Fiyinfoluwa Taiwo Asaolu: Committed to helping others heal, grow and thrive

 

Fiyinfoluwa Taiwo Asaolu

A wise man once said when you have health, you have everything. Come to think of it, only the living can enjoy life to the fullest. So when you meet someone passionate about health, you don't blink because health is a necessity.

Fiyinfoluwa Taiwo Asaolu, Founder and Executive Director of the Whole Healing Foundation, is a Public Health expert specialising in research, project management and program implementation. She drives programs on mental health, youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and sustainable development. She has debunked myths that women have to sit pretty and not be heard. In her own sphere, she is bringing solace to the young and vulnerable. This initiative was born out of personal experience. Rather than let the pain overcome her, she channelled the energy to helping people similar situations.

It might interest you to know that her foundation has a goal of reaching 5,000 individuals and families by 2029. Shocking isn't it? But there is nothing that can stop a woman who is determined and focused. In this feature, Fiyinfoluwa talked at length about her journey to public health, her foundation, role models, advocacy, youth empowerment and others. She summed it all up with advice for girls seeking purpose. Read excerpts from this interesting chat below:

Can you tell us about your journey into public health and what inspired you to focus on areas like mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and youth development?  

My journey into public health has been a steady evolution. From a young age, I was drawn to the health sector. As a Microbiology graduate, Medical Microbiology seemed like the next step until I discovered Public Health and its versatile nature. The ability to influence policies and improve community health outcomes through research, advocacy, education, and interventions resonated deeply with me.

I came across a Masters in Public Health advert in a newspaper, applied, and the rest is history. While Public Health is broad, my specialization in Epidemiology provided me with a strong foundation to adapt and contribute across various areas.

My work experience introduced me to sexual and reproductive health, a field I find significant because young people, particularly women, are most affected. Maternal health is especially dear to me, as I lost my mother to maternal mortality. Now, as a mother myself, I better understand the health inequalities women face.

Youth development remains close to my heart. The youth phase is a defining period where the right support and opportunities can shape lives and positively impact the world.

My recent involvement in mental health, particularly through my work with Whole Healing Foundation is deeply personal inspired by my own experience with grief and my desire to help others navigate theirs.

This is a lifelong journey, and I am both excited about the future and committed to adapting and evolving with the ever-changing public health landscape.

As a Founder and Executive Director of the Whole Healing Foundation, what personal or professional experiences motivated you to start this initiative?

The Whole Healing Foundation began as a divine nudging in my heart, a call I couldn’t ignore. In 2021, I started putting the vision on paper, bit by bit, but fear and uncertainty held me back. By 2022, the call became clearer, confirmed by my mentors and spiritual parents. I knew it was time to take action and follow God’s lead.

I shared the vision with my inner circle, and we set up a Group. Fast forward to October 2023, we launched our pilot project- Empowering Lives with Acts of Warmth (ELWAW) under the name Whole Initiative, which later became the Whole Healing Foundation after incorporation.

At the core of this journey is my personal experience with grief; Losing my mum at the tender age of seven and my dad shortly after university were life-altering experiences. I felt alone and overwhelmed, navigating grief without much guidance. However, God sustained me.

Through my healing journey, I came to understand the importance of addressing grief holistically. The Whole Healing Foundation reflects my commitment to helping others heal, grow, and thrive after loss. It’s more than an initiative; it’s a reflection of my heart’s desire to empower others (particularly young people) to thrive, even after life’s most difficult challenges.

Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?

I am still on the journey of becoming who God has called me to be. Every day, I see people doing amazing things in their fields, and I’m inspired. If I have to mention a woman who has been a major influence in my life, it is my aunt, Rev. Mrs. Bolaji Daniel, who also doubles as my mum. Her life and ministry have shaped me in so many ways—her unwavering faith, wisdom, and ability to nurture have left a profound impact on me.

As a teenager, I looked up to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. Their global impact, leadership, intellect, and courage to speak up and make impactful decisions inspired me to dream big. I’ve had the privilege of being in the same room with Dr. Oby, and her commanding presence, confidence, and sharp intellect still echo in my mind.

In 2020, I discovered DDK - Pst. Debola Deji-Kurunmi, and what drew me to her is her fierce passion for God, depth of knowledge, and ability to spark transformation in others. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika also inspires me with her gracefulness, business acumen, and unwavering faith, while Pastor Felix Adejumo exemplifies a life of purpose and mentorship. More recently, Amanda Ferguson's classic feminine touch and elegance have recently become a source of inspiration. The list goes on.

Beyond these remarkable women, my family and friends continually shape me, challenging and inspiring me with their unique perspectives, strength, and authenticity. Above all, the Holy Spirit is my greatest influencer, transforming me from the inside out.

Your leadership at the Whole Healing Foundation aims to support 5,000 families across Europe and Africa by 2029. What challenges have you encountered, and how do you plan to achieve this ambitious goal?

Our goal of reaching 5,000 individuals/ families by 2029 might seem ambitious for a young initiative, but it is possible. Many organizations remain small because they limit their vision to their current circumstances. For us, this target is both a strategic and faith-filled commitment to stay focused on our mission.

Some challenges we’ve encountered include breaking cultural barriers around grief and mental health awareness, securing consistent funding and resources, and managing workforce limitations as a volunteer-led organization.

To overcome these challenges and achieve our goals, we are focusing on four key strategies: first, building strategic partnerships to amplify our impact; second, investing in workforce development by strengthening our team with skilled volunteers and staff; third, diversifying our funding sources through grants, donations, and sustainable revenue streams; and finally, increasing our visibility by expanding our reach through digital platforms and media campaigns.

Above all, this vision is anchored by faith, believing that we have access to everything needed for every good work. Even if things do not go exactly as planned, we are confident that we’ll make significant progress toward our goals. There’s no anxiety about the future—just steady, intentional steps forward, one day at a time.

What role do women play in advancing public health initiatives, and how can we ensure their contributions are better recognised and supported?

Women play an essential role in advancing public health initiatives, serving as frontline healthcare workers, advocates, educators, researchers, and policymakers. We are often the most affected by health inequalities, and our lived experiences, along with our unique perspectives, enable us to address diverse health challenges effectively—especially in areas like maternal and child health.

To better recognise and support women’s contributions, we need to focus on a few key areas. First, empowering women through training and resources is crucial. As the saying goes, "Train a woman, build a nation," and this is especially true in public health. We must also promote mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities that allow women to develop professionally and contribute meaningfully to policies that directly affect their health and communities.

Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your advocacy work that deeply impacted you?

One delightful moment that stands out for me was in 2016 when I had the priviledge of working on the ACHIEVE Campaign. The project, which focused on Universal Healthcare Coverage through sustainable healthcare financing, was implemented in Benue and Plateau states. The issue at hand was the reliance on out-of-pocket healthcare payments, which only worsened health inequalities and poverty.

Our team conducted advocacy visits to key policymakers, developed policy briefs, and presented them during policy dialogues in both states. The most rewarding outcome was seeing one of the intervention states adopt the Community Health Insurance Scheme, which was a direct result of our efforts.

It was a surreal moment for me, witnessing how our hard work and dedication led to a tangible policy change that would positively impact many lives by easing the burden of healthcare financing. It reaffirmed the impact of advocacy work and the importance of working toward systemic change.

In addition, we need to bridge gender gaps to ensure women have equitable and tailored opportunities to thrive in the field, eliminating systemic barriers that limit their potential. Finally, we should celebrate women's successes in public health by recognizing their achievements through awards, academic recognition, and media visibility. This not only honours their hard work but also helps create role models for the next generation of women in public health.

Can you share a success story from your mentorship or career coaching initiatives that highlights the importance of empowering youth?

Although still in development, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring young people on an individual basis, helping them clarify their goals and aspirations. One memorable success was with a young lady who reached out to me some months ago, struggling with self-doubt and uncertainty about her future. Through a series of deep conversations, we worked through her challenges, helping her recognize her strengths and build her confidence. Today, she’s not only a graduate but is also making a meaningful impact by working with teens.

This experience reaffirmed my belief that young people are the emerging leaders of tomorrow. Every investment in them creates a ripple effect that influences not just the nation but the world. The influential figures we admire today were once young people, many of whom had mentors who helped shape their journeys.

At the Whole Healing Foundation, we are passionate about youth empowerment, which is why we created UPGRADE—a program focused on developing industry-relevant skills in young people. Looking ahead, we are partnering with a mental health organization (name withheld) later in the year by God’s grace to support an existing fellowship program for young adults interested in gaining practical experience in mental health advocacy, program implementation, and research. Through initiatives like these, we aim to provide hands-on experience and equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women that are your yardstick of being successful?

Success is indeed relative, shaped by individual perspectives and values. What one person views as success may differ greatly from another’s definition. For example, while some might celebrate a grade of 69B, others may not consider it an achievement. While academic grades don’t necessarily define success, the commitment to academic excellence is certainly a marker of progress.

Personally, I measure success based on progression relative to my capacity per time. As the scripture says, "To whom much is given, much is expected." Knowing that God is proud of my work is important to me irrespective of earthly recognitions and achievements. After all, what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Definitely, eternal life is success to me, even if it’s against popular opinion—and that’s okay. Notwithstanding, I celebrate my small wins, as they eventually add up to something significant.

Success is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of life, including family, ministry, career or business, and impact. Beyond professional achievements and material wealth, personally, I regard a well-rounded, balanced life as the true definition of success. Success, to me, lies in the ability to harmonize the various aspects of life—career, family, faith, and personal growth—without sacrificing one for the other. Success is not a destination; it is a continuous journey of growth, purpose, and meaningful impact.

In this regard, DDK (Pst. Debola Deji-Kurunmi) stands out as someone who exemplifies this balance beautifully. Nevertheless, there are many incredible women doing outstanding work, and each of them inspires me to remain committed to success and continue thriving.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

Pursuing your purpose as a young girl is exciting yet challenging. You will excel if you take a careful look at these 5 focus areas- Maker, Mentor, Motivation, Money/Means and Marriage

Maker - Honour your maker in all that you do. God is the foundation of your strength and purpose. Trust His unique plan for your life. The second part of this is partnering with your maker to establish your purpose. You are a co-creator of your own destiny. Don’t wait for perfection—start now, learn as you go, and stay focused on your purpose.

Mentor - One of the best things you can do is find a mentor early- someone who has experience and can offer guidance, help you avoid mistakes, and introduce you to opportunities. A mentor provides accountability, support, and a broader perspective, which saves you time and stress. Their wisdom will help you navigate challenges more effectively.

Motivation - When doubts arise, always remember WHO you are and WHOSE you are. Draw strength from your faith and inner conviction. Your purpose should always be rooted in your WHY, as it will propel you to gain mastery in your vision and remain committed to continuous growth and development.

Money - Money should never be the reason you back out of your purpose. Focus on honing your skills, delivering value, and excelling in what you do. Excellence will naturally attract resources. When you strive for excellence, opportunities will follow. Make money work for you, but never let it become your master. Stay generous and invest in others.

Marriage- If you decide to marry, choose wisely. Marriage can either empower or hinder your purpose. Seek a partner who shares your faith, aligns with your values, and supports your dreams. Together, work towards fulfilling your divine purpose, with unity, love, and mutual respect.

Overall, trust the process and stay committed to progress.