Stephen Abiola Okunlola

Stephen Abiola Okunlola is a Sustainability Professional and Project Manager based in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, with over four years of experience in sustainable agriculture, cocoa supply chains, and compliance systems. He holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from Olabisi Onabanjo University and is currently pursuing an M.Tech in Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

He specializes in regulatory compliance, including Rainforest Alliance (RA), EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Internal Management Systems (IMS), sustainability reporting, traceability, and child and forced labour monitoring, supporting ethical sourcing and farmer capacity building across Nigerian cocoa supply chains. He currently serves as a Sustainability Executive at Sunbeth Global Concepts and previously worked as Field Coordinator and IMS Manager on projects with OFI – Outspan Nigeria Limited. He also contributed as an Enumerator for Lutheran World Relief – TRACE Project, supporting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) initiatives, facilitating focus group discussions and key informant interviews, and preparing comprehensive field and analytical reports.

Beyond sustainability, Stephen is a writer, editor, and ghostwriter, producing articles, poems, and books including IŞIK!, REKINDLING HOPES, and INSIDE LIFE. He provides editing and ghostwriting services for individuals and organizations across creative, professional, and faith-based spaces.

He is fondly called “THE GREAT STEVE,” known for his infectious energy, curiosity, and ability to turn ideas into action. He is a motivational speaker, event MC/compere, and programme facilitator, bringing life and authenticity to traditional, joyful, and corporate events. He is also actively involved in prison ministry and youth development through Victory Foundations World Network (VFWN).

Stephen’s work is guided by his personal philosophy: “Raising Hopes, Impacting Destinies”—a principle that drives him to blend creativity, sustainability, and humanity in everything he does.