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Adeola Austin Oyinlade is a Nigerian lawyer; human rights and International law expert, international speaker and United Nations’ Peace Ambassador. He is a consultant to the African Union Commission on the implementation of African Youth Charter . He has graced the United Nations, African Union and many international organizations’ speaking platforms across many countries of the world. He uses his legal expertise as a tool of social engineering and problem-solving in Nigeria and Africa at large. The social crusader’s work has earned him national and international awards including the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award 2018  for outstanding contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights in Rome, Italy .[[File:Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France.JPG|thumb|Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France]]

'''Adeola Austin Oyinlade''' (born 6 August 1981) is a Nigerian lawyer, human rights<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.osundefender.org/?p=178338&cpage=1| title=Chibok Girls: Adeola Austin Oyinlade reacts to the arbitrary detention of #BringBackOurGirls coordinator, Ms Oby Esekwesili|accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> and International Law expert, international speaker and United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace. He is a consultant to the [[African Union Commission]] (Youth Division) on the implementation of [[African Youth Charter]], resource person to UNESCO, UNDP and many other international and intergovernmental organisations. He uses law as a tool of social engineering and problem-solving across Nigeria and Africa.

[[File:Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France.JPG|thumb|Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France]]


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Adeola Austin Oyinlade was born on 6 August 1981 in Akure, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria to late Elder Michael Boluwaji Igbekele and Deaconess Florence Oyinlade. His late Grandfather, Pa Gabriel Oyinlade married Madam Emilola Oyinlade, the daughter of Arogbodo, Elemo of Akure Land. Adeola was raised in his father's house at Oke-Aro area of Akure, in [[Ondo state]].
Adeola Austin Oyinlade was born on 6 August 1981 in Akure, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria to late Elder M.B.I and Deaconess Florence Oyinlade . Adeola was raised at his father's house at Oke-Aro area of Akure, in Ondo state.  


While writing his secondary school certificate examination in 1998 at Akure Secondary Commercial School in Akure, he lost his dad, the bread winner of his family.
While writing his secondary school certificate examination in 1998 at Akure Secondary Commercial School in Akure, he lost his dad, the bread winner of his family .


His radio talent was discovered by the duo of Ayo Omotosho and Ige Jongbo who were ace broadcasters in Akure, Ondo state and recommended him as a radio presenter to OSRC 96.5FM Akure, in 2001. After about six years of working on radio (O.S.R.C 96.5 FM and FRCN Positive 102.5 fm both in Akure) between 2001 and 2006, he moved to UNILAG 103.1 FM when he gained admission to study law in the University of Lagos, where he produced and presented many radio programmes and the award-winning 'Know Your Constitution' designed to simplify law in force to the understanding of the ordinary man on the street in Lagos, [[Nigeria]].
His radio talent was discovered by the duo of Ayo Omotosho and Ige Jongbo who were ace broadcasters in Akure, Ondo state. He was recommended as a radio presenter to OSRC 96.5FM Akure, in 2001 after passing an auditioning test. After about six years of working on radio (O.S.R.C 96.5 FM and FRCN Positive 102.5 FM both in Akure) between 2001 and 2006, he moved to UNILAG 103.1 FM in Lagos Nigeria after gaining admission to study law at the University of Lagos, where he produced and presented many radio programmes and the award-winning 'Know Your Constitution' later named “Know Your Rights Nigeria’ he designed to simplify laws in force in Nigeria to the understanding of the ordinary people on the street of Lagos and empower them on their rights.  


== Education ==
== Education ==
Adeola Austin Oyinlade completed his Primary school Leaving Certificate at Irotitun Community Primary School, Akure, Ondo state in 1992. He proceeded to C.A.C Adu Memorial High School and Akure Secondary Commercial School, Akure for his Senior Secondary School Education between 1993 and 1998. He sat for the first ever [[National Examination Council (Nigeria)|National Examination Council (NECO)]] Exam in 2000 at the Community High School, Isharun, Ondo state.
Adeola Austin Oyinlade completed his Primary school Leaving Certificate at Irotitun Community Primary School, Akure, Ondo state in 1992. He proceeded to C.A.C Adu Memorial High School and Akure Secondary Commercial School, Akure for his Senior Secondary School Education between 1993 and 1998. He sat for the first ever National Examination Council (NECO)  in 2000 at the Community High School, Isharun, Ondo state.


In 2006, he left for University of Lagos for his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree in Law<ref>{{cite web | url=http://unilag.edu.ng/newsdetails.php?NewsID=502 | title='UNILAG LAW STUDENT, 4 OTHERS RECEIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD |accessdate= 10 December 2010}}</ref> and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, for his Barrister at Law Certificate and was called into the Nigerian bar in 2012 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He completed his Master of Law (LLM) in Human Rights, Law of International Institutions, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law at the [[University of Lagos]] in 2014.
Oyinlade completed his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree at the University of Lagos. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called into the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He completed his Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights, Laws of International Institutions, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law at the University of Lagos in 2014.  


== Legal practice ==
== Legal practice ==
Adeola is the Principal Partner of '''Adeola Oyinlade & Co'''; a fully serviced law firm based in [[Lagos]], Nigeria with special expertise in Litigation; Human Rights; Commercial, Corporate and International Law.
Adeola is the Principal Partner of '''Adeola Oyinlade & Co'''; a fully serviced law firm based in [[Lagos]], Nigeria with special expertise in Litigation; Human Rights; Commercial, Corporate and International Law.


== Advocacy and public speaking ==
== Peace building, Advocacy and Public speaking ==
At the regional level, Adeola has worked with the issue of "alternative dispute resolution" and championed peace in the continent of Africa over the years. His main focus in the continent of Africa as a United Nations Peace Ambassador is to involve the parties in dialogue instead of continued conflict. He created a model that shows that reconciliation, settlement and peace-building in Africa is possible especially where large and fresh post conflict wounds still exist. His peace-building work is vital experiences and ideas of the great value for global peace. He has intervened in and proffered solutions to humanitarian crises and armed conflict issues in many African countries with relative impact. His non-violent campaigns include the Libya Peace Talks , Niger and Malian insurgency Crisis , South Sudan Crisis , Central African Republic’ Sectarian Violence, South Africa’s xenophobic attacks , Migrant Crises  among many others.
As a public international speaker, Adeola has graced United Nations, [[African Union]], and [[Commonwealth of Nations]] speaking platforms among others in cities across Nigeria and around the world such as Abuja, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Paris, Nairobi, Baku Azerbaijan, and Vienna etc.


As a public speaker, Adeola has graced United Nations, African Union and other Intergovernmental and international organizations’ speaking platforms in many cities across Nigeria and around the world such as Abuja, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Paris, Nairobi, Baku, Azerbaijan, Rome, Frankfurt and Vienna etc.
In April 2011, He addressed the plenary sessions of the African Union's African Youth Forum 2011 on 'Readiness to reform National Laws and Legislation in compliance with the African Youth Charter' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-596866| title=UNILAG Student represents Nigeria at AU summit |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Youth Voice for Change in Paris, France in 2011, on ''''Youth-led social innovation in Africa '''';<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/AFR/pdf/Agenda.pdf| title=7th UNESCO Youth Forum Thematic Parallel Session:Youth-led social innovation in Africa |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> the UNHABITAT and UNDP co-organized YOUTH 21 Forum 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya on ''''Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation'''; the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) Conference on ''''Legal services and Human Rights Ideas'''';<ref>{{cite web | url=http://doraciousgee.blogspot.com/2012/10/legal-services-and-human-rights-ideas.html| title=LEGAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RIGHTS IDEAS |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> the African Union's Youth Experts meetings on the promotion of African Youth Charter; the National Youth Conference on Constitution Review in Abuja in 2012 on ''''Evolving a people's constitution: Issues and processes'''’ and others.


  Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum 2011 in Paris, France in 2011.
As an international law and human rights expert and United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace, Adeola has featured regularly and proffered solutions to human rights, internal and non-internal armed conflicts ’<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5CD-SFQyzA| title=Internal and non-internal armed conflicts issues and Terrorism in Africa |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> issues and Terrorism in Africa on local and international media such as Television Continental (TVC International Channel),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R98DkUPKfUM | title=Interview with TVC International Channel |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> Channels, BBC among others.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUID9oSQ97I&feature | title=TVC News Africa engages Adeolaoyinlade on South Sudan Crisis. |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref>


In April 2011, He addressed the plenary sessions of the African Union's African Youth Forum 2011 (Pre-AU Summit) on 'Readiness to reform National Laws and Legislation in compliance with the African Youth Charter' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Youth Voice for Change in Paris, France in 2011, on 'Youth-led social innovation in Africa  '; the UNHABITAT and UNDP co-organized YOUTH 21 Forum 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya on 'Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation; the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) Conference on 'Legal services and Human Rights Ideas';  the African Union's Youth Experts meetings on the promotion of African Youth Charter; the National Youth Conference on Constitution Review in Abuja in 2012 on 'Evolving a people's constitution: Issues and processes ; He delivered a paper titled Freedom of Information in Nigeria; Challenges and way out   at the University of Lagos and University of Oxford, UK 1st West African Regional Round of the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition Conference on 6th February, 2017 at the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos, Nigeria  and many others.
He has written many articles<ref>{{cite web | url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201408182643.html | title= Oyinlade – Ebola: How Intellectual Laziness Stalls Development |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> and spoken<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ruralreporters.com/how-technology-is-fostering-good-governance-in-nigeria/ | title= HOW TECHNOLOGY IS FOSTERING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA |accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> at several symposia<ref>{{cite web | url=http://africanfoundationforpeace.org/?page_id=435 | title= A SYNOPSIS OF THE ANNUAL 2014 PEACE MEDIA PARLEY (PMP) |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> on national issues<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theafricareport.com/Columns/nigeria-the-peoples-manifesto.html | title= Nigeria: The people's manifesto |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> in Nigeria as a public affairs analyst. [[File:Adeola and H.E Thabo Mbeki, Immediate past president of South Africa at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.JPG|thumb|Adeola and H.E Thabo Mbeki, Immediate past president of South Africa at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia]]

As a law expert and Public Affairs Analyst, Adeola has featured regularly and aired his opinion on issues of different thematic areas on local and international media such as Television Continental (TVC News),[7] Channels Television , BBC , IBA TV , China Global Television  TV 360 Nigeria  among others.[8]

He has written many articles  and spoken  at several symposia  on national issues[12] including good governance , peace building , rule of law , anti corruption, security , constitutionalism, ICC and African leadership , Nigeria-US relations  and many others.   [[File:Adeola and H.E Thabo Mbeki, Immediate past president of South Africa at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.JPG|thumb|Adeola and H.E Thabo Mbeki, Immediate past president of South Africa at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia]]


== Human rights promotion and protection ==
== Human rights promotion and protection ==
The generality of Nigerians dread any form of contact with law enforcement agents. This is largely borne out of ignorance of their rights under the law. Such ignorance is exploited by police officers and others to intimidate and harass innocent persons. In taking up the challenge of educating and enlightening Nigerians on their basic rights, Adeola started 'Know Your Constitution'<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.punchng.com/opinion/musings-on-the-world-day-of-social-justice/ | title= Educating and enlightening Nigerians on their basic rights |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> initiative on radio (UNILAG103.1FM) in 2007,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://youngstarsfoundation.org/2012/01/30/young-change-maker-adeola-austin-oyinlade/ | title= Young Change Maker – Adeola Austin Oyinlade |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> '#KnowYourRightsNigeria' on social media, and founded ''''Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative''' ' to provide pro-bono legal services as a lawyer to enforce the rights of the poor and defenceless.
The generality of Nigerians dread any form of contact with law enforcement agents. This is largely borne out of ignorance of their rights under the law. Such ignorance is often exploited by police officers and others to intimidate and harass innocent persons. In taking up the challenge of educating Nigerians on their basic rights and providing legal support, Adeola started 'Know Your Constitution' now “Know Your Rights Nigeria” initiative on radio (UNILAG103.1FM) in 2008. In 2012, he founded 'Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative ; a Non-Governmental organization with immense contribution to expanding the frontiers of Human Rights, Democracy to the happiness of people in Nigeria.


He has distinguished himself through his courageous stand for human rights and his pro-bono legal services to the poor as a lawyer in the last 10 years advocating equitable, just and fair society and simplifying human rights laws and safeguards to the understanding of ordinary people on the street in local languages (Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) spoken by over 100 million people .
He also took the Initiative to the streets of Lagos to educate and thereby empowered people with knowledge of law and demonstrated the relevance of the constitutional provisions to their everyday lives.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://campusdailyonline.com/headlines/484-un-human-right-day-students-distribute-free-constitution/ | title= UN HUMAN RIGHT DAY: Students distribute free constitution |accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> He gave out ten thousand (10,000) copies of the Nigeria's Constitution<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cp-africa.com/2010/12/13/law-students-demonstrate-the-relevance-of-constitutional-provisions-to-everyday-lives/ | title= Law students demonstrate the relevance of constitutional provisions to everyday lives |accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> to people including; the Police, transporters, market women, farmers, artisans among others.


Through his ‘Know Your Rights Nigeria’ initiative, Mr. Oyinlade gives Nigerians the legal knowledge to keep them fully abreast of the whole gamut of rights available to them, equip them with the information needed to stand and defend them against infraction .
In 2011, Adeola brought legal luminaries together for a two-day Human Rights International Conference in March at the University of Lagos. The [[ECOWAS]] Community court of Justice Chief Registrar, Mr. Tony Anene-Maidoh; Mr. Femi Falana SAN were among resource persons who empowered about 2,000 participants at the conference which was also aired live to millions of radio listeners in Lagos on UNILAG FM.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/kyc%20ini%20organizes.html | title= KYC INITIATIVE organizes a 2-day International Human Rights Conference |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref>


In 2016, Oyinlade unveiled downloadable  “Know Your Rights Nigeria” app (Android, iPhone) and the web version  which simplify all human rights in force and constitutional safeguards in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba Languages.  The first ever human rights empowerment app in Nigeria has platforms where users chat Mr. Oyinlade and his team of over 50 lawyers  daily on human rights issues that arise without monetary charge. It also has platforms where users can share documentary evidence of abuse anonymously and where they can get connected to agencies, commissions, organizations for help if violated.  
He has also contributed his expertise on human rights,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://dailypost.ng/2013/10/09/adeola-austin-oyinlade-african-union-summit-justice-not-only-for-the-plaintiff-but-also-for-the-defendant/ | title= Adeola Austin Oyinlade: African Union Summit: Justice, not only for the plaintiff, but also for the defendant |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> youth rights,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://amplifyyourvoice.org/u/papavic/2011/04/04/youth-demand-more-responsibility-at-african-union-presummit | title= Youth Demand More Responsibility at African Union |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> democracy, and rule of law at the international level.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.labournetaustria.at/i-am-moroccan-i-am-african-a-campaign-to-combat-racism-in-morocco-claudia-grobner/ | title= 'I am Moroccan, I am African': A Campaign to Combat Racism in Morocco |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> He is the co-founder of the Global Network of Youth Rights Experts,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.facebook.com/groups/742339719185317/ | title= 'Global Network of Youth Rights Experts |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> a global body promoting and protecting the rights of young people globally. He has also set up a training unit in Lagos, Nigeria for young lawyers, law students and volunteers to enhance the quality of the empowerment offered locally to victims of human rights in Nigeria.

The app has been useful in Nigeria in uncovering systemic human rights violations in Nigeria. His human rights empowerment innovation has being hailed for its free access , speedy dissemination of human rights information , anonymity it confers on users, prevalence of Android and other smart phones users, prompt access to legal help, simplification of rights and safeguards in major local languages with over one hundred thousand (100,000) beneficiaries . The human rights empowerment app by Adeola Austin Oyinlade has been endorsed by national leaders, foreign diplomats and celebrities including the U.S Consul General Lagos; Mr. F. John Bray , Co- Founder of Bring Back Our Girls initiative; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili , Nigerian music sensation; Simi , Popular Comedians; Akpororo  and Teju BabyFace Oyelakin .

He has also taken the human right empowerment initiative to the streets of Lagos where over ten thousand people have been empowered with the knowledge of law where he alongside his team of lawyers demonstrated the relevance of the constitutional provisions to people everyday lives. In 2010, Adeola gave out ten thousand (10,000) copies of the Nigeria's Constitution to people including; the Police, transporters, market women, farmers, artisans among others.  

In 2011, Adeola brought legal luminaries together for a two-day Human Rights International Conference in March at the University of Lagos. The ECOWAS Community court of Justice Chief Registrar, Mr. Tony Anene-Maidoh; Mr. Femi Falana SAN were among resource persons who empowered about 2,000 participants at the conference which was also aired live to millions of radio listeners in Lagos on UNILAG FM. The annual human rights conference has taken place at the Nigeria Institute of Foreign Affairs and also hosted at the U.S Consulate , Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr. Oyinlade’s human rights work has been commended globally  including the world lawyers body like International Bar Association (IBA),  world leaders and governments . For example, the U.S Consul General F. John Bray while giving remarks at the U.S Consulate Lagos in April 2018 said “I want to acknowledge Mr. Adeola Austin Oyinlade and the work he has done to strengthen respect and support for the protection of human rights in Nigeria”   The US Consul General sees his human rights work in Nigeria very key to the needed development in Africa. According to the U.S Envoy, Nigeria is ‘one of the most important countries on the continent, given its large population, thriving commercial enterprises, and strategic geopolitical location Nigeria is critical to Africa’s prosperity and stability ".

  Adeola Oyinlade wins the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award 2018 in Rome, Italy

At the continental level; through advocacy, Mr. Oyinlade has also proffered solutions to human rights issues in Africa including the Jailed Angolan Activist crisis , jailed Aljazeera journalist Crisis in Egypt , the Central African Republic Crisis, the Congo Democratic Republic Armed conflict, Prison congestion in Nigeria  among many others.

He has also set up a training unit in Lagos, Nigeria for young lawyers, law students and volunteers to enhance the quality of the empowerment offered locally to victims of human rights in Nigeria.


== Youth and Global Development ==
== Youth and Global Development ==
He has consistently mentored Nigerian youth in areas of human rights, democracy for over seven (7) years, and is regularly invited to speak at youth fora within and outside Nigeria.
Adeola has consistently mentored Nigerian youth in areas of youth policy, human rights, democracy for over a decade and he is regularly invited to speak at youth fora within and outside Nigeria . As a resource person to the African Union Commission (Youth Division) on the implementation of African Youth Charter , he has offered his technical expertise to the continental body on how to use African Youth Charter as a tool of accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development in Africa.  
As a resource person to the [[African Union Commission]] (Youth Division) on the implementation of African Youth Charter, he has offered his technical expertise to the continental body on how to use African Youth Charter as a tool of accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development in Africa.


He was also appointed by the African Union Commission in 2012 as a consultant to [[Economic Community of West African States]] (ECOWAS) Secretariat on youth development data covering 14 West African countries in compliance with the implementation of the African Union Youth Decade Plan of Action. On the authorisation of the African Union Commission, Adeola is currently developing the mobile applications of the African Youth Charter<ref>{{cite web | url= https://photos.state.gov/libraries/usau/231771/PDFs/english.pdf | title= African Union Chooses Adeola Austin Oyinlade to Digitize and Popularize the African Youth Charter |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> in six languages; Arabic, English French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://ynaija.com/african-union-picks-united-nations-young-ambassador-for-peace-adeola-austin-oyinlade-to-digitize-the-african-youth-charter/ | title= "Know your rights" – African Union picks Adeola Austin Oyinlade to digitize the African Youth Charter |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref>
He was also appointed by the African Union Commission in 2012 as a consultant to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat on youth development data covering 14 West African countries in compliance with the implementation of the African Union Youth Decade Plan of Action.  


Adeola is also a co-founder of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOSTPTK5AsE | title= Launch of ANYPE at UN Global Forum on Youth Policies |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref> launched in Baku, Azerbaijan in October 2014. The international organisation is working on youth policy issues in Africa. His passion for national and international development has brought him under the same roof with many national and international leaders such as Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, [[Thabo Mbeki|Mr. Thabo Mbeki]], [[Olusegun Obasanjo|Chief Olusegun Obasanjo]], among other dignitaries.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://kycinitiative.org/photo2.html | title= KYCI president meets Mr. Tabo Mbeki, African Leaders and US Ambassador to African Union | accessdate= 1 February 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150224155632/http://kycinitiative.org/photo2.html | archive-date= 24 February 2015 | dead-url= yes | df= dmy-all }}</ref>
Adeola is also a co-founder  of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts  launched in Baku, Azerbaijan in October 2014. The international organisation is working on youth policy issues in Africa . His passion for national and international development has brought him under the same roof with many national and international leaders such as the then UN Secretary General; Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Mr. Thabo Mbeki among other dignitaries.


  Adeola speaking at the International Bar Association Conference in Rome, Italy
His contribution and 'interest in and support of the United Nations' was acknowledged and commended by Mr. [[Ban Ki-Moon]], United Nations Secretary General. His UN-recognized commitment to the development of the [[Millennium development goals|Millennium development goals (MDGs)]] through his writings include; 'Millennium Development Goals; obstacles and ways of tackling them' in 2007, 'Contribution of Higher Institutions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals' in 2008 and 'importance and benefits of promoting MDGs through football tournaments' in 2009 with a minute video linking the MDGs with the spirit of football where goals count and a call on everyone to score those goals.

His contribution and 'interest in and support of the United Nations' was acknowledged and commended by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General. His UN-recognized commitment to the development of the then Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through his writings include; 'Millennium Development Goals; obstacles and ways of tackling them' in 2007, 'Contribution of Higher Institutions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals' in 2008 and 'importance and benefits of promoting MDGs through football tournaments' in 2009 with a minute video linking the MDGs with the spirit of football where goals count and a call on everyone to score those goals .

He is an advocate of Sustainable Development Goal 16 ; Peace, Justice and strong institution with interest and support on how the United Nations  can achieve global peace and security.


== Achievements and awards ==
== Achievements and awards ==

* In May 2009, he was named the 'Youth Achiever', by the African Newspaper of Nigeria Plc, Saturday Tribune, 30 May 2009 in Nigeria for educating Nigerians on their rights and for his 'interest in and support of the United Nations' through his series research carried out on MDGs (See page 39 of the Saturday Tribune published on 30 May 2009)
* In May 2009, he was named the 'Youth Achiever', by the African Newspaper of Nigeria Plc, Saturday Tribune in Nigeria for educating Nigerians on their rights and for his 'interest in and support of the United Nations' through his series of research carried out on MDGs (See page 39 of the Saturday Tribune published on 30 May 2009)
* In May 2010, he was commissioned as the United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace for his immense contribution and campaign as a young Nigerian to promote peace in Nigeria<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.upf.org/united-nations/international-day-of-families/2010/2761-award-dinner-planned-for-day-of-families-in-lagos | title= UN International Day of Families 2010 |accessdate=3 February 2015}}</ref>
* In May 2010, he was commissioned as the United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace for his immense contribution and campaign as a young Nigerian  promoting peace in Nigeria
* In August 2010, he was named the 'Sunshine Youth Ambassador' by the Citizen Reporters; a recognition for the [[Ondo state]] great and illustrious sons and daughters in Nigeria for his excellence, passion and dedication to the service of humanity via 'Know Your Constitution' project.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://ipinleondo.com/myondostate/ambassador.php | title= Sunshine Youth Ambassador August 2010 |accessdate=3 February 2015}}</ref>
* In August 2010, he was named the 'Sunshine Youth Ambassador' by the Citizen Reporters; a recognition for the Ondo state great and illustrious sons and daughters in Nigeria for his excellence, passion and dedication to the service of humanity via 'the Know Your Constitution' project.
* In October 2010, he was selected for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative's future Leaders Fellowship. Nigeria Leadership Initiative is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/nigeria%20leadership.html | title= Nigerian Leadership Initiative inducts CRALI president and others as Associates |accessdate=1 February 2015}}</ref> Same year, he was appointed the Youth Coordinator of the Maiden edition of Kuramo Conference 2010<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.thekuramoconference.org/student-page.html | title= NIGERIAN STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE KURAMO CONFERENCE 2010 |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> by the Lagos state Government.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/lagos%20state%20govt.html | title= Lagos state Government appoints KYCI President as the Youth Coordinator, Kuramo International Conference |accessdate=1 February 2015}}</ref>
* n October 2010, he was selected for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative's future Leaders Fellowship. Nigeria Leadership Initiative is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.. Same year, he was appointed the Youth Coordinator of the Maiden edition of Kuramo Conference 2010[29] by the Lagos state Government.
* In November 2010, Adeola Oyinlade was declared winner of the 7th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards, LEAP AFRICA Awards,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/unilag-law-undergraduate-honoured-at-leap-africa-awards/73934/ | title= UNILAG Law Undergraduate Honoured at LEAP AFRICA Awards |accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref> November 2010, Lagos, Nigeria for being an agent of change by using law as a tool of problem-solving in Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/unilag-student-wins-african-leadership-award/74330/ | title= UNILAG Student Wins African Leadership Award |accessdate=15 February 2015}}</ref>
* In November 2010, Adeola Oyinlade was declared winner of the 7th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards, LEAP AFRICA Awards, November 2010, Lagos, Nigeria for being an agent of change by using law as a tool of problem-solving in Nigeria.
* For being the voice of the voiceless in Nigeria via his 'Know Your Constitution' project, Adeola was described as the 'Face of the Future' by the Westerner Magazine. (See vol.2 No.34 edition of the Westerner Magazine published on 29 November 2010 in Nigeria)
* For being the voice of the voiceless in Nigeria via his 'Know Your Constitution' project, Adeola was described as the 'Face of the Future' by the Westerner Magazine. (See vol.2 No.34 edition of the Westerner Magazine published on 29 November 2010 in Nigeria)
* As a UN peace Ambassador promoting peace and respect for human rights, he was described as 'A Man of the People' by NEXT Newspaper. (See Page 19, Tuesday edition of Next Newspaper published on 21 December 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria)
* As a UN peace Ambassador promoting respect for human rights, offering probono legal services to the poor, he was described as 'A Man of the People' by NEXT Newspaper. (See Page 19, Tuesday edition of Next Newspaper published on 21 December 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria)
* In April and November 2011, he was invited by the [[African Union]] to facilitate African Youth Forum sessions and Youth Experts meetings as a youth expert.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/african%20youth%20forum.html | title= African Youth Forum; African Union invites Know Your Constitution Initiative President as a resource person |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* In April and November 2011, he was invited by the African Union to facilitate African Youth Forum sessions and Youth Experts meeting respectively as a youth expert.
* IIP DIGITAL of the [[US Department of State]] website, Washington DC, United States in May 2011 featured Adeola on its site 'for helping Nigerians to know their rights' and his contribution towards the development of Africa. Same 2011,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2011/05/20110512102321esiuol0.3676678.html#axzz3Sb6zrvjU | title= Adeola Oyinlade: Helping Nigerians Know Their Rights |accessdate=18 February 2015}}</ref> he was selected as the only youth judge of the prestigious annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards by LEAP Africa
* IIP DIGITAL of the US Department of State website, Washington DC, United States in May 2011 featured Adeola on its site 'for helping Nigerians to know their rights' and his contribution towards the development of Africa. Same 2011, he was selected as the only youth judge of the prestigious annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards by LEAP Africa
* He won the Democracy and Rule of Law Category of the Top 12 National Youth Awards<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.lightworldnetwork.com/?p=541 | title= Lightworld Team Lead Nominated for Literacy Development Award |accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Young Star Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/kyci%20wins%20news.html | title= KYCI wins Federal Ministry of Youth and Young Stars Foundation TOP 12 National Youth Awards |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* He won the Democracy and Rule of Law Category of the Top 12 National Youth Awards of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Young Star Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria in November 2011.
* In 2011, he was a Finalist, Bremen Peace Awards 2011 of Threshold Foundation for Exemplary Commitments to Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in Germany for "taking the legal path to justice" in Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://dieschwelle.de/uploads/tx_news/Friedenspreis_2011.pdf | title= taking the legal path to justice" in Nigeria; Page 33 |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* In 2011, he was a Finalist, Bremen Peace Awards 2011 of Threshold Foundation for Exemplary Commitments to Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in Germany for "taking the legal path to justice" in Nigeria .
* In March 2012, UNDP and UNHABITAT selected Adeola alongside the Benin Republic Permanent Representative to the UN and some African Union Commission (Youth Division representatives) to lead a session on Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation. At the UN House in Kenya. Nairobi.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.kycinitiative.org/Un%20youth%20news.html | title= UN Youth 21 Forum; UNDP & UNHABITAT invite CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AWARENESS AND LIBERTY INITIATIVE (CRALI) President as a discussant |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> Same year, he led African Union team from West Africa to ECOWAS in line with AU Decade of Youth Plan Action.
* In March 2012, UNDP and UNHABITAT selected Adeola alongside the Benin Republic Permanent Representative to the UN to lead a session on Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation. At the UN House in Kenya. Nairobi. Same year, he was appointed by the African Union Commission to ECOWAS Secretariat in implementing a project in line with the AU Youth Decade Plan of Action.
* In 2013, he was selected by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations alongside other young leaders across the world to meet the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon at the 5th UNAOC Forum in Vienna, Austria.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://issuu.com/vienna5unaoc/docs/conference_booklet_03_online?e=7196190/1690703 | title= Adeola Austin Oyinlade ; Page 49 |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* In 2013, he was selected by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations  alongside other young leaders across the world to meet the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon at the 5th UNAOC Forum in Vienna, Austria .
* In 2013, he was named a member of the Technical Sub-Committee on Volunteers for the World Economic Forum on Africa, Nigeria 2014
* In 2013, he was named a member of the Technical Sub-Committee on Volunteers for the World Economic Forum on Africa, Nigeria 2014
* In 2014, he was invited alongside his Colleague from Morocco, Karima Rhanem, as co-Founders of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts to launch the network<ref>{{cite web | url= http://karimarhanem.com/2014/11/07/new-network-of-youth-policy-experts-for-africa/ | title= New Network of Youth Policy Experts for Africa |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref> at the UN Backed First Global Forum on Youth Policy anchored by Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, The United Nations Secretary-General Envoy on Youth in Baku Azerbaijan.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOSTPTK5AsE | title= how African Network of Youth Policy Experts was launched in Baku, Azerbaijan with the UN Secretary General's Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi as moderator and over 700 policy experts sitting |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* In 2014, he was invited alongside his Colleague from Morocco, Karima Rhanem, as co-Founders of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts to launch the network at the UN Backed First Global Forum on Youth Policy anchored by Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, the United Nations Secretary-General Envoy on Youth in Baku Azerbaijan .
* In December 2014, Youth Action Network for Human Rights made a 13-minute documentary in commemoration of International Human Rights Day 2014 by profiling Adeola's work to inspire youth across the world in taking the lead in human rights promotion and protection.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMn1xpDCYrA | title= Documentary showcasing Adeola's is using law as tool of freedom |accessdate=23 February 2015}}</ref>
* In December 2014, Youth Action Network for Human Rights made a 13-minute documentary in commemoration of International Human Rights Day 2014 by profiling Adeola's work to inspire youth across the world in taking the lead in human rights promotion and protection .
* In January 2015, he was appointed by the Commonwealth Youth Council' as its (CYC) Youth Campaign Against Election Violence (Y-CAEV) Ambassador in Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://babangidaruma.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/announcing-the-list-of-y-caev-marshals-and-ambassadors/ | title= list of Y-CAEV Marshals and Ambassadors |accessdate=24 February 2015}}</ref>
* In January 2015, he was appointed by the Commonwealth Youth Council' as its (CYC) Youth Campaign Against Election Violence (Y-CAEV) Ambassador in Nigeria.[43]
* In 2015, he was selected as the Crans Montana Forum New Leader Fellow, Geneva, Switzerland.
* Adeola Austin Oyinlade was named among Top Under 40 CEOs in Nigeria  
* Legal Personality of the Week courtesy THISDAY Newspapers; a leading daily Newspaper in Nigeria published on December 4, 2018.
* In October 2018, Mr. Oyinlade was declared winner of the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award  for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights in Rome, Italy. He gave an historic acceptance speech which earned him standing ovation from all legal experts across the world who gathered at Roma Convention Center La Nuvola, Rome Italy  (Watch His acceptance video)


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 16:47, 7 January 2019

Adeola Austin Oyinlade
Born (1981-08-06) 6 August 1981 (age 42)
Akure, Nigeria
Occupation(s)Lawyer, human rights expert, International speaker, United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace
Years active(2008–present)
Websitekycinitiative.org

Adeola Austin Oyinlade is a Nigerian lawyer; human rights and International law expert, international speaker and United Nations’ Peace Ambassador. He is a consultant to the African Union Commission on the implementation of African Youth Charter . He has graced the United Nations, African Union and many international organizations’ speaking platforms across many countries of the world. He uses his legal expertise as a tool of social engineering and problem-solving in Nigeria and Africa at large. The social crusader’s work has earned him national and international awards including the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award 2018  for outstanding contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights in Rome, Italy .

File:Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France.JPG
Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Plenary session in Paris, France

Early life

Adeola Austin Oyinlade was born on 6 August 1981 in Akure, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria to late Elder M.B.I and Deaconess Florence Oyinlade . Adeola was raised at his father's house at Oke-Aro area of Akure, in Ondo state.  

While writing his secondary school certificate examination in 1998 at Akure Secondary Commercial School in Akure, he lost his dad, the bread winner of his family .

His radio talent was discovered by the duo of Ayo Omotosho and Ige Jongbo who were ace broadcasters in Akure, Ondo state. He was recommended as a radio presenter to OSRC 96.5FM Akure, in 2001 after passing an auditioning test. After about six years of working on radio (O.S.R.C 96.5 FM and FRCN Positive 102.5 FM both in Akure) between 2001 and 2006, he moved to UNILAG 103.1 FM in Lagos Nigeria after gaining admission to study law at the University of Lagos, where he produced and presented many radio programmes and the award-winning 'Know Your Constitution' later named “Know Your Rights Nigeria’ he designed to simplify laws in force in Nigeria to the understanding of the ordinary people on the street of Lagos and empower them on their rights.  

Education

Adeola Austin Oyinlade completed his Primary school Leaving Certificate at Irotitun Community Primary School, Akure, Ondo state in 1992. He proceeded to C.A.C Adu Memorial High School and Akure Secondary Commercial School, Akure for his Senior Secondary School Education between 1993 and 1998. He sat for the first ever National Examination Council (NECO)  in 2000 at the Community High School, Isharun, Ondo state.

Oyinlade completed his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree at the University of Lagos. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called into the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He completed his Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights, Laws of International Institutions, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law at the University of Lagos in 2014.  

Adeola is the Principal Partner of Adeola Oyinlade & Co; a fully serviced law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria with special expertise in Litigation; Human Rights; Commercial, Corporate and International Law.

Peace building, Advocacy and Public speaking

At the regional level, Adeola has worked with the issue of "alternative dispute resolution" and championed peace in the continent of Africa over the years. His main focus in the continent of Africa as a United Nations Peace Ambassador is to involve the parties in dialogue instead of continued conflict. He created a model that shows that reconciliation, settlement and peace-building in Africa is possible especially where large and fresh post conflict wounds still exist. His peace-building work is vital experiences and ideas of the great value for global peace. He has intervened in and proffered solutions to humanitarian crises and armed conflict issues in many African countries with relative impact. His non-violent campaigns include the Libya Peace Talks , Niger and Malian insurgency Crisis , South Sudan Crisis , Central African Republic’ Sectarian Violence, South Africa’s xenophobic attacks , Migrant Crises  among many others.

As a public speaker, Adeola has graced United Nations, African Union and other Intergovernmental and international organizations’ speaking platforms in many cities across Nigeria and around the world such as Abuja, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Paris, Nairobi, Baku, Azerbaijan, Rome, Frankfurt and Vienna etc.

  Adeola speaking at the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum 2011 in Paris, France in 2011.

In April 2011, He addressed the plenary sessions of the African Union's African Youth Forum 2011 (Pre-AU Summit) on 'Readiness to reform National Laws and Legislation in compliance with the African Youth Charter' in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the 7th UNESCO Youth Forum Youth Voice for Change in Paris, France in 2011, on 'Youth-led social innovation in Africa  '; the UNHABITAT and UNDP co-organized YOUTH 21 Forum 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya on 'Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation; the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) Conference on 'Legal services and Human Rights Ideas';  the African Union's Youth Experts meetings on the promotion of African Youth Charter; the National Youth Conference on Constitution Review in Abuja in 2012 on 'Evolving a people's constitution: Issues and processes ’; He delivered a paper titled Freedom of Information in Nigeria; Challenges and way out   at the University of Lagos and University of Oxford, UK 1st West African Regional Round of the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition Conference on 6th February, 2017 at the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos, Nigeria  and many others.

As a law expert and Public Affairs Analyst, Adeola has featured regularly and aired his opinion on issues of different thematic areas on local and international media such as Television Continental (TVC News),[7] Channels Television , BBC , IBA TV , China Global Television  TV 360 Nigeria  among others.[8]

He has written many articles  and spoken  at several symposia  on national issues[12] including good governance , peace building , rule of law , anti corruption, security , constitutionalism, ICC and African leadership , Nigeria-US relations  and many others.   

Adeola and H.E Thabo Mbeki, Immediate past president of South Africa at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Human rights promotion and protection

The generality of Nigerians dread any form of contact with law enforcement agents. This is largely borne out of ignorance of their rights under the law. Such ignorance is often exploited by police officers and others to intimidate and harass innocent persons. In taking up the challenge of educating Nigerians on their basic rights and providing legal support, Adeola started 'Know Your Constitution' now “Know Your Rights Nigeria” initiative on radio (UNILAG103.1FM) in 2008. In 2012, he founded 'Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative ; a Non-Governmental organization with immense contribution to expanding the frontiers of Human Rights, Democracy to the happiness of people in Nigeria.

He has distinguished himself through his courageous stand for human rights and his pro-bono legal services to the poor as a lawyer in the last 10 years advocating equitable, just and fair society and simplifying human rights laws and safeguards to the understanding of ordinary people on the street in local languages (Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) spoken by over 100 million people .

Through his ‘Know Your Rights Nigeria’ initiative, Mr. Oyinlade gives Nigerians the legal knowledge to keep them fully abreast of the whole gamut of rights available to them, equip them with the information needed to stand and defend them against infraction .

In 2016, Oyinlade unveiled downloadable  “Know Your Rights Nigeria” app (Android, iPhone) and the web version  which simplify all human rights in force and constitutional safeguards in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba Languages.  The first ever human rights empowerment app in Nigeria has platforms where users chat Mr. Oyinlade and his team of over 50 lawyers  daily on human rights issues that arise without monetary charge. It also has platforms where users can share documentary evidence of abuse anonymously and where they can get connected to agencies, commissions, organizations for help if violated.  

The app has been useful in Nigeria in uncovering systemic human rights violations in Nigeria. His human rights empowerment innovation has being hailed for its free access , speedy dissemination of human rights information , anonymity it confers on users, prevalence of Android and other smart phones users, prompt access to legal help, simplification of rights and safeguards in major local languages with over one hundred thousand (100,000) beneficiaries . The human rights empowerment app by Adeola Austin Oyinlade has been endorsed by national leaders, foreign diplomats and celebrities including the U.S Consul General Lagos; Mr. F. John Bray , Co- Founder of Bring Back Our Girls initiative; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili , Nigerian music sensation; Simi , Popular Comedians; Akpororo  and Teju BabyFace Oyelakin .

He has also taken the human right empowerment initiative to the streets of Lagos where over ten thousand people have been empowered with the knowledge of law where he alongside his team of lawyers demonstrated the relevance of the constitutional provisions to people everyday lives. In 2010, Adeola gave out ten thousand (10,000) copies of the Nigeria's Constitution to people including; the Police, transporters, market women, farmers, artisans among others.  

In 2011, Adeola brought legal luminaries together for a two-day Human Rights International Conference in March at the University of Lagos. The ECOWAS Community court of Justice Chief Registrar, Mr. Tony Anene-Maidoh; Mr. Femi Falana SAN were among resource persons who empowered about 2,000 participants at the conference which was also aired live to millions of radio listeners in Lagos on UNILAG FM. The annual human rights conference has taken place at the Nigeria Institute of Foreign Affairs and also hosted at the U.S Consulate , Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr. Oyinlade’s human rights work has been commended globally  including the world lawyers body like International Bar Association (IBA),  world leaders and governments . For example, the U.S Consul General F. John Bray while giving remarks at the U.S Consulate Lagos in April 2018 said “I want to acknowledge Mr. Adeola Austin Oyinlade and the work he has done to strengthen respect and support for the protection of human rights in Nigeria”   The US Consul General sees his human rights work in Nigeria very key to the needed development in Africa. According to the U.S Envoy, Nigeria is ‘one of the most important countries on the continent, given its large population, thriving commercial enterprises, and strategic geopolitical location Nigeria is critical to Africa’s prosperity and stability ".

  Adeola Oyinlade wins the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award 2018 in Rome, Italy

At the continental level; through advocacy, Mr. Oyinlade has also proffered solutions to human rights issues in Africa including the Jailed Angolan Activist crisis , jailed Aljazeera journalist Crisis in Egypt , the Central African Republic Crisis, the Congo Democratic Republic Armed conflict, Prison congestion in Nigeria  among many others.

He has also set up a training unit in Lagos, Nigeria for young lawyers, law students and volunteers to enhance the quality of the empowerment offered locally to victims of human rights in Nigeria.

Youth and Global Development

Adeola has consistently mentored Nigerian youth in areas of youth policy, human rights, democracy for over a decade and he is regularly invited to speak at youth fora within and outside Nigeria . As a resource person to the African Union Commission (Youth Division) on the implementation of African Youth Charter , he has offered his technical expertise to the continental body on how to use African Youth Charter as a tool of accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development in Africa.  

He was also appointed by the African Union Commission in 2012 as a consultant to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat on youth development data covering 14 West African countries in compliance with the implementation of the African Union Youth Decade Plan of Action.  

Adeola is also a co-founder  of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts  launched in Baku, Azerbaijan in October 2014. The international organisation is working on youth policy issues in Africa . His passion for national and international development has brought him under the same roof with many national and international leaders such as the then UN Secretary General; Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Mr. Thabo Mbeki among other dignitaries.

  Adeola speaking at the International Bar Association Conference in Rome, Italy

His contribution and 'interest in and support of the United Nations' was acknowledged and commended by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General. His UN-recognized commitment to the development of the then Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through his writings include; 'Millennium Development Goals; obstacles and ways of tackling them' in 2007, 'Contribution of Higher Institutions to achieving the Millennium Development Goals' in 2008 and 'importance and benefits of promoting MDGs through football tournaments' in 2009 with a minute video linking the MDGs with the spirit of football where goals count and a call on everyone to score those goals .

He is an advocate of Sustainable Development Goal 16 ; Peace, Justice and strong institution with interest and support on how the United Nations  can achieve global peace and security.

Achievements and awards

  • In May 2009, he was named the 'Youth Achiever', by the African Newspaper of Nigeria Plc, Saturday Tribune in Nigeria for educating Nigerians on their rights and for his 'interest in and support of the United Nations' through his series of research carried out on MDGs (See page 39 of the Saturday Tribune published on 30 May 2009)
  • In May 2010, he was commissioned as the United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace for his immense contribution and campaign as a young Nigerian  promoting peace in Nigeria
  • In August 2010, he was named the 'Sunshine Youth Ambassador' by the Citizen Reporters; a recognition for the Ondo state great and illustrious sons and daughters in Nigeria for his excellence, passion and dedication to the service of humanity via 'the Know Your Constitution' project.
  • n October 2010, he was selected for the Nigeria Leadership Initiative's future Leaders Fellowship. Nigeria Leadership Initiative is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.. Same year, he was appointed the Youth Coordinator of the Maiden edition of Kuramo Conference 2010[29] by the Lagos state Government.
  • In November 2010, Adeola Oyinlade was declared winner of the 7th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards, LEAP AFRICA Awards, November 2010, Lagos, Nigeria for being an agent of change by using law as a tool of problem-solving in Nigeria.
  • For being the voice of the voiceless in Nigeria via his 'Know Your Constitution' project, Adeola was described as the 'Face of the Future' by the Westerner Magazine. (See vol.2 No.34 edition of the Westerner Magazine published on 29 November 2010 in Nigeria)
  • As a UN peace Ambassador promoting respect for human rights, offering probono legal services to the poor, he was described as 'A Man of the People' by NEXT Newspaper. (See Page 19, Tuesday edition of Next Newspaper published on 21 December 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria)
  • In April and November 2011, he was invited by the African Union to facilitate African Youth Forum sessions and Youth Experts meeting respectively as a youth expert.
  • IIP DIGITAL of the US Department of State website, Washington DC, United States in May 2011 featured Adeola on its site 'for helping Nigerians to know their rights' and his contribution towards the development of Africa. Same 2011, he was selected as the only youth judge of the prestigious annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards by LEAP Africa
  • He won the Democracy and Rule of Law Category of the Top 12 National Youth Awards of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Young Star Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria in November 2011.
  • In 2011, he was a Finalist, Bremen Peace Awards 2011 of Threshold Foundation for Exemplary Commitments to Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in Germany for "taking the legal path to justice" in Nigeria .
  • In March 2012, UNDP and UNHABITAT selected Adeola alongside the Benin Republic Permanent Representative to the UN to lead a session on Intergenerational Dialogue on Africa, Youth Socio-Economic and Political Participation. At the UN House in Kenya. Nairobi. Same year, he was appointed by the African Union Commission to ECOWAS Secretariat in implementing a project in line with the AU Youth Decade Plan of Action.
  • In 2013, he was selected by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations  alongside other young leaders across the world to meet the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon at the 5th UNAOC Forum in Vienna, Austria .
  • In 2013, he was named a member of the Technical Sub-Committee on Volunteers for the World Economic Forum on Africa, Nigeria 2014
  • In 2014, he was invited alongside his Colleague from Morocco, Karima Rhanem, as co-Founders of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts to launch the network at the UN Backed First Global Forum on Youth Policy anchored by Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, the United Nations Secretary-General Envoy on Youth in Baku Azerbaijan .
  • In December 2014, Youth Action Network for Human Rights made a 13-minute documentary in commemoration of International Human Rights Day 2014 by profiling Adeola's work to inspire youth across the world in taking the lead in human rights promotion and protection .
  • In January 2015, he was appointed by the Commonwealth Youth Council' as its (CYC) Youth Campaign Against Election Violence (Y-CAEV) Ambassador in Nigeria.[43]
  • In 2015, he was selected as the Crans Montana Forum New Leader Fellow, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Adeola Austin Oyinlade was named among Top Under 40 CEOs in Nigeria  
  • Legal Personality of the Week courtesy THISDAY Newspapers; a leading daily Newspaper in Nigeria published on December 4, 2018.
  • In October 2018, Mr. Oyinlade was declared winner of the International Bar Association (IBA) Human Rights Award  for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights in Rome, Italy. He gave an historic acceptance speech which earned him standing ovation from all legal experts across the world who gathered at Roma Convention Center La Nuvola, Rome Italy  (Watch His acceptance video)

References