Contributing editor to Matador Network, Nigerian-born Lola Akinmade-Åkerström’s photography and travel writing are characterized by vibrancy and hope. Obtaining a Masters (MSc) degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland with a solid background in Geography, she specialized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for 10+ years and her affinity for the geosciences and maps meant she was born to travel.
Her work has appeared in Vogue, National Geographic Traveler, BBC, San Francisco Chronicle, Travel Channel’s World Hum, Forbes Traveler, Sherman’s Travel, Fodors.com, ISLANDS Magazine, United’s Hemispheres, Guardian UK’s Been There, Smithsonian.com, CITY Magazine, Pology, GoNOMAD, Away.com, Transitions Abroad, Matador Network, amongst others.
Some of her articles and photography have been syndicated on MSNBC, Yahoo, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun Times, Huffington Post, and Time Warner.
She also worked as a field journalist on the web team during Eco-Challenge’s Expedition Race in Fiji and currently volunteers as a photojournalist with the Swedish Red Cross and World Hope International, documenting their projects in countries such as Nicaragua, Sweden, and Cambodia, and C.H.I.E.F – an NGO based in Nigeria that promotes grassroots health development, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the empowerment of women.
She is also the cartoonist behind Office Supplies – The Comic © and an oil painter.
She is based in Stockholm, Sweden and is the photoblogger for Sweden’s official website.
Comments (44)
Lola, always good to read about you . . . Blessings, Ona Akinmade
lola, good work am proud of u. not many nigerians venture into this field…keep it up…i can feel your passion!!!!
Damilola Mofikoya
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Just being myself
Hey man thanks for the great post. Look forward to reading more!
Love your blog. Going to link to it. Your subject matter is engaging and in line with my interests. Congratulations on all of your published works. You are an inspiration to me.
Be well,
Ayanna Nahmias
Picone – Thanks!
Ayanna – Thanks so much for discovering this blog and your kind words. Will check out your work as well.
you have made our family proud and we are proud of your heardwork and dedication,keep it up, Congratulation for your wedding.help me to thank you father chief Akinmade a BIG thank you for his love and care………..
Feeling great to connect with you. Keep sharing. Best.
OOH Lola! It’s sunny in Chicago and I found your blog via Roger Ebert. Love your photos! They are joyful, gorgeous and I thank you. Check out my blog sometime: http://lynnejordan.com/blog
Keep on sista girrrl!!
Lynne
Hi Lynne! Thanks so much for dropping by. Will definitely check out your blog. Sincerely!
I think I’ve found another new role model!
@Chidinma – You’re too kind!
I love this picture
Fly, fly, fly away…
Lola, don’t know you but followed your link from Adrienne Wilson…….love your blog and your photos are beautiful!!
@Laura – Thanks so much! Hope you come back often.
@Temitayo – Haha! Thanks
Lola, great blog, great post, great pictures, its nice to know travelers like u, i was born to travel too. Those who dont travel just read one page of the world.
@Andreas – Thanks for visiting and I hope you stick around. That’s one of my favorite travel quotes as well. You can check out 49 more here – http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/03/07/50-most-inspiring-travel-quotes-of-all-time/
Hi Lola,
such a pleasure reading your blog and i happened to come by it via @ebertchicago. I hope when i come to visit Sweden sometime i will get a chance to meet you. I love traveling and taking pics a lot
You can also find me on twitter my id (@LarvK)
Cheers-
Hi Lola, just came across some of your works and searched for this blog. Just thought I would at least drop a note and congratulate you on your work and encourage you to please continue…
well done, i like your work.
auntie Lola, how far now?
i’m sorry, i came across your website cos i read your article at matador ‘the Beginner’s Guide to Nigerian Pidgin English’. i thought it was brilliant, especially as it had the audio to go with it… such a great help to a caribbean 9ja lover like me. thanks so much for sharing. the LORD bless you
@Juliette – Definitely let me know if you travel to Sweden!
@Ade-B – E se gan! Thanks so much for your encouragement!
@Babtope Omoju – Thank you!
@Leeton Hanson – No worries at all. Glad you liked it and God bless you too!
Lola!!! That’s all I’ve got
Art says hello as well. I’m on the facebook, so if you are ever around Dayton let me know. I’ll show you the wife and kids. Art may be getting married, too. Stay well. Ovie
@Ovie – OVIE!!!! how are you? where are you? Sending tons of love your way. Will go stalk you on Facebook now
just seen your pictures on bbc aboutt eh children that travle to school in canoes.
loved the pictures, and thanks for sharing that small piece of info- those kids are rock stars, come rain come shine…you gotta go to school.
@Patricia – Thanks so much. I was definitely inspired by their will.
I appreciate dis blog so much…
nice!
Hey lil mama! What a great website! I’m passing it along to my comrades. Sending mad vibrations from the left side Los Angeles, USA
danke–
@dmdolat & Teenu – Thanks!
@Dr. Slick – Thanks for dropping by and sending mad vibrations back your way. Sincerely!
Awesome…as usual!
Congratulations on a job well done thus far girlfriend!
Don’t worry i know you’d make us all proud as usual when you get to the North Pole…
Lol
Lola, you’re living my dream. Man, those snow pics are so stunning and meditative. I’m looking to start a blog or mag where Naijas in far-flung but interesting places post thoughts, reports or pics. You go, girl!
Go for it Lola
Howdy
Saw something about Roger Ebert? He writes with an incredibly appealing and tasteful style
I sort of stumbel on your website while researching to do something about a huge social disease that has disturbed me for several years. Recently, i got into the whole groove of ‘Lliving Life like you actually want to’…..a mindset/idea/journey/notion so far fetched to a lot of people, I find it quite unfortunate.
It would seem you live your dreams on a daily basis. Pleas continue to inspire us all, and I pray the blessings received from giving back to the world, will continue to wash you, surround you, and live itself in and around you
Cheers
Manuel
Hope you remember me still… Good Luck with your dreams !
- Baskar
Hi Lola,
saw that you found our blog and added your own to our Expats in Sweden list. I’m glad you did cause now I found yours as well. Looking forward to reading more.
@Everyone – Thanks so much for your kind words!
Lola, you are doing great. Its been worthwhile going through your works. Keep it up!
Lola I’m so proud of you. To see you followed your creativity through is an inspiration to me.I remember your short stories in school. Congratulations on all your published works too.
Very impressive website (and career!) Lola. Am pleased to have found you. Love your Blog.
@Winifred – Thanks!
@Alero – Thanks for your support and kind words!
@Sonia – Many thanks!
Nice website, Lola. You ssssound bussssy!