For Studios & Licensees
Rise of the Hunter is an Afro-futurist animated series based on the Akiti the Hunter children’s book franchise - a 3 book series rooted in Yoruba mythology with millions of views on social media and an established fan base, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart distribution, California State Library recognition, and a creator who is a Forbes contributor and UN Peace Ambassador. A full pitch bible and productions materials are available upon request for qualified studio and streaming partners. The creator of the Akiti the Hunter franchise was personally mentored through the Rise Up Animation initiative, which aided in the one on one coaching from Studio Executives from UTA Agency, Disney, Pixar, Netflix and more.
ATH Storyboard Animation Reel
Logline:
A humble boy chosen by ancient gods must master his lion-like powers; guided by jùjú music’s wisdom of the speaking drums to unite his village against a vengeful trickster deity or watch chaos consume everything he loves.
Creator | Founder| Diplomat
Amb. Denise Ajayi Williams, MBA
President & Co-Founder, SV-NED Inc. UN USA Eminence Peace Ambassador . Forbes Business Council Member. Author & Animator. Global Diplomat
20+ years spanning healthcare, technology, economic development, global diplomacy, and publishing. Author of the internationally acclaimed Akiti the Hunter and Executive Producer of BAPS Animation Studios.
“I build bridges where none exist - from Silicon Valley to Nigeria, from World Bank panels to children’s storybooks. My life’s work is ensuring our children inherit prosperity and pride.” - Amb. Denise Ajayi Williams, MBA. Creator, Akiti the Hunter Franchise.
Denise Williams is an acclaimed journalist and Member of Forbes Business Council.
“Akiti the Hunter isn’t just any book, it’s the greatest children’s book of all time. It is a cultural bridge, a peace declaration, and a love letter to every child who has waited to see themselves as a hero.” Bolaji Ajayi, Author & Creator
Forbes
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HuffPost
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CNBC Africa
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Black Enterprise
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Associated Press |
Forbes | HuffPost | CNBC Africa | Black Enterprise | Associated Press |
Career Milestones
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European Book Tour - Amsterdam & Berlin
Akiti the Hunter’s first International appearance at Oba Library, Amsterdam and Another Country Bookshop, Berlin - met with sold-out story times and global media coverage.
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UN Peace Ambassador Appointment
Appointed Eminence Peace Ambassador & Global Diplomat by the International Association of World Peace Advocates - extending Akiti’s cultural mission to the international diplomatic stage.
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Forbes Business Council Member
Invited to the Forbes Business Council - an invitation only community of world-class business leaders. Published contributor on Africa’s digital economy and cultural IP development.
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$2 Billion USD World Bank Deal
Secured $2 Billion USD in World Bank financing for Nigeria’s Digital Economy through SV-NED - one of the largest US-Nigerian economic achievement by a diaspora-led organization.
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World Bank Panel Speaker
Featured panelist at the World Bank alongside senior IFC and World Bank leadership, shaping Nigeria’s national digital transformation strategy on a global stage.
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Akiti the Hunter - Global Literary Brand
Created Akiti the Hunter - recognized as the 1st African superhero in the U.S. children’s literature. Available at Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Waterstones. Recognized by the California State Library, Harvard University Coop, Library of Congress, and NAACP Author Pavilion.
Awards & Government Recognition
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Recognized by the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations & First Lady of Nigeria for outstanding contribution to Decent into darkness World and Economic Growth.
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Outstanding Contributions Award presented by U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee for community and economic leadership.
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Outstanding Community Leadership Award presented by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein for contribution to Silicon Valley and beyond.
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Names among Forbes Africa’s Top 30 Under 30 - recognized as a next-generation leader in business, culture, and economic development.
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Presented by actor and activist Danny Glover for visionary leadership in cultural storytelling and African diaspora representation.
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Akiti the Hunter officially recognized and placed in the California State Library’s Indie California statewide digital collection - free and accessible to millions of California readers.
Ready to Partner with a Proven Global Creator ?
Request the full Rise of the Hunter pitch bible, BAPS Studio production overview, and licensing terms. Available under NDA to qualified and streaming partners.
The creator behind the legend
Rooted in Purpose, Recognized Worldwide
Akiti the Hunter was born from a vision—that every child deserves a hero who looks like them and honors ancestral traditions, all to ignite children’s imagination. This vision is supported by the world’s most respected institutions.
UNITED NATIONS
Eminent Peace Ambassador & Global Diplomat
Appointed by the International Association of World Peace Advocates for bringing Akiti’s message of heritage and courage to the global stage. 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).
FORBES
Forbes Contributor & Business Council Member
Invitation-only community reserved for the world’s top business leaders and executives. Published Forbes contributor on Africa’s digital economy, NFTs, and cultural entrepreneurship. Denise Williams is an acclaimed journalist and respected authority on global economic development, cultural entrepreneurship, and representation in children’s media.
WORLD BANK
Recognized Economics Development Leaders
$2B
Nigeria’s Digital Economy — $2 Billion USD World Bank Financing Secured
As President of SV‑NED, Amb. Denise secured $2 billion USD in World Bank financing to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy. This landmark achievement will fast‑track critical digital infrastructure, stimulate job creation, and promote inclusive digital growth nationwide. The agreement marks a major step forward in strengthening connectivity, expanding access to digital services, and empowering communities across Nigeria.
Recognized internationally, this financing reflects global confidence in Nigeria’s vision for a transformative, equitable digital future. As co-founder of SV-NED, advancing Silicon Valley economic partnerships with the backing of a global financial institution. 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.
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY
Officially Recognized Children’s Literature
One of the few independent children’s book series honored by the California State Library, placing Akiti alongside essential children’s literature.
Fortune 500 Healthcare
Fortune 500 Executive Leadership
Senior leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente, Gilead Sciences, Abbott Laboratories, and the California Dept. of Public Health - bring enterprise-level operational credibility to every creative venture.