My Work

Professional Experience and Impact

With a distinguished career spanning academia, development, and governance, I have continuously contributed to significant initiatives in diverse fields across Africa and beyond. My experience spans teaching, thought leadership, activism, program management, and organizational development.

My journey began with a robust academic background, including a PhD in Political Science, with additional specialized training at institutions like Harvard, the London School of Economics, and King’s College.

Nigerian Defense Academy

  • Taught Political Economy and Defense Studies for over a decade, establishing a strong foundation in academia and contributing to the development of future leaders through rigorous analysis, strategic thinking, and policy-oriented discussions.

  • Engaged in thought leadership as a public intellectual, frequently speaking on governance, development, and security issues in Africa, shaping policy debates and influencing key stakeholders across the continent.

ActionAid Nigeria

A pivotal shift in my career came as I transitioned fully into development work, driven by an early commitment to community activism. My journey with ActionAid was transformative:

  • Led Independence Efforts: I spearheaded ActionAid Nigeria's transition to becoming an independent affiliate within the global federation, making it fully autonomous with a Nigerian board, a landmark achievement for the organization.

  • Innovated Fundraising Models: Pioneered the development of the community sponsorship program, a novel fundraising approach that became the first of its kind within ActionAid globally. This model mobilized local resources to support ActionAid’s mission in Nigeria.

  • Strategic Program Expansion: Expanded ActionAid’s impact across Nigeria, overseeing programs focused on governance, human rights, and poverty alleviation, securing long-term donor partnerships and support.

Plan International Nigeria

After over a decade with ActionAid, I joined Plan International, tasked with establishing and growing its operations in Nigeria. As the organization’s first Country Director in Nigeria;

  • Established and Grew Plan Nigeria: Set up Plan International's operations in Nigeria as the first Country Director, building the organization from scratch into one of the largest development organizations in the country.

  • Humanitarian and Development Response: Directed impactful programs, particularly in Nigeria's northeast, providing vital humanitarian assistance and development support in conflict-affected regions.

  • Donor and Partnership Growth: Collaborated with over 22 donor partners to secure significant funding, effectively managing large-scale development programs that addressed education, healthcare, and community resilience.

  • Innovated Funding Models Without Sponsorship: Despite lacking traditional child sponsorship funds, developed alternative fundraising methods that allowed Plan Nigeria to operate flexibly and sustainably.

Care International Nigeria

Today, as the Country Director of Care International in Nigeria, I bring my experience in regional and global initiatives to further Care’s mission.

  • Country Leadership and Regional Influence: Currently serves as Country Director, leveraging decades of expertise to lead Care’s mission in Nigeria and contribute to regional and global Care initiatives.

  • Strategic Development and Crisis Management: Plays a pivotal role in strategic planning and crisis response, ensuring that programs address the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

  • Global and Regional Engagement: Actively involved in shaping policies and strategies at the regional and global levels within Care International, advocating for increased support and targeted interventions to address complex challenges in Nigeria and beyond.