020. Following further pensions-sector experience between 2021 and 2022, he focused on establishing his own business.
Kayode became involved with the Yoruba World Congress in 2020. In 2021, he discussed the role of the media in publicising Yoruba self-determination perspectives with Chief Dele Momodu. He was invited to contribute weekly articles to The Boss Newspaper and, working with editor Eric Elezuo, developed the Voice of Emancipation column. His supplied biography records his involvement, alongside seven others, in forming the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement in 2021. His public advocacy reflects his own perspectives on history, identity and governance; current office and affiliation details are awaiting confirmation.
In 2024, Kayode and his wife acquired a residential care home on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales, where they both serve as directors. He lives on Anglesey with his wife Bethan and their three children. Bethan provides feedback and editorial assistance on his weekly writing. Across education, service, business and writing, these experiences have shaped his interests and public commitments. His story continues with a belief in purposeful work, thoughtful dialogue and the enduring value of contributing to the lives of others.