Israila Olatunji DARE

Data Scientist & AI Engineer  |  Tolaram Group, Lagos

Professional Summary

Experienced Data Scientist, AI Engineer & IoT Specialist with 6+ years across the energy and FMCG sectors. Currently at Tolaram Group — one of West Africa's largest conglomerates — building ML pipelines, IoT telemetry systems, and AI-powered data products that drive measurable operational impact.

Professional Experience

Data Scientist / AI Engineer

Jul 2025 – Present

Tolaram Group · Lagos, Nigeria (On-site)

  • Driving data science and predictive analytics across FMCG operations for one of West Africa's largest conglomerates.
  • Building ML pipelines and SaaS-enabled data products using model selection and rigorous testing to optimise supply chain and commercial decision-making.
  • Developing semantic BI models and MCP servers for NLP-driven business intelligence querying (Guinness Nigeria).

Team Lead — AMI & Meter Data Analysis

Jan 2020 – Jul 2025

Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC) · Lagos (IT Commercial)

  • Built XGBoost & Random Forest classification/regression models for high-volume risk prediction and anomaly detection across 800,000+ units, utilizing advanced feature engineering and hyperparameter tuning — reduced downtime by 15% and improved predictive accuracy by 20%.
  • Analysed data uncovering trends contributing to a 10% revenue increase and ₦5.4 billion monthly revenue growth.
  • Automated data pipelines with Azure Data Factory, improving operational efficiency by 40%.
  • Led IoT module deployment across 419 feeder meters with 98% transmission success rate.

Team Member — Programming Device / AMR

Jul 2019 – Dec 2019

Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC) · Lagos

  • Managed smart meter acquisition and deployment within AMI/AMR systems.
  • Optimised meter databases using SQL, improving data processing efficiency by 30%.
  • Trained 50+ staff, increasing installation accuracy by 20%.

Student IT Intern

Apr 2016 – Sep 2016

NetIt Solutions Limited

  • Monitored server operations, performed hardware maintenance, and provided end-user support.

Key Projects

ESG-Assistant — AI Sustainability Research Assistant

2025 · Private

Python · AI Agent · ESG / Sustainability

  • AI-powered ESG research assistant for environmental, social & governance analysis — carbon footprinting, sustainability metrics, and automated reporting.

Guinness-MCP — Semantic BI / NLP Server

2026 · Private

Tolaram Group · Python

  • MCP server powering NLP-driven querying of Guinness Nigeria semantic business intelligence models.

InsigniaDowntime — IoT Downtime Tracker

2026 · Private

Tolaram Group · Python / Microcontrollers

  • Real-time downtime monitoring system using IoT microcontrollers for industrial facility management.