19/07/2026
Welcome to another edition of The ICONIC SPOTLIGHT and today we will be shining the spotlight on NIKITA NKESE, a TIBA Awards Alumni and the Founder/Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire.
Let's meet Nikita:
1. Tell us about yourself and what you currently do.
I am Nikita Nkese, the Founder/Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire, currently serving as the Regional Coordinator for Africa (Literacy) at the Royal Commonwealth Society, London and also work at the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), as the Programs Coordinator (Admissions, Academics and Communications), SPPG Africa. I am a Child Rights Advocate whose life’s work centres on advancing access to quality education, empowering children in underserved communities, and leveraging leadership platforms to create meaningful social impact. I am also a two-time national beauty queen, Miss Niger Delta 2012, and Miss University of Calabar 2009.
2. Briefly describe your journey so far in your career or business.
As the Founder and Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire (SKE), an organisation with seven operational arms, I lead transformative educational and health initiatives across Nigeria. Since 2017, alongside an exceptional team, I have successfully hosted 16 editions of the Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee (SKSB) across Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. A major milestone came in 2021, when two of our spellers represented Nigeria at an international spelling bee competition, with Pearl Etika emerging as a winner.
Beyond competitions, SKE conducts rural school outreaches, providing essential learning materials to students from low-income families, distributing sanitary pads to adolescent girls to promote menstrual health and consistent school attendance, and awarding scholarships to outstanding students from secondary through tertiary education. This journey has been marked by resilience, growth, and measurable impact in advancing literacy and promoting educational equity.
3. What inspired you to pursue this path?
At a pivotal moment in my life, my parents were unable to afford my school fees, and I faced the painful reality of staying home for an entire academic year during my final secondary school class (SS3). That season became a defining turning point. It ignited a deep transformation within me, and I made a firm decision that my story would not end in limitation. I committed myself to excellence and resolved not only to change my own circumstances, but also to transform the realities of others who might face similar challenges. Today, that commitment has become a personal standard, one that continues to drive my advocacy, leadership, and service in advancing access to quality education for underserved children.
4. What TIBA Award category did you receive, and in which year?
Role Model/Mentor of the Year, 2022.
5. What has been one defining moment in your journey so far?
One of the most defining moments in my journey has been the times I am approached by parents across Nigeria who stop me in public spaces simply to express their gratitude. Hearing firsthand how Sweetest Kiddies Empire has positively transformed their children’s lives is both humbling and deeply affirming. Those moments serve as powerful reminders that the work we do at SKE truly matters and that our impact extends far beyond the stage or the classroom.
6. How has the TIBA Awards impacted your personal brand or career?
The TIBA Awards provided a platform that expanded our visibility into certain circles we previously had limited access to.
7. What opportunities (visibility, partnerships, credibility, networks) came as a result of the award?
Coupled with other awards, the TIBA award strengthened SKE professional profile, particularly when applying for international opportunities. It enriched SKE portfolio, and reinforced the value and impact of the work we do.
8. What was the most valuable lesson or experience from your TIBA Awards journey?
One of the experiences was building authentic relationships with fellow awardees beyond social media. Engaging with like-minded leaders in close professional and personal interactions reinforced the power of community, collaboration, and shared vision.
9. What impact are you most proud of creating right now?
I am grateful to God for the educational and health transformation SKE continues to drive. Providing scholarships to deserving students and delivering critical learning materials to children in rural communities. By God’s grace, we are not just supporting education; we are restoring hope and shaping futures.
10. What key lessons or advice would you share with aspiring leaders and future TIBA nominees?
Stay committed to doing what is right. Keep creating impact, even when progress seems unseen or uncelebrated. Consistency, integrity, and perseverance will always yield results. Do not give up, your dedication will be rewarded in ways greater than you imagine.
In one sentence, what does being Iconic mean to you?
Being iconic means being a servant whose excellence in service makes a lasting and undeniable impact.
