Ariyike Akinbobola To Host Summit, Book Launch

For many newcomers, the journey to a new country is not just about crossing borders , it’s about redefining who they are. Author , media personality and Nigerian-trained lawyer Ariyike Akinbobola knows this first-hand, and on Saturday, August 16, 2025, she will bring those experiences to the stage at the Arise & Evolve Summit + Book Launch in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The event, themed “Awaken Your Power, Evolve Your Story,” will take place at The Gasworks, 141 Park St. N, starting at 1:30 PM. It is set to be a space where stories of resilience, courage, and community take center stage.

At the heart of the day is the launch of Akinbobola’s latest book, One-Way Ticket to Canada: The Diaspora Experience. The collection delves into fictional and non-fictional narratives of migration, from a father determined to shield his daughters from harmful traditions, to a student navigating life far from home, to an undocumented newcomer facing daunting challenges.

“This event is about turning our lived experiences into the driving force that propels us forward,” Akinbobola says. “Every journey has value, and every story has the power to inspire change.”

The summit will feature panel sessions with dynamic voices including Isaac Olowolafe, Nkiru Okoh, Wale Rabiu, Maryam Muritala, Michael Okolie,  Abigael Coleman, Tayo Badejo and a host of others.

Discussions will explore how to navigate cultural identity, build resilience, pursue success abroad and thrive during times of transition.

For Akinbobola, who has built her career around using storytelling to inspire, the event is more than a book launch , it’s a gathering of shared humanity. “When we share our stories, we not only heal ourselves, we give others the courage to keep going” she says.

The Arise & Evolve Summit is expected to draw a diverse audience , from recent immigrants finding their footing to long-time residents eager to connect and learn.