About us

What we do!

Afthonia is a textile waste facilitator, we bring different players in the textile waste value chain together to create more value. We do this through advocacy, upcycling and recycling of textile waste.

It may look like we focus more on women but that’s simply because we have more women in this ecosystem.

Mission

To show value in textile waste.

Vision

Facilitating a valuable ecosystem for textile waste.

Join the
Textile Recycling Move!

We want to encourage overwhelming support for and engagement of textile waste. Either by upcycling, recycling, reducing over consumerism, encouraging slow fashion and or circular design.

Meet our team

YOMI ODUTOLA

CEO/FOUNDER

Yomi is a seasoned social entrepreneur and business leader dedicated to driving positive impact in her community and environment. With a career spanning over two decades, Yomi has accumulated extensive experience across various sectors. Early Career Yomi began her professional journey in 1999, working with reputable organizations such as UNDP, NAL Bank, and VicLawrence & Associates, where she spent five years honing her skills. Entrepreneurial Ventures In 2005, Yomi founded her first business, Pitter Patter, in the leather crafts industry. She later expanded her entrepreneurial pursuits with the establishment of Gems & Leather, Foot Farm, and Joela, which she successfully manages to date. Advisory and Leadership Roles Yomi's expertise and passion for social impact have led to various advisory and leadership positions. Notably: - Advisory Board Member, Growing Business Foundation (GBF) (2021) - Director, Networks, Relationships, and Organization, Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP) (2022) - Co-Founder, Afthonia, a textile waste facilitating company (2022) - Member, Lagos State Technical Working Group for the Circular Economy Hotspot (2023) Education and Qualifications Yomi holds: - BSC in Finance, University of Lagos, Nigeria - MBA (Strategy and Change Management), Cardiff University, Wales - Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership Academy qualification, CEIBS - Circular Economy Institute (CEI) qualification Core Skills Yomi's expertise lies in: - Strategy - Business Development - Financial Management Yomi's commitment to creating positive change and her extensive experience make her a respected leader in her field.

BISOLA EDUN

ADVISORY

Bisola Edun, a visionary in Nigerian fashion, blazed a trail by introducing ready-to-wear fashion and elevating ankara fabric from traditional wear to contemporary chic. Her passion for fashion ignited during her early years while perusing Ebony and Vogue magazines. After studying economics at the University of Lagos, she ventured into fashion, founding “Tae” in 2003. Recognized with the British Council International Young Fashion Entrepreneur award in 1997, Bisola has not only excelled in her own fashion brand but has also mentored aspiring designers through organizations like WIMBIZ and Vital Voices. She continues to advocate for the growth and development of the Nigerian fashion industry.

KASHETOLULOPE LAWAL

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Kashetolulope Lawal is a seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of experience spanning Retail, Commercial, Corporate Banking, Trade Finance, Fund Management, and Special Projects. Kashe began his banking career in 1998 as a team member in the Management Information Systems team at Access Bank (formerly Intercontinental Bank Plc). He later transitioned to the Corporate Banking Group, where he progressed from a Relationship Manager in Retail and Commercial Banking to a Team Leader for Corporate Banking and National Conglomerates. He eventually became Group Executive for the Food & Beverages Group before departing in 2009. Between 2009 and 2014, he held leadership roles at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Citibank Nigeria Limited, and ARM Investment Managers. In 2014, he joined FBN Merchant Bank Limited as Head of Origination & Client Coverage, leading business development and investment banking solutions across various sectors. Currently, at Sterling Bank Ltd, he serves as Group Head, FMCG, Manufacturing & Telecoms within the Corporate & Investment Banking Directorate. Additionally, he is the Product Sponsor and Director of OmniX, a platform that provides investment and financing solutions for corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). Kashetolu holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (1996) and a Master of Economics (2006) from the University of Lagos. He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA), the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (ACPIN), the Nigerian Institute of Management (ANIM), and is an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB).

IJEOMA EKEOMA

SOCIAL MEDIA and EVENT COORDINATOR

Ijeoma Ekeoma is an Environmentalist, Sustainability Advocate and climate change volunteer. Growing up in a suburban setting, she developed an early enthusiasm for nature and the environment by learning about the complicated balance between ecosystems and human activity. She spent her childhood exploring her surroundings and the biodiversity around her. She is passionate about the environment, which inspired her to seek a degree in environmental biology at Yaba College of Technology. She has worked as the Technical Officer for EPRON (E-waste Producer Responsibility of Nigeria) on a major project in the e-waste sector, currently volunteering for Green Minds Environmental Sustainability Foundation (GESF), Africa Upcycle Community. Her journey has been enriched by her desire to better understand and learn about the circular economy, value chain, and climate change.