By Adeyinka Adeniran
Nigerian born Yemi Edun has for the fifth consecutive time made the 2025 list of Britain’s Most Influential Black People for his contributions to the growth and development of the Black community and the country at large.
Edun, who is based in the United Kingdom is a property agent is the Founder and CEO, Daniel Ford & Co and Daniel Ford International and has built up a portfolio of high-end London real estate – but juggles business with dedicated philanthropy.
The list, which is voted for by an independent panel of judges, seeks to showcase black role models to young people.
Launched in 2007, it is an annual event that honours black people from a range of industries including tech, business, sports, science and the arts.
Edun’s Daniel Ford International, one of the capital’s leading property acquisition consultancies has successfully sourced and acquired more than £650million of residential property for private clients.
He has entered the community housing sector with the launch of Daniel Ford Developments, aiming to build more than 40 ‘high quality’ units in the short-term leading to rapid expansion over the next five years.
In October 2023, Edun published his debut book, The Number One Mission, “which delves into the intricate diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria”.
The book which has been described as a “tribute to Nigeria and Nigerians in the UK” has all proceeds from the sale donated to charitable causes.
Edun’s gesture that got attention was his sponsoring of the Under-18 Daniel Ford Table Tennis Championships, a two-day tournament in Lagos, Nigeria, which was recognised by the International Table Tennis Federation.
He said the aim of the competition was to elevate the profile of the sport and provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and pursue their athletic aspirations.
Additionally, Edun is a long-time sponsor of the Central St Martins Fine Art Auction and runs a lecture series where inspirational leaders from the black community speak at local schools. It launched in 2021 with the first black Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, addressing the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham.
Edun’s NGO, Action for Change and Empowerment (ACE), supports charities in Nigeria and brings together professionals from different industries to use their resources to help the vulnerable.
