Ola Orekunrin


Olamide Orekunrin is a British-Nigerian medical doctor and Managing director of Flying Doctors Nigeria; a charity based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Early life and education

Orekunrin was born in London, England and grew up under the care of foster parents in Lowestoft. Her name “Ola” means “Wealth” in Yoruba. Ola graduated from Hull York Medical School at the age of 21, becoming one of the youngest medical doctors in the United Kingdom. She then went on to be awarded the which allowed her to further her studies in Tokyo, Japan. She also has a certificate in Economic policy making from IE business school, Spain and a certificate in Accounting for decision making from the University of Michigan in the United States.

Medical career

After graduation, Orekunrin worked for a short period of time in the National Health Service, United Kingdom. As a helicopter pilot with specialised training in aviation medicine, she pioneered the first air operated Emergency medical services in Lagos, Nigeria; Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd.
Orekunrin was motivated to start the charity after experiencing the loss of her sister under difficult circumstances and to improve medical services in Nigeria. Undaunted by difficult challenges, she successfully established Flying Doctors in Lagos, Nigeria in 2007 and she was then the CEO. Ola is a member of both the American Academy of Aesthetic Surgeons and the British Medical Association. She was listed among Young Global leaders by World Economic Forum in 2013. Orekunrin has lectured on entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Flying Doctors have 20 aircraft and 44 doctors who can deliver care en route to one of Nigeria's hospitals. The company hire out their services to major events in Nigeria as well as offering insurance to wealthy companies and families in the country. Orekunrin believes that improvements in her country's position in the world will result from the action of entrepreneurs and not the government.

Award and Nomination

She has received several awards and recognition. In 2012 she received ThisDay Awards 2012, The Future Award as ‘Entrepreneur of the year 2012’,and in 2013 NewsDirect Awards as ‘Outstanding Female CEO of the Year 2013’. In February 2018 she received "Extraordinary Business Achievement Award” at the Silverbird Group's annual award held in Lagos she became the youngest person ever to win the prestigious award at age 30 and the only woman in the last decade. Orekunrin has lectured on entrepreneurship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is also a TED fellow and has been honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.

Publications