Meet our founder
A passion for people. A purpose for work.
Dr. Olugbenga (Gbenga) Ibikunle, MBA, PhD, P.Eng., is the founder of MKAP (Marketplace Kings & Priests Global Network) and the co-founder and Managing Principal of Avodahtec, a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A committed mentor, he received the 2026 Outstanding Mentor Award from APEGA (the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) and the Star Mentor Award from the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) for mentoring internationally trained professionals.
Vision
His Vision for MKAP
Dr. Ibikunle founded MKAP out of a passion for helping people reach their full potential in their careers, businesses, and enterprises.
Background
Background
Dr. Ibikunle began his career as a researcher and lecturer in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, before moving to Alberta in 2017, where he has held professional and leadership roles in engineering. Across academia and industry, he has guided more than 650 students and professionals.
Since arriving in Canada, he has focused much of his mentoring on internationally trained engineers building their careers in Alberta, working with newcomer agencies and one-on-one to help with professional licensure, interview preparation, job shadowing, and networking. At Avodahtec, he builds mentorship into daily work by pairing early-career engineers with experienced professionals, and many of his former mentees now mentor others in turn.
Recognition
Recognition
- Outstanding Mentor Award, APEGA Summit Awards (2026)
- Star Mentor Award, Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC)
- Tereo National Asset Management Ambassador Award, Canadian Network of Asset Managers (2021)
- NxtGen Award, Institute of Asset Management Global Awards (2020)
- Member of the engineering regulators of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Yukon
Sessions
Sessions by Dr. Ibikunle
- Career Development Planning (April 2024)
- Becoming Antifragile: Leveraging Setbacks for Growth and Success (April 2025)
Speaking topics
Speaking Topics
Read APEGA’s award announcement