About the Author

Bolaji Ajayi

The Story Behind Akiti the Hunter

Every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story.

That belief is why Akiti the Hunter exists.

I wrote this book because I saw a gap that broke my heart: in the entire United States, there was not a single children's action-adventure book featuring an African superhero. Millions of kids were growing up without a reflection of their own strength, culture, and potential in the stories they read.

That silence is damaging. When a child doesn't see themselves in the pages of a book, they unconsciously absorb a dangerous message: "My story doesn't matter."

Akiti changes that. He is bold, brave, and unapologetically African. He gives children the visual proof they desperately need that their heritage is a source of power—not something to hide.

I didn't stumble into this mission by accident. My entire career has been built on bridging gaps and creating opportunities where none existed. As the CEO of Silicon Valley-Nigerian Economic Development Inc. (SV-NED), I've connected professionals across continents. As a Forbes Council member and a speaker at the United Nations and World Bank, I've championed economic empowerment.

But my proudest achievement? Seeing a child's eyes light up when they realize Akiti looks like them.

My background—from my MBA at Golden Gate University to my work with Kaiser Permanente and the State of California—has given me the discipline to bring excellence to this mission. I've been honored with awards from Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Dianne Feinstein, and featured in Forbes, CNBC, and Black Enterprise.

Yet none of that matters if this book doesn't reach the children who need it most.

Today, I'm on a mission to put Akiti into the hands of every child who needs to see their own potential reflected back at them. Because when a child believes they can be a hero, they grow up believing they can change the world.

Join me. Give your child the gift of a hero who proves their strength is limitless.


Get Akiti for your child
Cover image for Forbes Councils featuring a woman with dark hair in a purple blazer, seated in front of a blue bookshelf, smiling at the camera.

Denise Williams is an acclaimed journalist and Member of Forbes Business Council.

Image of the NAACP Author Pavilion banner at the 2015 event in Philadelphia, featuring a city skyline and an open book, with text about the event dates and location.

Denise Williams was invited by NAACP as. featured bestselling Author and Guest at the 2015 NAACP Author Pavillion.

A woman with black hair and wearing a black blazer is speaking at a meeting or conference, with a nameplate in front of her reading 'DENSIE WILLIAMS'. There are other people sitting at the table, including an older man with white hair and a woman with long blonde hair. In the background, a large poster of a smiling girl with black hair and a backpack is visible, along with a reflection of other people through a glass window in the wall.

Denise Mobolaji Ajayi Williams was a featured Keynote Speaker at the United Nation’s 1st International Day for Education. The International Day of Education was established by General Assembly resolution in 2018 in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. The event was co-organized with the Permanent Missions of Ireland, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar and Singapore, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Denise Williams aka Bolaji Ajayi was a featured Keynote Speaker at the United Nations Inaugural International Day of Education

Illustration of a woman with dark hair and makeup, resting her head on her hand, inside a stylized yellow and black television set. The background features a light blue sky with a yellow sun. Text above reads "Our Fabulous Author." The bottom text says "Bolaji Ajayi." Colorful rainbow graphic at the bottom right corner includes the logo "KIDLIO MAG" and the phrase "A Kid's Literacy Magazine."

KID LIO MAGAZINE JUNE 2025

A colorful and engaging promotional poster for the book series 'Aditi the Hunter,' featuring illustrations of the main characters in a lush, jungle setting, a photograph of Bolaji Ajayi, and text highlights about the story, author, and themes.

Inspiration for Akiti the Hunter:

Akiti the Hunter, was written with the intentions to introduce the world to a new kind of hero, one that children of color around the world can identify themselves with. More importantly, Akiti’s journey into the new era will give old African folklores a brand-new stage coupled with cutting-edge illustrations and attention to details inside each Akiti the Hunter series.

My goal is to awaken and inspire the next young authors and illustrators from various backgrounds, to become the writers and illustrators of their own legacies.

Four people standing together, smiling, with one holding a book titled 'AKITIIT THE HUNTERS II'. The background features black and white photographs on the wall. The group includes two women and two men, all dressed in formal or traditional attire.

Celebration of Black History Month, Hayden Willians III and his wife published best selling author of Akiti the Hunter series Denise Williams aka Bolaji Ajayi, alongside the first African American Mayor of San Francisco, Mayor Willie Brown Jr. and Mayor of Oakland Libby Schaaf. Learn more

In a conference room, three people are seated on chairs with small white tables in front of them. The woman on the left is wearing a red dress, has long braided hair, and is sitting with her arms crossed. The woman in the middle is wearing a white blouse, has short hair, and is holding a notepad. The man on the right is wearing a brown suit, has glasses, short hair, and is holding a microphone while looking towards his left. On the tables, there are water bottles, glasses, and a microphone. The background features a wall clock showing about 11:59, a TV screen displaying a presentation slide with the words

Denise Williams, was invited by the World Bank to Speak on a Panel to discuss this World Bank Report and Nigeria’s Digital Age Transformation. The panel discussion was moderated by Yinka Adegoke, Africa editor for Quartz, to share ideas on Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Journey, and what will it take.

This book has been featured by Harvard University Coop, Catholic University, Library of Congress, NAACP Author Pavilion, and Ajayi has been interviewed by Forbes Africa.

Akiti The Hunter fans at the Harvard University Coop bookstore, in Cambridge MA welcome Author Bolaji Ajayi for a very special Story Time. Check out her captivating performances, has she belts out the voice of Akiti the Glorious hunter.

Exclusive Interview on LIVE! In the Bay Author Bolaji Ajayi Unveils the Origins of "Akiti The Hunter" in Exclusive Interview with Host Olivia Horton

Ooni of Ife, is presented with Akiti the Hunter series by Author Bolaji Ajayi on his visit to Silicon Valley hosted by SV-NED.