By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
King’s Trust International (KTI), the global charity founded by His Majesty King Charles III, has appointed distinguished Nigerian banker and philanthropist Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, and his wife, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, as Co-Chairs of its Africa Advisory Board.
The appointment, announced in London on Wednesday, signals a new phase in the Trust’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Africans through education, employability, and entrepreneurship. The couple succeeds Bernard and Genevieve Mensah, who served with distinction for six years and will continue as members of the advisory board.
In a joint statement, the Aig-Imoukhuedes described their new role as “an opportunity to shape Africa’s future by empowering its youth.”
“We are honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Africa’s future,” they said. “Our mission is to unlock the potential and creativity of Africa’s young people, nurturing a generation that will lead the continent toward sustainable development.”
Driving Youth Empowerment Across Africa
Since its establishment in Africa in 2016, King’s Trust International has supported over 30,000 young people across nine countries, achieving an 83% success rate in helping participants secure employment or return to education within three months of completing its programs.
With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent faces both a unique opportunity and a major challenge—transforming youthful energy into sustainable development.
Under the leadership of the Aig-Imoukhuedes, the Africa Advisory Board will expand the Trust’s footprint, scaling up initiatives that equip young people with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship, and foster job creation.
A Vision Beyond Programmes
KTI’s Chief Executive Officer, Will Straw, described the couple’s appointment as a major boost to the organisation’s mission of empowering the next generation of African leaders.
“As we look to the future, we are excited to deepen our impact with Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede,” Straw said. “Their visionary leadership, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to public service will help scale our programmes and empower the next generation to learn, earn, and thrive.”
He also commended Bernard and Genevieve Mensah for their “exceptional and visionary leadership,” acknowledging their continued contribution as members of the Africa Advisory Board.
Profiles in Leadership
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, is a renowned business leader, reform advocate, and philanthropist widely credited for transforming Access Bank into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. He currently chairs Access Holdings and Coronation Group, and co-founded the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which champions governance excellence and social impact initiatives.
Aigboje also chairs the France-Nigeria Business Council and has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s financial markets and public sector reforms.
His wife, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, is an accomplished lawyer, banker, and social impact leader. She serves as Executive Vice-Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Vice-Chair of The Ovie Brume Foundation. A Chevening Scholar and Cambridge MBA alumna, she is recognised for her work in public service delivery, healthcare improvement, and youth and women’s empowerment.
About King’s Trust International
Founded in 2015 by His Majesty King Charles III, King’s Trust International is dedicated to tackling global youth unemployment through partnerships and transformative programmes in education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
Active in around 20 countries across the Commonwealth and beyond, the organisation has empowered more than 125,000 young people worldwide. As it marks its 10th anniversary, KTI has launched the “Generation Potential” campaign, an ambitious drive to equip one million young people globally with skills and opportunities over the next decade.