Advocating for business reform
We are a group of passionate individuals committed to achieving excellence in our work. Our team is comprised of talented professionals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets, united by a common goal to deliver exceptional results. We believe in collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to success. Our team culture is built on respect, integrity, and a dedication to continuous learning and improvement. We are excited to share our story with you and invite you to learn more about our team.
Frank Aigbogun is a journalist and publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, which he co-founded in 2001. He began his journalism career at the Guardian in 1982 and moved on to Vanguard where he rose to the position of editor of all the titles of the newspaper.
Mr. Aigbogun served for many years as the Lagos correspondent of the Associated Press, AP the world’s largest independent news agency. Mr. Aigbogun who first studied Mass Communication, is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and has served as president of its alumni association. He was appointed by then federal government into the vision 2010 committee tasked with drawing up a long term economic vision for the country and he served as deputy leader and alternate rapporteur for the sub-committee on competition and deregulation.
Today Mr Aigbogun serves as a director of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG.
Anita OLANIYAN has degrees in economics from Edinburgh University and and Masters in business consulting from Warwick University. Anita has worked with PwC, Oracle and is currently a consultant with a global consulting firm with offices around the world.
Clement ISONG, jnr is a qualified lawyer of many years of standing and has been company secretary of a leading oil firm. Mr Isong served at various locations around the world for Total including Paris. He is currently the CEO at the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria.
Olajobi Makinwa is a highly experienced international development and corporate governance executive, currently serving as Senior Adviser/Consultant to the CEO at UN Global Compact. With over two decades of global leadership, she played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and managing the organization’s Africa Strategy and initiatives such as the Global Africa Business Initiative. Makinwa, a Barrister and Solicitor, has championed responsible business practices and anti-corruption efforts, significantly contributing to corporate sustainability and UN values.
Alex Goma is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in building people, customers, and brands. He has held key positions at prominent companies such as P&G, British American Tobacco, Guinness, and PZ Cussons. Until April 13, 2023, he served as the Ag COO of Globacom Ltd. Goma’s diverse roles include MD/CEO of Grand Cereals Ltd and various leadership positions at PZ Cussons, Guinness Nigeria, BAT Nigeria, and P&G across different regions. He holds degrees in Biochemistry and Law from the University of Port Harcourt and the University of London international programmes, respectively.
Olaniyi Yusuf serves as the Managing Partner at Verraki Partners, where he leads the Social Sector practice. Boasting over 30 years of professional experience, he previously held the esteemed position of Country Managing Director at Accenture Nigeria. Renowned as a transformational leader, Niyi has played instrumental roles in spearheading key infrastructure projects within the Nigerian banking sector. In addition to his technical certifications, he is recognized as a Fellow of the African Leadership Initiative West Africa. Beyond his professional pursuits, he actively engages in angel investing, mentors startups, and dedicates his time to volunteering with various organizations focused on advancing education and entrepreneurship, exemplifying his commitment to social impact.
Sean de Cleene, a renowned systems leader and senior advisor, has provided expertise to organizations like the UN Environment Programme and Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management. Having served nearly six years on the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum, he oversaw portfolios including Food Systems and Sustainable Development Investment Partnership. Experienced in catalyzing investment partnerships, he chaired the UN Food Systems Summit Innovation Lever of Change. Previously, he held leadership roles at Yara International and AGRA, contributing to sustainable financing initiatives and development projects in Southern Africa.
Femi Boyede, a distinguished international trade expert, earned the CITP®|FIBP® designation in 2014. As the Managing Director and CEO of Koinonia Ventures Ltd. (now Koinonia Global Services Inc. in Canada), he boasts over 30 years of experience in export business development and trade promotion. Fueled by a childhood immersed in trade, Femi is a fervent advocate for stronger trade relations between Canada and various African countries, particularly Nigeria. His leadership and passion make him a notable figure in the global trade community, where he actively promotes cross-border collaboration and economic growth.
Kemi Okenyodo is a distinguished expert in security, governance, and development, particularly within the Nigerian and broader African contexts. She has built a reputation as a leading figure in these fields through her extensive work in various capacities. Her career is marked by her deep commitment to improving security governance and promoting inclusive development strategies. Her expertise is frequently sought in policy formulation, program development, and capacity building, making her a respected voice in both national and international forums on security and governance issues.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kemi Okenyodo is known for her active role in civil society, where she has been instrumental in advocating for reforms in security sector governance and accountability. Her work often bridges the gap between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international bodies, fostering collaborative approaches to address complex security challenges. Her contributions extend to mentorship and thought leadership, where she inspires others through her dedication to creating more secure and just societies. Her influence is evident in the numerous projects and initiatives she has led or contributed to, reflecting her enduring commitment to improving the landscape of security and governance in Africa.
Eve Thompson is the Founder and Director of VOKAL, a project of FEMPO NPC based in South Africa, originally from the US East Coast. Eve has a long history of promoting the advancement of women in Africa and beyond and in promoting value-centered leadership in the world, in general. She has held several Country Director posts in promoting democracy and good governance in Africa and also directed the United Nations University’s International Leadership Academy in Amman, Jordan. She also founded the Bus Factory Craft Centre, the only one of five projects intended to anchor the revitalization of Johannesburg’s Newtown Arts Precinct that was actually brought to fruition. When Eve first came to Africa over 25 years ago, she was struck by the persistent marginalization of women. In all the projects she led thereafter, she worked to ensure that the empowerment of women and the expansion of their numbers in leadership ranks, were key objectives. She studied English Literature at Princeton University and Law at Georgetown before working as an associate at a law firm in Washington, DC and making the transition to working in Human Rights Law and contributing to the fall of Apartheid and democratic consolidation in South Africa and fighting for the rights and advancement of women and youth throughout Africa.
Sheila Ojei is the Country Manager, Nigeria, for the African Management Institute, focusing on empowering ambitious African businesses to excel. She is known for leading funding and partnership strategies, communications for impact, and implementing development strategies across public, multinational, development, and private sector institutions.
Previously, as the Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Stakeholder Management at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Sheila significantly contributed to job and wealth creation initiatives for Lagos residents. She has been instrumental in establishing key partnerships in youth development, skills acquisition, and MSME support, and has organized roundtables with policy actors, industry leaders, and development partners in the Creative, Digital, and Agriculture sectors.
Sheila holds an MBA from Trinity College Dublin, a Master of Arts (MA) from Regents University UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St John’s University, USA, reflecting her solid academic foundation and commitment to professional excellence
Her experience spans over 18 years in socio economic development consulting and community development. Fusing a mixture of corporate, non-governmental and public sector experience particularly in the mining and financial services sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, a postgraduate business degree in Business Administration (PDM- BA) from the internationally rated Wits Business School.
Mr Olu Akanmu, Is an experienced commercial leader with an unusual diversity of experience consumer goods, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services and fintech. He was Chief Marketing officer at Airtel, start-up experience at MTN Nigeria as chief architect of the phenomenal success of the MTN brand, Director Retail Services First City Monument Bank and the Co-Chief Executive Officer Opay Nigeria.
Ms. Foluso De-Grata Shado is a Lawyer. She was Senior Special Assistant
(Administration ) to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for two
terms between 2015 and 2023. Ms Shado was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001
and obtained her LLM in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the
Centre for Human Rights Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, South Africa in
2004. She was founding Programme Coordinator for the Justice Research
Institute Limited by Guarantee a Public Private think tank established in 2005 by
the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Faculty of Law,
University of Lagos, Akoka. JRI is a think tank on the administration of Justice in
Nigeria and leads advocacy on a People-Centred approach to Justice.
She was a Visiting Scholar at the Columbia University and Fellow at Public
Interest Institute New York.
Ms Shado is on the Board of I Choose Life Foundation an NGO dedicated to the
promotion of mental health and advocacy for the prevention and treatment of
drugs and substance use.
Ime focuses on building consensus and coalitions for business advocacy in Nigeria. With a wealth of experience in development, particularly in business advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and program development, she serves at the BD Center for Social and Economic Development. Previously, Ime was the Chief Operating Officer at the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), managing the Nigerian component of the Business Action against Corruption Program in partnership with the Commonwealth Business Council. She also served as the Business Services Director at Premium Times, contributing to building alternative income sources. Ime has consulted for various development organizations, showcasing her expertise in facilitating trade and promoting inclusive growth.
Adenike is a seasoned career professional with a solid foundation in Industrial organizational psychology and Media studies from the University of Namibia and a master’s degree in International communications and development from City, University of London.Her extensive experience includes conducting comprehensive market analysis, consumer behavior studies, and competitive intelligence.
As an accomplished market research expert, Adenike has provided essential market entry strategies for various sectors; an Indian agriculture company expanding into the Nigerian market and spearheaded market penetration research for a Swedish music streaming company’s launch in African markets.In her brand management roles, Adenike has worked with major companies such as Guinness Nigeria, Tropika South Africa, McKinsey, Spotify, and Travelstart. Her expertise in segmentation, positioning, and brand equity research has significantly contributed to the growth and development of these brands.
Mary is currently the Finance Manager. She has over a decade experience specialising in financial, tax & risk management, budgeting, financial advisory services etc. She is a graduate of the University of Benin and also member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria & Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. Mary has expertise in systems control. She is well versed in policy analysis, risk assessment, mitigation and management.
Obidike Okafor is a journalist, communications manager, trainer and budding documentary film maker. He has experience as Communication Manager for Dyslexia Nigeria where he worked for 3 years. In the past 15 years he has worked as a journalist, editor and researcher for publications in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, Germany and UK. He also organizes training around writing and visual story telling.
Edoja John Akpovwovwo is a graduate of Agricultural Economics (BSc) and Agribusiness Management (MSc) and a seasoned Project Manager with over 7 years of experience delivering successful outcomes across sectors such as agriculture, edtech, renewable energy, and building services. Known for strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, he excels at leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and aligning solutions with organizational goals.
Edoja is highly skilled in simplifying complex requirements, streamlining processes, and building strategic partnerships to secure and effectively manage funding. His ability to leverage data-driven insights and cutting-edge methodologies ensures enhanced productivity, sustainable growth, and organizational success. With a focus on analytical research, he tackles organizational challenges by delivering actionable insights that drive decision-making.
Mrs. Lola Oyeka is Country Head of Public Affairs for Nigeria and Ghana responsible for the reputation and image of Citi in Nigeria and Ghana. As a member of the bank’s leadership team, she is currently responsible for driving the media relations portfolio for Citi’s operation in Nigeria and Ghana as well as internal
communications, community relations, and advertising and branding. In addition, she also provides Corporate Communications support to Citi’s Sub-Saharan Africa business as well as government affairs and sustainability efforts in Nigeria.
As a seasoned Corporate Communications Executive with 20 years’ experience, she has expertise in public relations, crisis management, media appearances and strategic planning, having worked across various sectors most notable, banking and financial services, telecommunications and education. She joined Citi in 2012 as Senior Executive Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of Citibank Nigeria providing oversight of administrative and stakeholder engagement for the executive office, as well as providing strategic and corporate communications support impacting the executive office and
franchise in general.
She is a diversity and inclusion champion and has been called upon to speak on topics focused on youth and gender development in Nigeria. Lola is currently the Lead Co-Chair of the Citi Women’s Affinity Network in Nigeria and her commitment to acts of service with the community is well documented most notably as an alternate Director representing Citi on the Board of Junior Achievement Nigeria.
Odinaka Anudu is a multiple award winning writer has amassed nearly 20 journalism awards. Anudu has several years of experience in journalism. He has been a South-East Bureau Chief at Nigerian OrientNews and Assistant Editor at BusinessDay for many years.
He was News Editor and later Deputy Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. He was also Deputy Business Editor at The Punch.
He was Editor of Dataphyte and Managing Editor of Economy Post, which he co-founded. Economy Post, which is currently the only investigative business and financial news platform in Nigeria, is currently being managed by a team of investigative journalists.