meet PEDEP RESOURCE PERSONS
LEAD PRESENTER
DR. NAOMI AKPAN-ITA
Dr. Naomi Akpan-Ita is an Independent International Development Consultant and the Founder and Executive Director of Impact for Change and Development (IMPACT), a non-governmental, non-proit organization based in Nigeria. She currently serves as the Regional Chancellor (West Africa) of the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP).
RETREAT MODERATOR
Jide Ojo
Jide Ojo holds a B.Sc degree from University of Lagos and a Master's degree in Political Science (majoring in International Relations) at the University of Ibadan.
He is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (USA). His strength lies in research, advocacy and training, particularly in democracy and good governance.
Jide is an International IDEA trained BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) workshop facilitator. He has trained management and staff of election management bodies (the Independent National Electoral Commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions), political party chieftains, chairmen and councilors of local governments, civil society managers, media practitioners, Honourable members of House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly as well as staff of Nigerian Senate and State Houses of Assembly.
He has equally presented several academic papers at conferences and workshops, and has written chapters in 13 books. He has published three books namely: “Nigeria, My Nigeria: Perspectives from 1990 – 2010”, “A Nation in Tow: Essays on Governance and Leadership in Nigeria.” (2016) and “Nigeria: Corruption and Opacity in Governance “(2019).
Jide has written over two thousand published commentaries in 73 Nigerian newspapers, magazines and newsletters and he's a columnist with The PUNCH newspapers (the most widely read and inluential Nigerian newspapers since 2012). He has been interviewed by 56 Television Stations and 66 Radio Stations both nationally and internationally. He was a resident News Analyst with Arise News TV from October 2017 - March 2020 and was a former host of Development Focus with Jide Ojo on Independent Television (ITV) Abuja from January2021–December2022. UntilhisvoluntaryresignationfromIFES-Nigeriain2014, he was the editor of the organisation's monthly Political Finance newsletter.
jideojong@gmail.com
PANELIST
DR. BRIDGET OSAKWE
Bridget is a women, peace and security expert, gender; process facilitation; training; civil society coordination, with a master's degree in Peace and Reconciliation studies from the Coventry University, UK and a PhD in Peace, Conlict and Development Studies. With over 25 years of work experience and established for work purposes, valuable professional contacts at governmental, community, global, and civil society levels. Competent in Gender and inclusivity, Gender and Election, establishment of Peace Infrastructures, Gender and Violent Extremism, Political Analysis, Peace Negotiations and Mediation. Knowledgeable and experienced in youth and peace education, Manual and curriculum development, gender sensitive early warning indicators development, strategic and programmatic advice, Security Dialogue processes and strategic communication. Vast experience in partnership management and engagement, resource mobilization, working/supervising/building and empowering teams. Competent in capacity development and strengthening; technical advisory services; strategy and advocacy; project coordination/management.
PANELIST
DR. TUNDE AKANNI
Dr. Tunde Musibau Akanni is a distinguished journalist, media scholar, and development expert with extensive experience in communications practice and academia.
PANELIST
OMOTAYO AWOMOLO-ENUJIUGHA
Omotayo Awomolo-Enujiugha brings over 16 years' experience as a Legal Practitioner, with 7+ years at managerial levels. She specializes in Intellectual Property (IP) law and has practiced Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for over 10 years.
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ADEWALE ADEOYE
Adewale Adeoye attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he read Philosophy; He later attended the University of Lagos where he bagged Masters Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations, (MILR);
PANELIST
EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, SAN
EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, SAN and managing solicitor, Adegboruwa & Company studied law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995, whereupon he joined Gani Fawehinmi Chambers, from 1995 to 2000, when he set up Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Company. He was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on July 4 and sworn in on September 23, 2019. As undergraduate law student, he served as Public Liaison Oficer, Law Students' Society of Obafemi Awolowo University; Public Relations Officer and later President, Obafemi Awolowo University Students' Union (1992-1993); member, Senate of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) (1992-1994). As activist and prodemocracy campaigner, he served as member, Legal Committee of United Action for Democracy (UAD); acting Publicity Secretary, United Action for Democracy; (2002). He is the founder and President, GSM Subscribers Association of Nigeria; former Deputy Editor, Human Rights Law Reports of Africa; former Senior Assistant Editor, Nigerian Weekly Law Reports; founder, Law and Justice Forum.
PANELIST
DR. NAOMI AKPAN-ITA
Dr. Naomi Akpan-Ita is an Independent International Development Consultant and the Founder and Executive Director of Impact for Change and Development (IMPACT), a non-governmental, non-proit organization based in Nigeria. She currently serves as the Regional Chancellor (West Africa) of the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP).
PANELIST
DR. ASIKIA KARIBI-WHYTE
DR. ASIKIA KARIBI-WHYTE is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law University of Lagos. She holds degrees in Law from the following Universities: Ibadan, Lagos in Nigeria and Keele in the United Kingdom.
PANELIST
KAYODE OLADELE
KAYODE OLADELE, international law and government policy attorney, holds a Bachelor of Law [LLB (Hon.)] Degree from the University of Lagos (1987), Master of Laws [LL.M] degree from the Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan (2000) and Barrister -at-law [BL] from the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos (1988). He is an attorney and counselor-at-law of the Supreme Court of the United States and solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
PANELIST
SHOLA SOYELE
SHOLA SOYELE is a lawyer and Channels Television's Judiciary correspondent. She's the host of Law Weekly, a program which takes an in-depth look at legal activities across Nigeria with a special focus on how the law affects both the socio and economic fabric of the society. She has covered and reported legal events in Nigeria and at the global stage. A former assistant general secretary of “lawyers in the media” of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Soyele is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and alumnus of the School of Media & Communication of the Pan Atlantic University.
PANELIST
CHINYERE ANGELA ONYEMENAM
Chinyere Angela Onyemenam, a legal practitioner, accredited mediator, negotiator, peacemaker and arbitrator, graduated in 1987 from the University of Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
PANELIST
MR OSAZE LANRE NOSAZE
Mr Osaze Lanre Nosaze is capacity building expert and development consultant with over three decades of experience in designing, managing, and implementing civil society projects in Nigeria. He was until 2010 the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation and, before then, its Director of Projects from 1993 to 1999, responsible for project development and control. He has been since 2010 consultant to several non-governmental organisations in project development and management, advocacy research and training, institutional strategising, and publishing solutions.
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PROF. SYLVESTER ODION-AKHAIN
PROFESSOR SYLVESTER ODION-AKHAINE studied in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He earned his PhD in Politics at Royal Holloway, University of London in 2004. He is currently a Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization. He was a former Editor of The Victims, a human rights newsletter of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), and subsequently its Secretary for Research, Publication, and Documentation. He is currently the Editor of The Constitution, journal of constitutional development (arguably the leading journal in Nigeria today). Also, he is a Contributing Editor to the UK-basedReview of African Political Economy as well as a Visiting Member of The Guardian Editorial Board. A 2005 Stanford University Fellow on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (now Draper Hills fellow), he has over 100 publications including books.
PANELIST
DR. OTIVE IGBUZOR
DR. OTIVE IGBUZOR is the Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) (See www.centrelsd.org). He is also the General Overseer of Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA)(www.priestsassembly.org). He was the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate in the 9th National Assembly.
PANELIST
DR. OTIVE IGBUZOR
DR. OTIVE IGBUZOR is the Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) (See www.centrelsd.org). He is also the General Overseer of Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA)(www.priestsassembly.org). He was the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate in the 9th National Assembly.
PANELIST
TOLU ODUKALE
TOLU ODUKALE is the Partner and Head of Internal Audit & Governance, Risk & Compliance Services. He has garnered over 22 years of delivering value across various industries and sectors of the economy including public sector, power, energy and natural resources, financial services, telecommunications, consumer and industrial markets.
PANELIST
MALACHY UGWUMMADU, ESQ
Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in May 2002. He is the Managing Partner of the Malachy chambers with their corporate Head office in Surulere, Lagos State.
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ADEBOMI ADEKEYE Esq. ACA
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Dr. Innih Achibong PhD
Dr Innih Archibong is a widely acclaimed human rights attorney with decades of legal practice and human rights activism experience. He is perhaps Nigeria’s foremost paralegal instructor, providing basic legal education to staff, oficers
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Sulaimon Arigbabu
Sulaimon Arigbabu is a distinguished, good governance advocate, environmental justice advocate, and development expert with a profound commitment to sustainable development and climate action. With a career spanning over two and half decades, Arigbabu has played pivotal roles in numerous public accountability and sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
He is renowned for his strategic leadership and innovative approaches to addressing food security and climate challenges, particularly in urban and rural development contexts. Arigbabu has advanced level studies in public policy, climate change and human rights, which underpin his expertise in creating and implementing policies that promote open societies and ecological sustainability.
As the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, a leading non-governmental organization focused on good governance, human rights, electoral reforms, food security and environmental justice, he has been instrumental in driving impactful projects and advocacy campaigns that addresses critical issues such as public accountability, climate change, energy access, electoral integrity and biodiversity conservation.
His contribution extends to international platforms, including a number of United Nations conventions, particularly on corruption, climate change, and biodiversity. Arigbabu is an alumnus of the US IVLP program and a former executive council member of the Transition Monitoring Group. 
PANELIST
Mrs Ivy Ekpenyong
Mrs. Ivy EkpenyongHead, Public Enlightenment Unit Department of Education & Advocacy Services, Code of Conduct Bureau. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Calabar, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Obafemi Awolowo University.
She is a Certified Corruption Risk Assessor (CCRA) and has served in various committees within and outside the Bureau including the Assets Verification Committee, International Anti-Corruption Day Planning Committee, Implementation Committee on the New Performance Management System introduced by the Federal Government for the Public Service etc.
As the Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit, she has organized and facilitated enlightenment seminars for public officers across the Federation.
Mrs. Ekpenyong has served with the Code of Conduct Bureau for over 17 years. She is a Cross Riverian, a Christian, and is married with Children.
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Mrs Egondu Esinwoke-Ogbalo
Mrs. Egondu Esinwoke-Ogbalor is a highly qualified development professional with extensive experience in peace and security. She holds a first degree in Political Science and Administrative Studies, a diploma in Public Administration, and a Master's degree in International Law and Diplomacy.
Egondu has actively engaged in over 30 conferences and seminars, serving as a resource person and facilitator. She has developed training materials benefiting numerous organizations. With over 20 years of experience in peace and security, she has worked with international and local non-profit organizations.
Authored book chapters on topics such as "Ablaze for Oil": History, Dynamics, and Political Economy of the Niger Delta (Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Delta) and "Violent Conflict in Niger Delta." The latter critically examines the promoters and spoilers in the peace process and offers viable options for sustainable peace and development.
Egondu has a proven track record in successfully designing and implementing projects that drive positive change. Her contributions have significantly impacted various organizations, making her expertise and experience a valuable asset to the organizations where she is on their Board.
Egondu is also an Alumni IVLP of the United States Department of State "Conflict Management" (2006) among other awards and recognitions. She is currently the Executive Director of the Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development (CIEPD) 
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James A. Odafe Fole
James A. Odafe Fole Holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a Master of Managerial Psychology Degree both from the University of Ibadan. He is currently a Scholar at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Studies, University of Ibadan School of Business. He has worked as a Marketing Executive at Grassroots Media Ventures, A Publisher of the now defunct tabloid Concept Magazine a tabloid in Delta State.
He was also an Executive Assistant at Gladson Petrogas, an Oil and Gas Consulting Firm in Victoria Island Lagos. James A. Odafe Fole was Personal Assistant to the Pioneer Managing Director of the NDDC. He rose through Ranks in the NDDC, as Assistant Manager Service Relations, Manager Employee Relations in the Directorates of Administration and Human Resources Headquarters, He has also served as Head, Administration and Human Resources at the Commission's Delta State and Cross Rivers State Offices respectively.
He is currently the Deputy Director, AHR Strategic Business Partner, Research and Advisory Services Unit, of the Directorate of Administration and Human Resources headquarters. He has attended a wide range of Courses of the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM), Chartered institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and Human Resources Management Courses both within Nigerian and Abroad. He is a trained Arbitrator and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.
He is also a Member of the International Labour and Employment Relations Association (ILERA) the intellectual Arm of the International Labour Association (ILO)
