Damilola is a seasoned business and project development practitioner with a first degree in Chemical Engineering. He brings nearly two decades of experience across various sectors, including Business Development, Project Management, Customer Service, Client Interface Management, and Contract Administration for industries such as Oil & Gas, Telecoms, infrastructure projects, and the emerging Technology Space in West Africa.

Currently serving as the CEO at 8thGear Partners Ltd, a Venture Studio that provides enterprise services to Start-ups and SMEs undergoing digital transformation. He also delivers project services to partner development agencies globally.

Throughout his career, Damilola has led teams working with organizations and donor funders, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, University of California (San Diego), United States Africa Development Fund, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, State and Federal Government Agencies, as well as corporate entities in Nigeria. He has been responsible for developing opportunities and projects from conceptualization through proposals, negotiation, contract awards, and execution. He has also supervised rigorous impact assessments involving local and international stakeholders.

His experience with Wennovation Hub/LoftyInc Capital Management exposed him to opportunities supporting start-ups through incubation programs and fundraising from international and local Angels and VCs. He possesses a deep understanding of the Innovation landscape, particularly in Nigeria, where he has built a strong professional network and can manage high-level relationships, especially with Government and International NGOs.

Damilola earned his first degree in Chemical Engineering in 2008 from Lagos State University. He furthered his education with an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington DC, in May 2021. He also holds a Certificate Associate in Project Management from the Project Management Institute, earned in 2011.

He has received several awards, including a service excellence award from the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), and recognition for community service as Youth President of All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi. He was also the winner of the Lagos Merck Accelerator 2019 cohort for Pronov, a Pharma tech Start-up, where he served as COO.

In his free time, Damilola enjoys watching epic movies, reading extensively, and swimming. He is a guitarist, singer/songwriter, and gardener. He is happily married with two intelligent daughters.