Our Team
Together we make great things happen.
Meet Our Team
Adeboro Odunlami is a lawyer, creative writer, and photographer. Having worked with a range of organizations outside and within the scope of her professional training, she enthusiastically seeks new knowledge and constantly develops her skill set. She is passionate about the relationship between law and technology and hopes to become an authority in the field. She is equally passionate about better laws and policies in relation to the adoption of technology in Nigeria.
Adeboye is a Nigerian based open web advocate working as Program Manager for Paradigm Initiative’s Digital Rights Program for Anglophone West Africa. He works at the intersection of technology and human rights as well as the implications for the digital economy. Adeboye successfully led paradigm Initiative’s advocacy effort for the passage of an Internet Rights Bill by Nigeria’s parliament. He works around the subject of data privacy, freedom of expression, association online etc.. He monitors Internet-related policies and actively advocate for an open Internet, physically through advocacy meetings, lobbying, sometimes training for legislators, policymakers, civil society, journalists and often remotely through information sharing, public education activities via writing, interviews and articles.
Amina attended Air Force Primary and Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos. She studied Biochemistry at Bayero University, Kano, and her hobbies are cooking and reading. She is completing a 6-month internship with Paradigm Initiative, at the Dakata LIFE Centre, in Kano, as part of the Microsoft #Interns4Afrika program.
Angela is a graduate of Computer Science from Anambra State University. A creative thinker, she loves reading and meeting people, and she has a strong passion for ICT. After completing a Microsoft #Interns4Afrika internship with Paradigm Initiative in August 2017, Angela now works as a full-time staff with the organisation.
Babatunde Okunoye is the Research Officer at Paradigm Initiative, taking the lead on producing all research related output that contributes to the organisation’s capacity building and advocacy work.
He co-authored Paradigm Initiative’s first Digital Rights in Africa report, “Chocking the Pipe: How Governments Hurt Internet Freedom on a Continent That Needs More Access” (released at the 2016 Internet Governance Forum, Mexico) and the Nigeria report, “State of the Nation: Status of Internet Freedom in Nigeria” (launched to commemorate World Information Society Day 2016). He is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), IEEE Internet Policy Community, IEEE Standards Association, the Internet Society, and the ACM. Follow his conversations on technology, policy and everything else in-between on twitter at @TOkunoye.
Bulanda Tapiwa Nkhowani is a seasoned Communications Professional and holds a BA (Hons) in Media Studies and Sociology from the University of Namibia. Bulanda’s introduction to Internet Governance came when she was privileged to be part of the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) at the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency under the e-Africa ICT Programme. There she developed a passion for ICT Policy and Internet Governance. Her work includes researching and compiling data for the Africa Internet Governance Ecosystems and conducting a survey on Capacity Building Needs to support Internet Public Policy Dialogues. She is an Africa School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) 2015 Alumni and is passionate about technology and the evolution of the internet. Bulanda has keen interest in, development, entrepreneurship, human rights and exploring how technology and the internet can enhance livelihoods particularly for the youth and women; and leverage Africa’s advancement. She works with Paradigm Initiative as the Google Policy Fellow for Southern Africa.
Edike Lilian Ngozi studied Philosophy at the Lagos State University. She is a self-motivated individual with high creativity who is also dedicated to breaking new grounds in her community. She is currently working as a Front Desk Officer with Paradigm Initiative.
Emmanuel Okafor works as Office Assistant at AjegunleLIFE Centre. He is passionate about youth development and community building.
Emmanuel Vitus has more than 7 years of work experience in various fields of online journalism and web content management. Based in Accra between 2014 and 2018, and travelling extensively through Africa, he working for GhanaWeb B.V. as Editor. He joined Paradigm Initiative team in December 2018 as Google Policy Fellow for Francophone Africa.
Bilikisu is an alumnus of the DakataLIFE program. She now works as Office Assistant at DakataLIFE, helping to train underserved youth just as herself.
Odunsi Gabreal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago- Iwoye, Ogun State. He was a member of Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE) – a student organization involved in community-based projects. He has a passion for education and youth development and has volunteered for several youth development oriented programs. He previously worked at Basol Associates Limited as a Geologist before joining Paradigm Initiative as Program Assistant (AjegunleLIFE). He is now a Program Officer of the L.I.F.E program.
‘Gbenga Sesan is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. Prior to starting Paradigm Initiative, 'Gbenga led the Lagos Digital Village, a joint project of Junior Achievement of Nigeria, Microsoft and Lagos State Government. Originally trained as an Electronic & Electrical Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, he completed Executive Education programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Santa Clara University and University of the Pacific. 'Gbenga's consulting experience includes assignments completed for numerous institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard University and United Nations agencies, among others, in over 30 countries. A Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and former member of the United Nations Committee of eLeaders on Youth and ICT, he is a CyberStewards Fellow, Crans Montana Forum Fellow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Our Common Future Fellow and Cordes Fellow. ‘Gbenga served as a member of the Presidential committees on Harmonization of Information Technology, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors (2006) and Roadmap for the Achievement of Accelerated Universal Broadband Infrastructure and Services Provision (2013), and was listed by CNN as one of the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter and by Ventures Africa as one of 40 African Legends Under 40. ‘Gbenga is married to Temilade Sesan, PhD, an expert on Energy Poverty and Development.
Ihueze holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Management from University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He has development work experience spanning over 9 years. Prior to joining Paradigm Initiative, Ihueze worked as a Programme Officer with Development Initiatives Nigeria (DEVIN), an NGO that partners with national and multinational companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. He is an expert in working with youth and women in the area of micro-enterprise and business development. He currently works as the South-East Program Officer with Paradigm Initiative.
Kabiru Hassan has a passion for fashion design. He currently works with Paradigm Initiative as Office Assistant at DakataLIFE Centre in Kano.
Mathew Akpienyi is a student of Yaba College of Technology studying Office Technology and Management. He is a positive person who is always ready to learn new skills. He likes to read, play football and also teach. He currently works at Paradigm Initiative as an office assistant.
Odinakachi is a humanitarian and self-initiator, including the ability to diagnose and analyze problems, as well as provides solutions. After completing a Microsoft #Interns4Afrika internship with Paradigm Initiative in August 2017, he now works as a full-time staff with the organisation.
Olayinka Taiwo is a dynamic young man with keen interest in Finance, ICT4D, Youth and National Development. He is a member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Olayinka currently works as Program Officer (Techtiary) at Paradigm Initiative.
Oluwaseyi Adefemi is a young, enterprising, energetic and dedicated professional. She has previously worked with a range of non-government organizations where she held finance and accounting roles. A graduate of Accounting from the University of Jos, she is fully knowledgeable in general accounting, payroll, and budgeting. She is particularly concerned with implementing innovative accounting practices and procedures to improve efficiency.
Rigobert Kenmogne was born in Cameroon. He is a journalist and has many years of practice and experience. He is the holder of a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policies, diploma obtained at the Faculty of Political and Juridical Sciences (FPJS) of the University of Yaoundé II in Cameroon. He is engaged in human rights advocacy, with a special focus on digital rights in Africa. He was a Google Fellow at Paradigm Initiative in 2018 where he supported advocacy and research effort in Francophone Africa. He is currently the Digital Rights Program Officer (for Francophone Africa).
Tope is Director of Programs, at Paradigm Initiative. Apart from supporting the development and implementation of strategy for Paradigm Initiative’s growth, design and implementation of programs, she also works with the World Wide Web Foundation to advocate women’s rights online in Nigeria through a research and policy advocacy project aimed at mainstreaming gender in national ICT policies. She has held consultations with policy makers on gender responsive ICT policy, and as well as with women's rights groups and women from local communities to get their inputs on national ICT/broadband strategies. She also has experience working with think-tanks on internet policy advisory. Tope holds a B.Sc in Urban and Regional Planning from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria and holds a certificate in Strategy Execution from the Lagos Business School. She is always excited about working with relevant stakeholders to provide direction and engage policy activities that can lead to concrete policy change in internet and technology for empowering people and communities in Africa.
Abolaji Oluwatosin studied Business Administration at the University of Ado-Ekiti, he has a passion for business and managed some successful outlets during his growing up years. He worked as a Sales Person/Representative in several organizations before he switched career to follow his passion in youth development. He joined Paradigm Initiative as a Program Assistant and he is now Program Manager for the Digital Inclusion program.
Umar Amir Abdullahi studied Biochemistry at Bayero University, Kano. He has always had a passion for social development work and youth empowerment. He has recently taken an interest in project management and hopes to use the skills and techniques from Project Management trainings he has attended to make the Dakata LIFE Centre a household name in Kano State. He is also a prolific writer and blogger. He hopes to be able to tell stories from a Northern Nigerian perspective and create a platform where young people can discuss societal issues and chart the way forward in the nearest future.
Rebecca is an avid writer, researcher and technologist who considers herself a data enthusiast, STEAM and digital rights advocate actively involved in Internet Governance/policy forums and/discussions at different levels with a special emphasis on digital rights, gender inclusiveness and access. Rebecca holds a BSc. Electronics and Communications (Hons) from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton in Kenya. She has previously being involved in working on community networks, coordinating TzSIG,TzIGF as well as AruwSIG and is a regular contributor to GenderIT,a women and Internet policy think tank. She is the Google Policy Fellow for East Africa at Paradigm Initiative.
Ubong James is an active young man who is currently an Office Assistant at the Paradigm Initiative Aba LIFE Center. He is an alumnus of the 2014 Aba LIFE program with a passion for Information and Communications Technology. He loves music and is a chorister in his church.
The Board
Patrick Okedinachi Utomi (born February 6, 1956) is a prominent professor of political economy and management expert. A Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and a former presidential candidate, he has a passion for the dignity of the human person and the spirit of enterprise. He is the founder of Centre for Values in leadership (CVL) and the African Democratic Congress party. He is presently a professor at Lagos Business School. He has served in senior positions in Government, as an Adviser to the President of Nigeria, the Private Sector, as Chief Operating Officer for Volkswagen of Nigeria and in Academia
Jummai Zainab Umar-Ajijola, PhD, the Executive Chair and CEO of the Business People (tbp) Limited, is a highly motivated professional with about three decades of working experience that spans across the Public and Private Sectors, International Development Organisations and International Non-Governmental Organisations. Dr. Umar-Ajijola holds a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration & Policy Analysis.
Dr. Umar-Ajijola was the Corporate Social Responsibility Lead for Microsoft Corporation, West Africa. Before then, her career has seen her work with ActionAid International Nigeria, where she currently serves, as Member Board of Trustees; she was also with the United Nations Education Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting PLC. She has worked across the continent impacting several thousand people.
Dr. Umar-Ajijola is a Fellow of Academy of Engineering and Technology for the Developing World (AETDEW), Malaysia; Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Institute of Corporate Administration Nigeria (ICAD); Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria (IHCDN). She is a Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and Nigeria Institute of Management.
She has served on several committees, including the Presidential Committee on Drafting the Community Radio Policy as Member/Secretary; Coordinator, Women’s Group & Member Central Working Committee (CWC) Vision 20:2020, Joint Consultative Committee on National Framework for Building Partner Ecosystem, amongst others. She is also a contributor to Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political discourse on radio and television.
She is an international speaker and sits on the faculty of several leadership institutes and Board of Charities including the membership of the Advisory Council of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre, Malaysia. Dr. Umar-Ajijola is a UNESCO Expert on Science, Technology and Innovation. She is also a European Union Expert on recovery and peacebuilding.
Dr. Umar-Ajijola is the Moderator of the “Interfaith Forum” program that is simulcast on Television and Radio. It features people of different faiths discussing topical issues, with emphasis on our collective humanity and what binds us, as well as breaking down stereotypes and building bridges.
She is a recipient of several national, regional and international awards including the prestigious Executive Leadership Award for support to the Women and Children of Liberia.
Dr Jummai Zainab Umar-Ajijola specialises in Human Development, Organisation Effectiveness, Science, Technology and Innovation, Recovery and Peacebuilding, Policy Initiatives, Capacity Building and Wealth Generation.
Dr. Jummai Zainab Umar-Ajijola is married and blessed with children.
Dr Opoku-Mensah is currently working for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as Special Advisor to the ECA Executive Secretary on Special Initiatives & SDGs/Agenda 2030, and her responsibilities includes the coordination of activities at the continental and global levels, working with key partners. She also has special responsibilities for coordinating activities on Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) and managing the High Level Panel on Migration in ECA. Her previous roles in the same organization were as Director, ICT, Science & Technology Division, where she managed ECA’s programme on Harnessing Information, Science and Technology for Africa’s Development, which included the Knowledge, Library and Information Services programme. As Director of that division, she specifically led and implemented impressive initiatives such as UNECA’s African Information Society Initiative (AISI) a continental digital agenda supporting African countries to develop and implement national ICT4D policies and strategies, Technology in Government in Africa Awards (TIGA) to encourage African Governments’ use of technology for development, and was one of the co-architects of the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) – an initiative to encourage African innovators and inventors to enhance their roles in the African development process.
Seyi is a highly respected entrepreneur with a proven gift for business development, strategy, and marketing. He started his first business at age 16. A qualified medical doctor, his rich breadth of experience spans several sectors from entertainment to real estate, energy, retail and management. Seyi, an alumnus of Fate Foundation (Nigeria), is a partner at O’bibi Consult, with an enviable track record of delivering innovative solutions that leverage existing resources to provide maximum value. Dr. ‘Seyi, as he is often called, is a member of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (N.I.M.N).
A New York-based real estate entrepreneur, Nickolas W. Jekogian III is the President and CEO of Signature Group Investments and CEO and Chairman of Presidential Realty Corp., a publicly traded real estate investment trust. An experienced industry thought leader with over 25 years in real estate investment and management, Nick began his career in college when he bought his first apartment building in Philadelphia. He has since made more than 1,000 separate equity, debt or corporate acquisitions with a deal value in excess of $1 billion.
Nick led the real estate roll out of Commerce Bank – one of the fastest growing retailers ever – along the entire east coast from the early stages until its sale for over $8.2 billion in 2009. Nick’s holdings include apartment buildings throughout the United States with Signature Group and retail shopping center developments on the east coast with Site Development.
‘Gbenga Sesan is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative. Originally trained as an Electronic & Electrical Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, ‘Gbenga completed Executive Education programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Santa Clara University and University of the Pacific. His consulting experience includes assignments completed for numerous institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard University, and United Nations agencies, among others, in over 30 countries. A Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2014) and former member of the United Nations Committee of eLeaders on Youth and ICT, he is a CyberStewards Fellow, Crans Montana Forum Fellow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Our Common Future Fellow and Cordes Fellow. ‘Gbenga served as a member of the Presidential committees on Harmonization of Information Technology, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors (2006) and Roadmap for the Achievement of Accelerated Universal Broadband Infrastructure and Services Provision (2013), and was listed by CNN as one of the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter and by Ventures Africa as one of 40 African Legends Under 40. ‘Gbenga is married to Temilade Sesan, Ph.D., an expert on Energy Poverty and Development.
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