Polly Alakija
Polly Alakija
Polly Alakija is a distinguished board-level executive, creative director, and internationally recognized artist with over 30 years of experience in arts, culture, education, and social development. Holding dual British/Nigerian citizenship, Polly has made significant contributions across the UK, Nigeria, and South Africa, using her artistic talents and leadership skills to drive social transformation. Her work spans various sectors, blending creativity with strategy to foster cultural awareness, social inclusion, and education reform.
As the Founder and CEO of the Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative, Polly has championed arts education in Nigeria, creating sustainable empowerment programs for underserved communities and establishing partnerships with global organizations like UNICEF, UNDP, and the British Museum. Her leadership roles also include serving as Director General of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, where she developed strategic roadmaps and built partnerships to advance the foundation’s social development goals.
Polly’s impact extends to the private sector, having served as Founding Director of James Cubitt Interiors, leading projects for global corporations such as MTN, J.P. Morgan, and Guinness Nigeria. She has also been an Advisor to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, contributing to international initiatives like The Africa Centre NYC and the CA-COVID response program. Her passion for education led her to establish Nigeria’s first International Baccalaureate Accredited School, the Ibadan International School, and co-found Muna Taro, an initiative addressing Nigeria’s education deficit.
Beyond her professional roles, Polly has been a strong advocate for cultural preservation and social activism. She played a key role in promoting Lagos State’s arts and culture infrastructure during her tenure as Chairperson of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and has been instrumental in raising global awareness on social issues, notably through her mural art contributions to the "Bring Back Our Girls" movement.
Polly currently serves on several advisory boards, including the World Cities Culture Forum, Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, and the JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture. Her work continues to bridge the gap between culture and social development, making her a respected leader and advocate for positive change in both local and global communities.