Tolani Alli International Appointment, With AfDB As Executive Digital Storyteller 

–PHILLIP ABAYOMI

Tolani Alli, is not resting anytime soon as African Development Bank, AfDB Group has secured her service.

Tolani Alli is a renowned Nigerian photographer celebrated for her exceptional documentary and candid captures. She initially gained recognition as the personal photographer of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the former Governor of Oyo State. Her prowess extends beyond the local political scene; she has notably documented the life of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, in a groundbreaking manner. Tolani was not only responsible for unveiling a side of the VP that was previously unseen, but she also spearheaded his content creation, production team, and strategized for his social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Her work has garnered international acclaim, being featured on notable platforms such as CNN, BBC, and Times Magazine. Additionally, she showcased her talents on Netflix’s ‘Strong Black Lens.’ In recognition of her outstanding contributions to photography, Tolani clinched the 2019 Future Awards Prize for Photography and was hailed as the 2021 Pioneer Winner for Trend Up’s Force of Creativity. With a unique eye for storytelling, Tolani continues to leave an indelible mark on both the arts and political realms. 

Apart from showcasing AfDB, she will also document its leadership and the President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who was once Nigeria’s agriculture minister. This is coming less than six months after her boss, former vice-president Yemi Osinbajo completed his tenure. Known for capturing breathtaking pictures, the Ibadan-born creative started her journey with late former governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The 31-year old has mentored hundreds of documentary photographers directly and indirectly and they are doing excellently well. The graduate of The University of Michigan, had in an interview with Biopreneur.com, once revealed how her photography journey started with a chance interest in a camera after watching an Aston Kutcher cannon commercial while battling a grave illness. As her true passion for photography emerged, she transformed from being medical school bound to becoming obsessed with photography and telling stories with her lens.

Established September 10, 1964 and with 81 countries as members, the AfDB or Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) is a multilateral development finance institution headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, since September 2014. The overarching objective of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs), thus contributing to poverty reduction.