Meet The Fellows
Edward Oladipupo
Ipaja, Lagos State, Nigeria
Edward Opeyemi Oladipupo is a young African leader fueled by curiosity, courage, and creativity. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Edward is a native of the Yoruba tribe and is guided by Catholic religious principles and cultural values such as African morals of discipline, neatness, and respect.
A graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Edward holds a Bachelor of Technology in Agricultural Economics. His academic journey has been complemented by prestigious programs like Harvard University’s Aspire Leadership Fellowship, the Climate Actors Accelerator Program and the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.
In his teenage years, Edward underwent a transformative period of self-discovery, transitioning from exploring biogas and microbial fuel cells to embracing the art of writing. Words became a way to express his emotions and develop ideas around social impact initiatives. Through poetry, articles, books, and song lyrics, Edward channels his creativity and passion for social justice.
Edward firmly believes that every artist should be a proactive agent of change and be dedicated to at least one of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. In an effort to inspire other artists, Edward has committed to working toward the UN’s Zero Hunger initiative and creates his music to empower youth and women in marginalized communities.
Artists Name: Edpio
Age: 27
Artist Influences: "Adekunle Gold, Aṣa, Beautiful Nubia"
Genre: Folk, AfroBeats
Social Impact Project: Edward developed a network of young volunteers to visit elderly people in the Abesan Estate Ipaja community. They exchanged generational knowledge, and the volunteers offered each person supplements to increase their physical and mental health.
"The VERSIONS Fellowship has helped me build my voice, made me more comfortable with my voice, and changed my perspective from the victim and oppressed viewpoint to a free and proactive identity.
I feel very much conscious of myself, my environment and the words I use in expressing myself."
