The Root Gazette Africa Magazine
Published: May 25, 2025
By Lola Niran | Root Gazette Africa Magazine
Ambassador Olajumoke DOLLARIZEME’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and transformation. From a volunteer in a small Nigerian village to a global program manager overseeing international projects, her journey stands as a powerful inspiration to young professionals across Africa.
A Global Award winning IT professional with an academic credentials that include both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dollarizeme’s rise began with quiet determination and an unwavering passion for resource management.
She was awarded a 100% scholarship through the HumidTropics a CGIAR research Program in 2017, funded by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) which aims to improve the quality life of the rural poor farmers across the Tropical American, Asian, and Africa. Also the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Ambassador Olajumoke DOLLARIZEME is an active member of Women in Technology in the United States of America, where she contributes to empowering girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Her dedication to advancing female participation in tech earned her international recognition.
In 2024, she was honored with the IT Professional of the Year award by the Global African Diaspora Awards (GADA), a prestigious acknowledgment of her excellence and impact in the field of information technology. The previous year, in 2023, she was named Ambassador of Hope by the Southern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (SYAN) a probe to her inspirational role among youth and emerging leaders across the continent.
But before academia and accolades, Dollarizeme began her career at GTBank in the early 2000s and later transitioned into Nigeria’s competitive telecommunications sector despite a background in economics, not engineering. Her adaptability and critical thinking enabled her to stand out and climb the corporate ladder.
However, her defining moment came in the rural village of Olupono, Osun State, where she volunteered on a project aimed at empowering local farmers. It was there she met German researcher Dr. Christine Kreye, who, moved by Dollarizeme’s dedication, helped secure her a fully-funded international research fellowship. That opportunity opened doors to global platforms, turning Dollarizeme into a respected voice in agricultural economics and development.
Today, she is a program manager at a multinational financial organization, managing complex projects across continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Her portfolio spans product enhancements, global compliance, platform modernization, and data digitization driving innovation and efficiency in financial systems.
Despite a demanding career, Dollarizeme continues to emphasize balance.
“My work aligns naturally with who I am,” she explains. “Even if I wasn’t paid, I would still do this kind of work because I care deeply about impact and outcomes.”
She is also a strong advocate for youth empowerment, particularly young girls navigating their own paths to leadership. Her advice is simple but profound: believe in yourself, stay connected to your purpose, and let no voice drown out the conviction you carry within.
“My dreams were not shown to them,” she says about critics and doubters. “They don’t have to believe it. I do.”
Her mentors Dr. Christine Kreye, Professor Simeon Bamire (Vice Chancellor of OAU), Mr. Mark Bond, and Mr. Adeleke Raman remain key influences in her journey, and she now hopes to be the same kind of guiding light for others.
Dollarizeme’s legacy is clear: to inspire a generation of leaders rooted in faith, resilience, and excellence. Her journey is a reminder that greatness often begins in the most unexpected places and that passion, when aligned with purpose, has the power to transform lives.
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