Speaker
Ayo Johnson
Ayo Johnson is an award winning specialist in African Affairs. He is a dedicated campaigner for justice and human rights around the world, an international broadcaster, keynote speaker and writer.
About Ayo Johnson
Ayo Johnson is an Award winning specialist on African Affairs who lectures at principal educational institutions around the world. He has spoken at Oxford University and the United Nations Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria as well as the “Africa Gala” at the Great Halls of the Lord Mayor’s home in Mansion House.
Ayo Johnson gave a speech at Lord Mayor’s Home which helped raise over £100k in 3 hours for leading humanitarian and Disaster Relief organisation Red R .
Ayo Johnson was born to Krio parents in Kono, Sierra Leone, a region best known as the diamond hub and a major rebel stronghold during the 10 year civil war, Ayo’s early years enriched him immensely. Grasping an understanding of the different cultures, customs and practices of the country’s numerous tribes Ayo went to the Prince of Wales School, an educational institution that has produced many Sierra Leoneans who have gone on to make valiant contributions to economies and businesses all over the world.
Ayo is a naturalised British citizen who came to the UK as a teenager and can trace his roots back to returning slaves from the Caribbean and the America’s who settled in Freetown. Married with three children he is a dedicated and committed Christian and an active and dedicated campaigner for justice and human rights around the world.
Ayo regularly travels abroad to support efforts on behalf of his patron charities and as a consultant Ayo has taught, trained and shared his experiences with hundreds of NGO staff on the ground in Africa ensuring that project deliverables empower and enrich communities.
A prolific keynote speaker and accomplished presenter at seminars and conferences, he makes the case for a progressive and developing Africa. His forthcoming book is titled: “Billion 2 One” and he also runs Africa Speak International, a blog on African related affairs.
Testimonials
"Ayo was excellent on Friday night - here is what a pupil (who lives in Kenya) wrote to me "The mixture of cartoons combined with stories and pictures of Ayo's family history and childhood brought the struggle of Sierra Leone and Africa to life. The way his arguments were presented blew me away; he gave a completely new spin on the future of Africa as a continent, and how different countries fit into that."
Monkton School
"Ayo Johnson gave a keynote speech celebrating RedR's work supporting the delivery of vital aid in Darfur, and spoke of the importance of a new East Africa programme to train further humanitarian workers in the region. Johnson's introduction of a unique 'charity lot' as part of the night's silent auction helped raise thousands of pounds towards this aim."
Redr Campaign
"I recently had the pleasure of attending a conference at Said Business School in Oxford. Ayo is an articulate speaker who exudes a natural confidence and air of authority. I enjoyed his style immensely. He was speaking on the issue of "Is African Next?" and was clearly well informed and well respected on this topic. I would definitely recommend Ayo as an expert speaker."
Dr Graeme Codrington
