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).
Additionally, she is the Board Chair of the African Womens Active Non- violence Initiatives for Social Change, a continental initiative focused on Women, Peace, and Security. As a foundation member of the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET), Dr. Akpan-Ita has had the privilege of serving on the Boards of several civil society organizations, including the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria), where she served for six years. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC) and was actively involved in the training activities of the Institute.
Dr. Akpan-Ita is a seasoned trainer with over 20 years of experience in conducting training sessions at various levels, both locally and internationally. Her training has included working with women, children, youth, legislators, the police, the military, and other security sector actors. From 2008 to 2013, she was part of a core team of instructors engaged by AFRICOM to enhance the capacity of security sector actors in 12 countries across West Africa and the Sahel in the areas of peace and security.
Since 2006, Dr. Akpan-Ita has also served as an instructor at the Koi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana as a faculty member of the West Africa Peace Institute (WAPI), where she has taught courses on Youth and Peace Education as well as Gender, Women, and Peacebuilding.
With a keen interest in research, Dr. Akpan-Ita holds a doctorate in Peace and Development Studies, with a scholarly focus on Security and Peacebuilding Training.
Email: nakpanita@impactng.com
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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 a 1998 winner of the Delta State NYSC Honours Award, a 2005 Global Rights Delegate to the 61st Session of United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, a Carter Centre Short Term Observer to Ghana Presidential Election in December 2008, IFES Delegate to observe the US Mid-Term Elections in November 2010, African Union Short Term Observer to observe the May 2014 presidential election in Egypt and EISA Short Term ObservertoobservetheFebruary2016Ugandangeneral elections.
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
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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.
Bridget has spoken and facilitated several national and international conferences and served as Moderator for the UN Women Headquarters, Policy Division, Peace and Security Section Global Digital Consultation on the “Voices and Perspectives of Civil Society on the Gendered Dimensions of Violent Extremism and Counterterrorism Responses”. Worked as consultant responsible for the co- delivery and co-facilitation of the ive-day Induction Training on Mediation, Conlict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy to delivered to new Anglophone members of the FemWise-Africa Network.
Bridget, is a Fellow of the Institute for Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) and Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, and has some books and publications to her credit.
buosakwe@yahoo.co.uk
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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.
He serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism at Lagos State University (LASU), specializing in Journalism and Development Communications.
Dr. Akanni's academic journey includes studies at the University of Ilorin, Columbia University, the University of Leicester, the University of Ibadan, and the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands. Currently, he also sits on the board of both the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Ethics and Leadership Academy in Lagos.
Additionally, he serves on the International Advisory Board of Dubawa, Nigeria's irst indigenous fact-checking organization.
alakanni12@gmail.com
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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.
Omotayo holds an LL.M from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and is undergoing doctoral studies at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. She is a trainer, writer, researcher, and legal commentator with several published works in the fields of IP and ADR.
Omotayo is a Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, Fellow, Trainer and Neutral with the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), a Chartered Arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Certified Mediator and Mediation Advocate with the Lagos State Multidoor Courthouse (LMDC), a Certified ADR Practitioner under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and a Trainer and Mediator with the Intellectual Property Institute of Nigeria (IPIN).
Omotayo holds several certificates in specialized ADR Practice including family mediation, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), workplace conflicts, entertainment disputes, negotiations, construction arbitration, arbitration and mediation advocacy, communal conflicts, and several other certifications. She has also mediated several disputes and advocated a number of arbitrations in her ADR career.
Omotayo is currently the Senior Partner at Omogiate Mobom & Co., a dispute resolution law firm in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Vice President Marketing and Membership Services ICMC. She speaks English, French and Yoruba. She is an advocate for amicable settlement of disputes, human rights and justice, professional communications, IP awareness and innovation.
cathawomolo@gmail.com
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PANELIST
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);
Adeoye is an alumnus of the United Nations Institute of Training and Research, (UNITAR)He began journalism career in The Guardian, 1989; moved to The Punch as Assistant Features Editor and later Head of Investigation Desk;Later he joined The Nation Newspapers as Deputy Editor.
Adeoye in 2000 won the CNN African Journalists of the Year Award; he is four-time winner of the Nigerian Media Merit Award, (NMMA); recipient of the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, (DAME) and was the irst Nigerian to win the Steke Biko Scholarship managed by the Institute for Advanced Journalism, (AIJ) in South Africa and had a stint at Rhodes University in South Africa;
Adeoye has attended several training programs in Europe, Asia and across Africa including Nigeria on conflict prevention and peace building. Adeoye was former West Africa Regional Secretary, International Alliance of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forest, IAITPTF based in Chiang Mai, Thailand and had the mandate to represent West African Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations Permanent Forum.
He is the Executive Director, Journalists for Democratic Rights, JODER established in 1996 and a leading figure on human rights issues in Nigeria and Africa
waleadeoye90@yahoo.com
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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.
Adegboruwa, SAN has won the following award of recognition: OAU Junior Chambers Award for Human Rights and Child Development (1998); Senior Advocate of the Masses, National Association of Nigerian Students (2015), Human Rights Defender, Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, Lagos State Chapter (2016); Defender of Truth and Justice, Anglican Church, Ode-Etikan (2017); Award for Excellence by Law Students Association of Nigeria, Elizade University; Consistency in Human Rights Activism award by Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (2019), special recognition for contributions to the legal profession and upholding the Ideals of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, by Gani Fawehinmi Chambers Alumni (2019).
Adegboruwa, SAN is a member of the National Executive Council of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chairman, Justice Sector Reform Programme Commission of African Bar Association (NBA), Patron, Nigerian Bar Association, Okitipupa Branch, member, Chaplaincy Corps of Nigeria,(Lt.Col.).
adegboruwalaw@yahoo.com; adegboruwalaw@gmail.com
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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).
Additionally, she is the Board Chair of the African Womens Active Non- violence Initiatives for Social Change, a continental initiative focused on Women, Peace, and Security. As a foundation member of the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET), Dr. Akpan-Ita has had the privilege of serving on the Boards of several civil society organizations, including the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria), where she served for six years. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC) and was actively involved in the training activities of the Institute.
Dr. Akpan-Ita is a seasoned trainer with over 20 years of experience in conducting training sessions at various levels, both locally and internationally. Her training has included working with women, children, youth, legislators, the police, the military, and other security sector actors. From 2008 to 2013, she was part of a core team of instructors engaged by AFRICOM to enhance the capacity of security sector actors in 12 countries across West Africa and the Sahel in the areas of peace and security.
Since 2006, Dr. Akpan-Ita has also served as an instructor at the Koi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana as a faculty member of the West Africa Peace Institute (WAPI), where she has taught courses on Youth and Peace Education as well as Gender, Women, and Peacebuilding.
With a keen interest in research, Dr. Akpan-Ita holds a doctorate in Peace and Development Studies, with a scholarly focus on Security and Peacebuilding Training.
Email: nakpanita@impactng.com
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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.
Dr. Karibi-Whyte has held visiting scholar positions at the Universities of York, McGill and British Columbia in Canada. She has served as visiting lecturer at the University of Chester, United Kingdom.
Dr. Karibi-Whyte's research and writings are rooted in African Studies, Feminist Legal Theory, and International Law. Her book, “African Feminism: It's Fundamentals” is a resource material for students of Gender and the Law. She loves reading and watching Athletic competitions.
asikia.whyte@gmail.com
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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.
Oladele served as a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All- Progressives Congress (APC) in the Eighth Assembly. He was the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes with supervisory functions over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) respectively.
He introduced and sponsored the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Act, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018; setting up a central body for processing intelligence related to financial transaction in Nigeria. He also introduced and sponsored the Public Holiday Amendment Act which signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 11, 2019 which allows a public holiday to be declared on June 12 every year in Commemoration of Nigerian's Democracy Day.
He had served on several National Assembly and Federal government panels and Ad- Hoc committees including the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness which investigated the violation of public trust in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 2018 and the Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee on the Autonomy of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure the restoration of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit's membership of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and Nigeria's membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to boost the country's capacity to deploy global Financial Intelligence in the light against corruption in 2017.
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan, USA.
kayoladele@yahoo.com
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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.
Soyele is multiple award-winning correspondent who emerged the TV Presenter of the year (2014); recipient of the 'Outstanding 40 Under-40 awards' (2016); Investigative Journalism Award by Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (2019); Law Media Personality of the year (2019). She has also received awards from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Nigerian Bar Association for her contribution to advancement of knowledge of law and the growth of the legal profession.
Soyele is a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) and a committed advocate on women and human rights issues.
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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.
Chinyere started her career in the banking industry before her foray into legal practice. She later joined National Oil and Chemical Marketing PLC as the Assistant Company Secretary in 1991.
She was elected as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, London in 1999 and acquired a Masters in Business Administration in the same year.
Chinyere left National Oil in 1999 after having served in different capacities including the legal and human resources departments of the company to become the Corporate Services Director at Bridgeways Global Projects Limited, a company with a wide portfolio in Real Estate Development, Project and Facility Management, and Manufacturing.
Chinyere is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), a Member of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a member of the Panel of Neutrals of the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse, the Lagos Court of Arbitration and the Federal High Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre. She has been in active mediation practice mediating a wide range of disputes including banking, oil and gas, real estate, contract, insurance, libel, restorative justice, aviation and family disputes. She has been a resource person, facilitator and capacity builder for the ICMC, the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, the Dispute Resolution Centre of Abuja Chamber of Commerce, the Mediation Training Institute Nigeria and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
Coupled with her experience in corporate governance and human resource development and management, Chinyere has had a number of successful entrepreneurial ventures, which have given her a rather broad spectrum of experience in diverse fields necessary for effective dispute resolution.
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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.
Mr Nosaze has had a productive career in human rights research and his publications include: Nigeria: Issues in Economy, Politics and Society (Co-edited with Angela Ogodo Odah; The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, 2022); In Lieu of Excellence: The State of Public Primary Education in Lagos State (The Maroon Square, 2021); Maternal Health in Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs of Kano State: Full Report of Focus Group Discussions (Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, 2 December 2015); Clear and Present Danger: The State of Human Rights and Governance, 2004 (Civil Liberties Organisation, 2005); Breaking Point: How Torture and the Police Cell System Violate Justice in the Criminal Investigation Process in Nigeria (Edited; Access to Justice, 2005); Citizens, Democracy, and Local Governance (United Action for Democracy, 2005); A Mediocre Democracy: The Federal Government: Report of a Democracy Perception Survey (Civil Liberties Organisation, 2003); A Mediocre Democracy: The State Governments: Report of a Democracy Perception Survey (Civil Liberties Organisation, 2003); Behind the Wall:
A Report on Prison Conditions in Nigeria and the Nigerian Prison System (New Revised Edition; Civil Liberties Organisation, 1996); Prisoners in the Shadows: A Report on Women and Children in Five Nigerian Prisons (Civil Liberties Organisation, 1993); Behind the Wall: A Report on Prison Conditions in Nigeria and the Nigerian Prison System (With Chidi Anselm Odinkalu: Civil Liberties Organisation, 1991).
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PANELIST
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.
sly.akhaine@gmail.com
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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.
He was one-time International Head of campaigns and subsequently Country (Nigeria) Director of ActionAid International that works with people, communities, associates and partners in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe to eradicate poverty and injustice.
(See www.actionaid.org).
He was also an honourable Commissioner in the Police Service Commission (PSC) from 2008-2013 representing civil society. (See www.psc.gov.ng). Prior to joining ActionAid, he was a Programme Co-ordinator of Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an independent research, information and training institution dedicated to policy-oriented scholarship on questions of democratic development and peace building in the West African sub-region (See www.cddwestafrica.org). Previously, he was a lecturer at the Delta State University, Lagos Centre and has published many scholarly articles on democracy, gender, politics and development. He is the author of several books including Perspectives on Democracy and Development, Challenges of Development in Nigeria, Overcoming Challenges of Transformation in Nigeria, National Security and Policing in Nigeria, Alternative Development Strategy for Nigeria, Nigeria:
Public Administration Reforms and the Emergence of Buhari (2015), Leadership, Development and Change, Triumphant Christian Living, Called to Serve God and Humanity, Reigning as Kings and Priests and Contemporary Issues on Development and Change in Nigeria. He is the co-editor of two authoritative books on Constitution making and Constitutionalism in Nigeria: Contentious Issues in the Review of the 1999 Constitution and A Citizens’ Approach to Making a People’s Constitution in Nigeria, and two others, one on Poverty Eradication titled Poverty Eradication in Nigeria: Perspectives on a Participatory and Pro-Poor Approach and the other on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) titled Can Nigeria achieve the MDGs in 2015?.
In all, he has 53 academic publications including ten books and 16 articles in local and international journals. He holds a bachelors’ degree in Pharmacy, two masters’ degrees in Public Administration and International Relations and a doctorate degree in Public Administration specializing in Policy Analysis. He was a founding and leading member of many human rights and mass democratic organizations in Nigeria in the 1980s and ’90s. He is a member of many professional associations including Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria, Institute of Leadership, London, Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He is a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN) Chartered.
He is a past President of Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN) Chartered (www.ismngc.com) and President of The Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation (www.igbuzorfoundation.org). He sits on the board of several organisations including Oando Foundation, Police Health Maintenance Ltd (Police HMO), Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realization (POWER). In recognition of his leadership roles, he was appointed by the immediate past Secretary General of United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon in October 2012 into the Global Network of Men Leaders to end Violence Against Women (www.un.org).
- otive.igbuzor@centrelsd.org
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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.
He was one-time International Head of campaigns and subsequently Country (Nigeria) Director of ActionAid International that works with people, communities, associates and partners in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe to eradicate poverty and injustice.
(See www.actionaid.org).
He was also an honourable Commissioner in the Police Service Commission (PSC) from 2008-2013 representing civil society. (See www.psc.gov.ng). Prior to joining ActionAid, he was a Programme Co-ordinator of Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an independent research, information and training institution dedicated to policy-oriented scholarship on questions of democratic development and peace building in the West African sub-region (See www.cddwestafrica.org). Previously, he was a lecturer at the Delta State University, Lagos Centre and has published many scholarly articles on democracy, gender, politics and development. He is the author of several books including Perspectives on Democracy and Development, Challenges of Development in Nigeria, Overcoming Challenges of Transformation in Nigeria, National Security and Policing in Nigeria, Alternative Development Strategy for Nigeria, Nigeria:
Public Administration Reforms and the Emergence of Buhari (2015), Leadership, Development and Change, Triumphant Christian Living, Called to Serve God and Humanity, Reigning as Kings and Priests and Contemporary Issues on Development and Change in Nigeria. He is the co-editor of two authoritative books on Constitution making and Constitutionalism in Nigeria: Contentious Issues in the Review of the 1999 Constitution and A Citizens’ Approach to Making a People’s Constitution in Nigeria, and two others, one on Poverty Eradication titled Poverty Eradication in Nigeria: Perspectives on a Participatory and Pro-Poor Approach and the other on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) titled Can Nigeria achieve the MDGs in 2015?.
In all, he has 53 academic publications including ten books and 16 articles in local and international journals. He holds a bachelors’ degree in Pharmacy, two masters’ degrees in Public Administration and International Relations and a doctorate degree in Public Administration specializing in Policy Analysis. He was a founding and leading member of many human rights and mass democratic organizations in Nigeria in the 1980s and ’90s. He is a member of many professional associations including Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria, Institute of Leadership, London, Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He is a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN) Chartered.
He is a past President of Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN) Chartered (www.ismngc.com) and President of The Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation (www.igbuzorfoundation.org). He sits on the board of several organisations including Oando Foundation, Police Health Maintenance Ltd (Police HMO), Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realization (POWER). In recognition of his leadership roles, he was appointed by the immediate past Secretary General of United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon in October 2012 into the Global Network of Men Leaders to end Violence Against Women (www.un.org).
- otive.igbuzor@centrelsd.org
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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.
He has extensive experience providing business advisory services covering corporate governance, internal audit and compliance advisory, optimization/transformation of Internal Audit function, review of internal control framework, contract compliance review, process/operation review, auditing and accounting assistance services, documentation of policies, processes and procedures manual, design of internal audit methodology, enterprise risk management (ERM) framework and special project monitoring, evaluation & management.
Tolu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, an Advanced Management Program Certiicate from Lagos Business School (LBS) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Account of Nigeria (ICAN).
todukale@kpmg.com
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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.
A legal practitioner of over two decades post-call. An integral member of the human rights, pro-democracy community in Nigeria since the days of his undergraduate studies at the University of Nigeria. The former National Deputy General Secretary of the Joint Action Congress of Nigeria (JACON), a formidable umbrella pro-democracy group that fought against military rule in Nigeria ably led by Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (1997 to 1999).
A senior research officer at the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR); two-term General Secretary of the CDHR (2005 2009) and eventually two term National President of the same organization (CDHR) (2015 2019). A member of the Governing Board of some rights and advocacy groups in Nigeria. Professional consultant, public intellectual and analyst on Political and legal issues by most Nigerian leading media houses. Counsel and external solicitors to a few tertiary institutions and multiple corporate entities in Nigeria. A resource person to leading labour, trade union and pro-democracy organizations and institutions in Nigeria. Legal Advisor of the Movement for the Liberation of Western Sahara, an advocacy and self-determination group co-founded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU). The Current Alternate Chair of the Citizen's Liberty Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association, 2024.
malachyugwummaduchambers@gmail.com
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ADEBOMI ADEKEYE Esq. ACA
Adebomi Adekeye is a commercially minded lawyer and chartered accountant with extensive experience in commercial legal practice. As a key member of the Corporate Commercial Group at Jackson, Etti & Edu, Adebomi delivers strategic, tailored solutions to meet the complex needs of clients across various sectors, including the dynamic tech and innovation ecosystem.
Leading the firm's Immigration and Private Clients Services team, Adebomi is recognized for her expertise in providing comprehensive advice on immigration, taxation, corporate finance, and emerging technology regulations. Her insights into the intersection of law, business, and technology empower clients to navigate complex legal landscapes while leveraging innovative solutions for growth.
Clients consistently describe her as a reliable advisor with remarkable insight and a commercial approach, adept at addressing challenges in the rapidly evolving tech sector. Known for her responsiveness and dedication to excellence, she collaborates closely with government agencies, legislative bodies, international trade offices, and tech-focused enterprises to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Adebomi's commitment to knowledge, precision, and innovation sets her apart in the legal Field, advancing client objectives with strategic foresight and outstanding results in both traditional and cutting-edge industries.
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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
and volunteers of civil society organisations as well as corporate and public institutions on how to handle quasi-legal situations before they balloon into a legal crisis. A graduate of Columbia University’s Human Rights Advocates Program and Fellow of the International Center for Transitional Justice, he is a certiied Human Rights Educator (South Asia Learning Institution for Human Rights). He was a visiting scholar at Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Human Rights and has taught law at both the University of Uyo and in numerous informal settings across Nigeria and the world. He holds a PhD in Human Rights Law from the University of Uyo.
He established Liberty Now, convened People United for Environmental Justice, joined and became one of the leaders at Transition Monitoring Group, Citizens Forum for Constitutional Reform, Civil Society Coalition on Poverty Eradication, Earthday Network, and a member of PEDEP, among other social justice leaning initiatives.
His work has led to policy changes in key areas including in the oil and gas industry and in Criminal Justice Administration where he was a founding member of the National NGO Coalition on Penal Reform and later worked with HURILAWS to domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Cross River State. Dr Archibong was one of those at the forefront of Demilitarization, Demobilization and Rehabilitation (DDR) of Niger Delta militants in the early 2000s. In 2005 he co-facilitated the training of some 700 repentant Niger Delta militants at Sherre Hills, Jos. Later that year he led an international campaign to end gas laring by oil majors in the Niger Delta, attracting the support of the African Institute at Columbia University, New York and the collaboration of Soledad Mills, now CEO at Equitable Origin. Dr Archibong is a happy family man and loves reading and goling. Otherwise, he divides his time between human rights research and advocacy and the business of law at which he is an accomplished practitioner.
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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. Read Profile
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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) Read Profile
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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)
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RESOURCE PERSON
Dr. Gbenga Gbarada
Dr. Gbarada Olugbenga obtained OND in Architecture, B.Tech. in Biochemistry, Masters and Phd in Peace and Conflict Studies. He has accrued more than a decade experience in conflict management training and facilitation around the globe. Gbarada had trained several organizations and bodies within and outside the country. Dr. Olugbenga Gbarada is a certified and professional mediator and Conciliator. He is a consultant to individuals and organisations. He served on the panel of neutrals at the Lagos and Ogun State Multi- Door Court Houses. He has participated in several courses in conflict management and peacebuilding in various institutions around the world and facilitated several others. He studied the followings;
1. Nuclear Conflict from University of Trento, Italy;
2. Nuclear Disarmament from the European Commission Energy Centre, Italy;
3. Peacebuilding Across Cultures from the School of International Studies (SIT), Vermont. USA;
4. Security Sector Reforms from the Armed Forces Training School, Switzerland;
5. Precautionary Principle from the Central European University, Budapest. Hungary;
6. Peacebuilding and Development from the Institute of Peacebuilding and Development Studies, Bangkok. Thailand;
7. Conflict Prevention, from Koffi Anan International peacekeeping Centre. Ghana;
8. Rule of Law, from Koffi Anan International peacekeeping Centre. Ghana;
9. Electoral Management and Observation from Koffi Anan International peacekeeping Centre. Ghana; 10. Disarmament, Demobilization & Reintegration from Koffi Anan International peacekeeping Centre. Ghana.
11. Civic-Military Relations, from the Peacekeeping School, Bamako. Mali.
12. Peacebuilding from the Peacekeeping School, Bamako. Mali.
13. Peace Support operations from the Peacekeeping School, Bamako. Mali.
14. Responsibility to Protect (PoP) from West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Ghana. He is the
Chief Executive Officer of Dispute Resolution Academy (DRA). Dispute Resolution Academy (DRA) is a service provider to the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) to organise the Mediation Certification and Accreditation trainings in Nigeria for Professionals and Undergraduates.
He is a member of the following professional bodies;
1. Fellow, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC),
2. Fellow Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).
3. Life Fellow International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS) in Japan.
4. Member, Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).
5. Member, Mediation Movement (MMM)
6. Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) UK.
7. Associate Member, Conflict Management and Leadership Training Institute, (CMLTI) Canada,
He is on the training faculties of Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC). Mediation Training Institute (MTI) and HR Exponentials etc. He is scholar with publications in both international and local journals. Read Profile
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Prof. Isaac O. Albert
Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert is a Professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies and the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies at the implementation, and evaluation. He had his PhD in African History at the University of Ibadan in 1994. In 1999, he was invited by the United Nations International Leadership Academy (Amman, Jordan) for a Certificate course in peacekeeping and conflict resolution and subsequently trained in peace processes in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Belgium, Finland, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, South Africa and various parts of Africa. He served at different times as a Consultant to the UNCHS (Habitat), UNEAD, World Bank's Urban Management Programme, USAID, USAID/OTI, DFID, Oxfam, IDASA, WANEP, US-African Command, Friedrich Herbert Foundation, National Defence College (Abuja), Command and Staff College (Jaji), Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (The Presidency, Abuja), Institute of Security Studies (Abuja), and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana. He became a Professor in 2006 and has published extensively on peace and security issues in Africa.
He is a member of the National Standing Committee of Nigeria's Tertiary Education Funds (TETFUND) on Research and Development (R&D); the Editor in Chief of the African Union's African Journal on Terrorism; a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Fellow and Governing Council Member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Fellow and Board Member of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) and Fellow, West Africa Peacebuilders (Accra, Ghana). He is a Full Member of the Chatham House London (113597), was a federal delegate to the 2014 Nigeria's National Conference in Abuja, and a member of the Presidential Committee on the Review of Nigeria's Defence Policy (2014/15). He is a member of the executive committee of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), Dakar, Senegal. Read Profile
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Dr. Bridget Osakwe (PHD)
Dr. Bridget Osakwe is currently the National Network Coordinator for the We Africa Network for Peacebuilding in Nigeria, before now the Program Manage women's groups and associations to advocate for the vulnerable groups in conflict an promote social justice. Bridget got involved in social development work in 1999 and has since acquire trainings and experience in peace and conflict transformation processes. Specific area of interest include gender human and women's rights, Conflict Resolution an Peacebuilding, gender and disaster, women and arms control, women politico empowerment, International and National Human Rights Instruments. She worked with Project Alert on Violence Against Women for several years where she was in charge of information sharing on issues of violence against women and provide in support services to female victims of violence while also advocating for the protection their rights. Bridget is an efficient trainer/facilitator has embarked on projects fro design to implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She has also handled some consultancy as a service that has the potential of giving expertise and experience for better results as well as responsible leadership in project management.
Her skill set includes competencies in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. She has experience in different facets of peacebuilding/making, early warning and responsibility mechanisms, human rights advocacy, gender and women's support; and have the ability to lead, to be led, and to manage projects and any field she endeavored to work i Bridget has a Masters Degree in Peace and Reconciliation studies from the Covenant University, UK and a PhD Peace, Conflict and Development. She has attended relevant trainings to her work both national and at international levels.
Bridge is a Fellow at the Institute of Charted Mediators and Conciliators, Fellow Society for Peace and Studies and Practice. Also, a Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicate Humanitarian Services, Lions Club International Foundation has some books an publications to her credit.
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