WomanCrushWednesday: Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola| Innovation, Creativity and Passion.

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is a Nigerian entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of her startup company, Wycyclers, until 2017 when she stepped down as CEO for her appointment as General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).⠀
⠀
Bilikiss is a graduate of Fisk University and Vanderbilt University in the States. She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).⠀
⠀
In 2012, Bilikiss co-founder Wycylers (an idea she came up with while at MIT), which collects recyclable rubbish from residents in Lagos.⠀
⠀
As a part of the process, residents are offered an incentive for collecting their household waste which is picked up for free by Wecyclers using specially adapted bicycles. To create incentives among low-income households to participate, rewards are given to them for every kilogram recycled, via points sent by SMS. These points are then redeemable against goods they value, such as cell phone minutes or basic food items. The rewards have been funded in partnership with big brands such as Coca Cola and GlaxoSmithKline.⠀
⠀
Over the years, the company has generated its own revenue, while equally raising money through donor agencies. In 2015, Wecyclers won $55,000 from Case Foundation during the #PitchForLagos event at the Lagos Startup Week.⠀
⠀
Wecyclers has gained much recognition and awards which include: The Le Monde Smart-Cities 2017 Global Innovation Awards, The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for sub-Saharan Africa, Seif Awards, Sustania Awards, etc.⠀
⠀
Bilikiss is a Carroll Wilson Fellow and an Echoing Green Fellow. She is also a member of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.⠀
⠀
Bilikiss has positively impacted on the environment, by managing wastes and creating employment at the same time. We celebrate Bilikis Adebiyi as our WCW.⠀