Together we make great things happen.
Our Team
Meet Our Team
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.
Ajibade Adesuyi is a focused, matured and experienced chartered accountant with over 12 years of relevance in the field. His experience cuts across various industries which include manufacturing, pharmaceutical, advertising, construction, non-profit organisations and the hospitality industry. He has an educational background in Accounting as well as professional certification in project management. His passion for his job and his attention to details and figures have earned him accolades from all previous workplaces.
His expertise in data analysis, forecasting, budgeting cash flow projection, tax management, borrowing portfolio management and relevant financial advice has helped management make vital decisions.
He is also a passionate scriptwriter, instrumentalist, music director and youth counsellor in church.
His expertise in data analysis, forecasting, budgeting cash flow projection, tax management, borrowing portfolio management and relevant financial advice has helped management make vital decisions.
He is also a passionate scriptwriter, instrumentalist, music director and youth counsellor in church.
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.
Aminata graduated in Law and International Relations from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. She has worked as a Jurist in Law firms before joining other companies as Administrative Officer, Executive Assistant and Advocacy and Project Officer.
Aminata's smile is her strength and she likes to be surrounded by good vibes
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.
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 Digital Rights Program Officer for Southern Africa.
Dodeye is a creative whose forte spans across writing, publishing and teaching. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication and a Diploma in French Language.
She has worked in various capacities as a Teacher, Writer, Editor, Media personnel and as a Volunteer with several NGOs and INGOs such as the British Council.
She enjoys reading, mentoring, and chatting about books, movies, music and sports.
Ekai Nabenyo is a distinguished youth leader, human rights activist and social change-maker based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a holder of a Diploma in Information Community Technology from Alphax College (Kenya), a Certificate in Leading Change from the University of Cambridge (UK), a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi (Kenya) and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Dar es Salaam (United Republic of Tanzania) with a specialization in Migration and Refugee Law.
Before proceeding for postgraduate studies, Nabenyo served as a Principal Research Officer in the Senate Chamber of the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya where he played a key role in research and policy analysis. As a result of a positive track record of community development and youth empowerment in his home region in Northern Kenya, Nabenyo has been recognized at home and abroad. He was named a Spark International Change-Maker in 2014, a Queens Young Leader in 2016 and was recently named among 'The 2018 Top 100 Most Influential Young Kenyans' by Avance Media and partners.
Nabenyo is passionate about the protection and promotion of human rights for the benefit of all.
Before proceeding for postgraduate studies, Nabenyo served as a Principal Research Officer in the Senate Chamber of the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya where he played a key role in research and policy analysis. As a result of a positive track record of community development and youth empowerment in his home region in Northern Kenya, Nabenyo has been recognized at home and abroad. He was named a Spark International Change-Maker in 2014, a Queens Young Leader in 2016 and was recently named among 'The 2018 Top 100 Most Influential Young Kenyans' by Avance Media and partners.
Nabenyo is passionate about the protection and promotion of human rights for the benefit of all.
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, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society Lab at Stanford University. 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. He advised the World Health Organisation on Data Privacy during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and is advising the World Economic Forum on its Operationalising Trust Project, to develop rights-respecting Data Policy for businesses.
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.
Ubong Udeme Jammes from Akwa Ibom alumnus of Ugborikoko Secondary school Delta state. James got his diploma in desktop Publishing and accounting from Oxbridge computer institutes and Certification in Office Management from Innovation Growth Hub Aba. He is an alumnus of AbaLIFE Program 2014. He is a Disk Jockey when he is not in the office.
Khadijah is a legal practitioner with a few years of well-rounded legal practice under her belt ranging from government to civil society organizations. Khadijah prides herself in being a socially conscious individual that strives for justice and a better Nigeria with a particular interest in women’s and Children’s rights.
Khadijah is a seasoned public speaker and started her career off as an on-air personality.
Khadijah is a seasoned public speaker and started her career off as an on-air personality.
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.
An alumnus of AbaLife 2017c, currently working as an office assistant at PIN HQ and a Google schorlar learning android development.
Nnenna is a management professional with 15 years combined experience driving operations across diverse profit and non-profit organizations. She started her career as a Financial Advisor at ARM Investment Managers and was predominantly an IT professional before serving in executive positions in the technology, education and creative media industries in Nigeria and internationally. She holds a First Class Honours B.Sc. in Computing and studied at the University College London for an M.Sc. in Data, Communications, Networks and Distributed Systems.
An avid volunteer from age 8, often in a teaching and mentorship capacity, Nnenna is very passionate about the holistic development and wellbeing of youth especially in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. She has mentored groups of youth in technology and entrepreneurship with Ajegunle.org, a PIN project; spearheaded training programmes dedicated to underprivileged youth; led child sexual abuse prevention training for adults and developed afterschool programs. More recently she co-pioneered Teen Talk in Calabar, Nigeria - an interactive forum for teenagers by teenagers that provides a safe space and a platform where young ones can freely and openly express ideas and contribute meaningfully regarding issues of key concern to them.
Nnenna is a huge sports enthusiast who adores her family, loves travel, reading and playing her musical instruments.
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 a keen interest in Finance, ICT4D, Youth and National Development. He is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Olayinka currently works as an Administrative and I.T. Officer 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.
Oyeniyi Kenneth is a young creative with exceptional skills in Digital communication and Design. He has had the opportunity to work with several individuals and organisations to provide a solution to their design and various other digital needs.
He holds a B.Sc. In Business Administration from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He takes delight in educational shows, sports, music, writing and resource building.
He holds a B.Sc. In Business Administration from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He takes delight in educational shows, sports, music, writing and resource building.
Oyindasola Ohanugo is a seasoned Human Resource practitioner with over ten years of active general human resource practice. A Human Resource professional who cut her first teeth in HR at the then Intercontinental Capital Markets Limited (a subsidiary of the defunct Intercontinental Bank), Oyinda sees Human Resources as a Ministry into which she is called to shape destinies and influence lives for better productivity and output, both at the workplace and in other areas of life.
She has been a Human Resource Manager in several Organizations, like VFS Global Services Limited and Ultima Studios Limited (producers of Who wants to be a Millionaire and Project Fame), where she set up structures, developed policies and put in place Human Resource programmes and procedures in line with global and best Human Resource practices.
Oyindasola Ohanugo is a Masters degree holder in Managerial Psychology from the University of Lagos. She is a member of several professional bodies, some of which are the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators of Nigeria, The Nigerian Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria.
Oyinda, who enjoys counselling, reading, writing and spending time with her family, is also a worship leader and Sunday School Teacher.
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).
Sani Suleiman Sani is a graduate of Geography science from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, currently pursuing his Masters degree on Remote Sensing and GIS in the same university. He is a tech enthusiast also a digital rights and digital inclusion activist.
Sani worked previously as a data analyst, before moving to a banking industry as ATM custodian and customer service officer. Sani is a graduate member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and a founding member of Zero tolerance for corruption club (ZTCC) among others.
Sani hailed from Kano and he's a book lover. He authored 3 pamphlets about social media account hacking and business branding.
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.
Valery Njiaba is a seasoned communications expert with over eight years of hands-on experience in broadcasting, production, publishing, advertising, sales, marketing communications, public relations, digital communications, and communications audit. He has played pivotal roles in the development and structuring of several business projects in the private sector from video on demand platforms, managing a communications and audiovisual production agency, and as editor in chief of several online magazines.
The communications industry today comes with a lot of innovation and strategic thinking that requires experts with much cognizance of these trends and Valery meticulously fills the gap. From concept development, strategies, implementation, and analysis, Valery prides himself in communications for action. His communications prowess is backed with a B.Sc. in Journalism and Mass Communication and an M.A. in Communication and Media Studies.
His drive for digital rights and inclusion pushed him to the creation of an annual digital and community development event dubbed “Social Media Summit” in Cameroon. An event that seeks to highlight the important role of social media in boosting communications both in the public and private sectors, it encourages youths to take a lead role in fostering the use of social media in building their capacities and communities.
The communications industry today comes with a lot of innovation and strategic thinking that requires experts with much cognizance of these trends and Valery meticulously fills the gap. From concept development, strategies, implementation, and analysis, Valery prides himself in communications for action. His communications prowess is backed with a B.Sc. in Journalism and Mass Communication and an M.A. in Communication and Media Studies.
His drive for digital rights and inclusion pushed him to the creation of an annual digital and community development event dubbed “Social Media Summit” in Cameroon. An event that seeks to highlight the important role of social media in boosting communications both in the public and private sectors, it encourages youths to take a lead role in fostering the use of social media in building their capacities and communities.
The Fellows
Kofi Yeboah is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Canada where he earned both his Masters degree in Communications and Technology and an embedded Certificate in Community-based Research and Engagement. Also, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana where he studied Economics and Sociology. His research interests lie at the intersections of the internet, emerging technologies, and the digital divide in sub-Saharan Africa.
Kofi was a co-lead of the Global Voices research team that conducted a cross-regional field study of Facebook’s Free Basics app, where the app was measured against collectively-developed benchmarks of usability, quality of connection, language and accessibility, content, and privacy/data policies. His articles and thoughtful comments on internet freedom and authoritarian technology have appeared in major international and local media outlets including Aljazeera, Democracy in Africa, Coda Story, Fast Company, and Global Voices Online.
His current research focuses on exploring why artificial intelligence inclusion gaps exist and identifying the key contributing factors that continue to widen the gap. He spends most of his time exploring how emerging technologies could benefit excluded groups in the global south, especially sub-Saharan Africa.
Kofi was a co-lead of the Global Voices research team that conducted a cross-regional field study of Facebook’s Free Basics app, where the app was measured against collectively-developed benchmarks of usability, quality of connection, language and accessibility, content, and privacy/data policies. His articles and thoughtful comments on internet freedom and authoritarian technology have appeared in major international and local media outlets including Aljazeera, Democracy in Africa, Coda Story, Fast Company, and Global Voices Online.
His current research focuses on exploring why artificial intelligence inclusion gaps exist and identifying the key contributing factors that continue to widen the gap. He spends most of his time exploring how emerging technologies could benefit excluded groups in the global south, especially sub-Saharan Africa.
If there is anything that Silver Francis Oonyu is interested in then it must be researched in learning difficulties of blind children in Uganda. Silver received a Master of Education in Vision Studies at the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in African Studies from the same University, in Pennsylvania USA. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education specializing in History and Religious Studies from Makerere University in Uganda. Silver Francis Oonyu has been teaching blind children in Uganda since 13 April 1995 when the Ministry of Education and Sports sent him to Amuria Secondary School, in the rural heart of Teso Sub Region in Eastern Uganda. In 2014 Silver Francis Oonyu found the Silver Memorial Inclusive Learning Centre now called SMILE which is one of the first Inclusive Schools in Soroti Uganda. Oonyu is a strong believer in Justice in Education for blind children in Uganda and wherever they may be!
Lukman Mahami Adams is an emerging media and development communications personnel with a demonstrated history of working in new media, media and communication research as well as proposal writing. He obtained Second Class Honors (Upper Division) in BSc. Social Change Communication from the University for Development Studies, Tamale – Ghana in 2018. Lukman is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Development Communication at the premier institute of specialized communication known as the Ghana Institute of Journalism. In 2020, he co-founded Precise News Ghana, an online news portal with the aim of addressing the arguable dearth of information gap between Northern and Southern Ghana. In media and communication scholarship, Lukman was a research assistant to Wunpini F. Mohammed PhD in a number of projects including indigenous news production, CSR of telecommunications in Northern Ghana just to mention a few.
Emsie is an ICT researcher who is curious about the interaction between technologies and humanity. In the age of data and digital abundance, she is interested in surveying autonomy, culture and how they intersect with digital technologies. Emsie holds an MSc in Media and Communications (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The MSc aimed to provide a broad-based understanding of the development and forms of media and communications in relation to political economy, regulation and power, processes of mediation and influence, communication content, and audience response. In 2019, Emsie was one of nine candidates selected from 500 over applicants in Namibia to receive the prestigious Chevening Scholar. Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders. She has worked as a newspaper journalist (nominated and won several awards), researcher, and gender analyst
Molly Wasonga is a trained and practising journalist with a wide experience in writing technology stories, having served as a tech writer with CIO East Africa. She has done news gathering and broadcasting with different media firms in Kenya, albeit vernacular. Her experience spans news gathering, editing and broadcasting and, scriptwriting and production among others. She is passionate about content generation and currently doubles as social media marketer at CIO East Africa.
Patience Shawarira is a Communications and Research Specialist. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the National University of Science and Technology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management from Rhodes University. Her communications experience includes her work with media non-profit organisations in Zimbabwe where she was involved in promoting media development and professionalism. I am looking to develop my knowledge and expertise in digital rights and inclusion issues
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, a pan-African social enterprise
working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria,
Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society
Lab at Stanford University. 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.
working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria,
Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society
Lab at Stanford University. 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.
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