Stories > Adeyemi Asekun
Adeyemi, known as Yemi, shares his life journey from childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, to his career and family life in the UK, emphasising the influences of his parents and his educational and professional experiences.
Yemi was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, until he moved to the UK at the age of 25. His father, an auto technician with the Nigerian army, taught him valuable life lessons, including the importance of politeness and the ambition to make their family name global.
His mother played a crucial role in the family, ensuring they were well-fed and cared for, often with the help of older siblings.
Yemi attended local schools in Lagos, where he excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, thanks to the support of two women teachers who helped him to understand maths better.
Yemi studied electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Lagos, influenced by his father's wishes, and later worked with a computer company in Lagos before moving to the UK in the mid-90s. Before leaving for the UK, he participated in Nigeria's National Youth Service, which provided exposure to different parts of the country and diverse cultures, though it was not always relevant to his field of study.
When Yemi moved to the UK, he initially struggled with various jobs before breaking into the IT industry through self-initiative and researching which training course in computer engineering he wanted to do. He explains that it was hard for him because he did not have a mentor during this time which he could have benefitted from.
He eventually settled in Essex with his family, prioritising good education for his children and eventually moving to Maldon for better access to school for his children.
Yemi became involved with O5BM around 2019, participating in activities and reflects that it brings a sense of belonging to a community. He emphasises the importance of mentorship, planning, and adaptability, sharing his experiences to inspire and guide younger generations. He talks about the advice he has given his children in their careers.
