Jide Ogunleye bags Pan-African American Leadership Award in Houston

Technology entrepreneur and community leader, Jide Ogunleye, has received the Pan African American Leadership Award (PAALA) in Houston, Texas, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, humanitarian service, and contributions to development across Africa and the diaspora.

The prestigious award ceremony, organised to celebrate Africans driving positive transformation in their communities, brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from various sectors.

Reacting to the honour, Ogunleye described the recognition as both humbling and motivating.

“When I took on the role of President of my Rotary Club, I did it with one goal in mind to serve,” he said.

“Together with my incredible team and dedicated members, we delivered impactful projects, touched lives, and created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. What I didn’t realise was that while we were simply doing what we loved, serving, the world was watching.”

Ogunleye, a data protection professional and the Chief Executive Officer of Ritemate Technologies, leads efforts in digital transformation, data privacy compliance, and software development for organisations across Nigeria.

He expressed gratitude to Dr. Esha Attai and the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) for the honour, describing it as a reminder that the highest fulfilment in life comes through service to humanity.

Quoting the Rotary motto, he said, “He profits most who serves best.”

“This recognition inspires me to keep serving, keep leading, and keep leaving every space better than I met it. Fulfilment comes not from what we gain, but from what we give,” Ogunleye added.

The Pan African American Leadership Awards continue to spotlight outstanding Africans whose work exemplifies integrity, leadership, and service, principles that have defined Jide Ogunleye’s professional and humanitarian journey.