Usman Yunusa Lade is a dedicated public servant currently holding the esteemed position of Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources in Kwara State, Nigeria. Hailing from Patigi Local Government, Usman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role.

In his capacity as Honourable Commissioner, Usman is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of managing and overseeing the water resources of Kwara State. This role involves developing and implementing policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at ensuring the efficient and sustainable utilization of water resources for the benefit of the state’s residents.

Usman Yunusa Lade’s commitment to public service and his local roots in Patigi Local Government make him a valuable asset to Kwara State’s government. His dedication to improving access to clean and reliable water sources and his efforts to address water-related challenges in the region reflect his unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of the people of Kwara State.

Wasilat Adegoke is a prominent figure known for her role as the Commissioner of Youth and Sport in Oyo State, Nigeria. She was born in the Ibarapa region of Oyo State in 1994, and she proudly hails from the Elegun compound in Oke Otun, Lanlate—a town with a rich history dating back to the era of the Old Oyo Empire.

Wasilat Adegoke’s involvement in the political landscape of Oyo State is notable. She served as the State PDP Ex-Officio between 2018 and 2021, demonstrating her active participation in the political sphere. Her efforts were particularly prominent in mobilizing support for the election of the state governor in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Mr. Fakuade is a dedicated public servant and strategic thinker currently serving as the Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Digital Economy in Ekiti State. He was previously Special Adviser on Governance, Reforms and Innovation to Governor Oyebanji until his appointment as Commissioner. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in governance, policy development, and project management.

Prior to his current role, he held the position of Senior Special Assistant to Governor Fayemi on Economic Research and Policy Documentation, where he contributed significantly to economic research and documentation for the government.

Before his role as Commissioner, Mr. Fakuade served as the Managing Director of Bedazzle Media, specializing in public communications; Founder and Principal Partner at BRICE & QUADE, Abuja. He also served in many political campaigns as Director-General of Digital/New Media including the Elrufai 2015 campaign in kaduna.

Mr. Fakuade holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, where he focused on creating economic centers of prosperity through clusters and economic competitiveness. This academic background has informed his approach to policy and governance.

During his tenure with the Government of Ekiti State (EKSG) from 2019 to 2022, Mr. Fakuade served as the Senior Special Assistant on Policy, Research & Documentation to Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi. In this capacity, he demonstrated his dedication to supporting institutions and governments in achieving their development goals.

With over ten years of experience in public policy, strategic planning, project management, and policy communications, Mr. Fakuade is a recognized development thinker, digital transformation professional, and governance specialist. He played a pivotal role in supervising infrastructure projects and critical economic initiatives of the EKSG, totaling more than N50 billion.

His contributions extend to project management, monitoring and evaluation, project scoping, planning, and the implementation of innovative public policy initiatives. Mr. Fakuade has also been instrumental in designing multifaceted public sector innovation programs aimed at improving administrative efficiency through digital technology innovation.

Notable among his accomplishments are the Citizen/Resident Innovation Management Project, the Digital Ekiti Initiative concept plan, and various e-governance solution projects, including the digitization and archiving of state files.

Mr. Fakuade’s diverse experiences and academic background have equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation, economic development, and good governance. His leadership and dedication continue to make a positive impact on Ekiti State’s progress and future prospects.

Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan is a versatile and accomplished individual with a remarkable track record of achievements spanning multiple domains. Her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to creating positive change have earned her recognition and accolades in various fields.

Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan is the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development Delta State. Before her appointment as Commissioner, she was the former Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, on Small and Medium Enterprise Development. She is a multiple award-winning entrepreneur, health advocate and author.

Education and Academic

Excellence Orode’s educational journey began at Corona Secondary School, Agbara, where she completed her secondary education in 2005. She furthered her studies in Psychology at the prestigious University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in 2009. Her dedication to learning led her to pursue an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Warwick in London, where she graduated with distinction. Orode was recognized by the University as one of the top 20% of MBA graduates. She is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practitioner and mental health specialist. She has certificates in Finance and Public-Private Partnerships, Project Management, Data Science, and Public Health and Policy.

Versatility Across Industries
With a keen desire to explore diverse sectors, Orode has successfully ventured into oil & gas, healthcare, events management, hospitality, education, business consulting, and agriculture. Her ability to adapt and excel in these varied fields underscores her versatility and adaptability.

Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
Orode is widely celebrated as a multiple award-winning entrepreneur who co-founded the Pink Pearl Foundation in 2007. This remarkable organization is dedicated to advocating for early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria. Through Pink Pearl, Orode has conducted over 320 outreach programs, directly and indirectly impacting the lives of more than 1.4 million women across Africa. The foundation’s work has garnered recognition, including the prestigious Future Awards Africa prize for Best use of Advocacy and Activism in 2013.

Authorship and Filmmaking
As a creative force, Orode has also ventured into the world of literature and filmmaking. She is the author of two books, “ABBA” (2019) and “Mind” (2020). Additionally, her impactful short movie “Living Funeral,” produced in 2013 as part of her breast cancer awareness campaign, received global acclaim. It was nominated for 8 awards at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2014 and received 13 other awards across various film festivals. The film was honored at the Cannes Film Festival and recognized by CNN as one of Africa’s most inspiring movies in 2014.

Empowering Women and Youth
Orode’s commitment to empowering women and youth is evident through her initiatives. In 2013, she founded the Rubies Vocational School to promote female entrepreneurship, having trained over 1,600 women through skill acquisition programs. She serves as a non-executive director and a board member at the Master Care International School in Asaba, furthering her dedication to education.

Philanthropy and Community
Impact In her philanthropic endeavors, Orode chairs the Board of Trustees for Dream from the Slum, an NGO focused on improving the well-being of children in underserved areas across Nigeria. Under her leadership, programs like “Heart2Feed” have provided sustenance to over 18,000 children and families. She has also initiated mentorship programs for young boys and chairs the board for Brainy Luminary School, a free educational institution for disadvantaged children in a slum community. Orode currently runs an education program that offers scholarships for Jamb and WEAC for members of her immediate community and local government area. In 2010 she was inducted as the Patron of the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice Lagos for her contribution to children. She is also the Licensee and organizer of TEDx Ogunu conference Warri Delta State.

Social Impact Investment
Orode is the Co-Founder of Seeds Services Limited, a social impact investment company with a mission to bridge the financial inclusion gap for women in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

Political Engagement and Leadership
As a card-carrying member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) since 2014, Orode is actively engaged in political affairs. Her commitment to public service led her to formally express her interest in representing the Warri North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly in April 2022.

Party Leadership and Transition Committee
In 2022, Orode was appointed as the Zonal Director of the PDP South-South zone’s female youth wing. She also played a pivotal role as a member of the Delta State Transition Committee, ensuring a seamless transition between administrations. Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan’s dynamic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to excellence, her passion for driving positive change, and her relentless pursuit of a better future for her community and Nigeria as a whole.

Olatunbosun Alake is a seasoned Information Technology and Business Management Executive with nearly a decade of experience across various facets of the technology and entertainment sectors. He currently serves as the Commissioner for Science and Technology and, prior to this role, held the position of Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

With a diverse background, Mr. Alake has accumulated expertise in Product Management, Business Intelligence, Application Development, and Business Development across the Telecoms, Media, and Entertainment Industries. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and deploying a wide array of enterprise applications that have added substantial value to both employees and customers in these industries.

Mr. Alake’s professional journey includes notable positions such as General Manager, Information Technology & Innovation at Film House Cinemas, where he contributed to the enhancement of technology-driven initiatives in the entertainment sector. He also served as the Head of Business Intelligence & Data Analytics at IPNX Nigeria Limited, where he applied his skills to drive data-driven decision-making processes.

His educational qualifications include a Master of Business Administration (General Management) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Science, both earned from Temple University in Philadelphia, P.A.

Olatunbosun Alake’s impressive track record in leveraging technology to drive business growth and innovation makes him a valuable asset in his current role as Commissioner for Science and Technology, where he continues to make significant contributions to the technological advancement of Lagos State.

Obi Ozor is a distinguished figure who currently serves as the Commissioner of Transportation in Enugu State. His multifaceted background, marked by academic achievements and entrepreneurial endeavors, has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally.

Obi began his educational journey by completing a degree in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan, showcasing a strong foundation in the sciences. He further honed his knowledge and skills by graduating from the prestigious Wharton School of Business, which solidified his expertise in business and management.

After completing his studies, Obi ventured into the financial sector, working as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan, where he gained valuable insights into the world of finance and investments. However, his career took an exciting turn when he assumed the role of Operations Coordinator at Uber Nigeria, marking his entry into the dynamic world of technology and transportation.

In 2016, Obi Ozor made a significant career move by departing from Uber to launch Kobo360, a rapidly growing digital logistics platform. Notably, he is at the helm of building a Global Logistics Operating System (G-LOS), a blockchain-enabled platform aimed at revolutionizing trade and logistics across the African continent. His visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have played a pivotal role in Kobo360’s success.

Obi’s entrepreneurial prowess and dedication to innovation have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. In 2019, he was honored with the titles of “Innovator of the Year” and “Young Business Leader of the Year” at the CNBC All Africa Business Leaders Awards, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the business landscape. Additionally, in 2020, Obi and his co-founder, Ife Oyedele II, were selected to join Endeavor’s global network of high-impact entrepreneurs, further underscoring their influence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Obi Ozor’s achievements extend beyond the African continent, as he was also named one of Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” global leaders in technology. His recognition as one of the top sixty Nigerian tech entrepreneurs in 2020, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day celebration, further underscores his significance in the tech industry.

Obi Ozor’s journey exemplifies a remarkable blend of academic excellence, financial acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit. His role as the Commissioner of Transportation in Enugu State reflects his dedication to contributing to the advancement of his community and the nation as a whole.

Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade is a distinguished figure serving as the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA). Her academic background and professional achievements reflect a commitment to education, leadership, and public service.

Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree earned from the University of Westminster, showcasing her foundation in legal studies. She has also pursued further education, attaining a postgraduate degree in International Relations and Democratic Politics, along with a professional certificate in Government from Harvard Extension School. Her dedication to scholarly research is evident through her professional certification in Scholarly Research from Transcontinental University.

Additionally, Agbaje-Okunade has expanded her expertise to include Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies, with certification from the University of Cambridge, as well as Policy and Strategic Studies from NIPPS (National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies), among other prestigious institutions. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional development underscores her dedication to staying informed about critical topics and areas of expertise.

Prior to her role as the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade served as the Senior Special Assistant for Development Partnerships and Economic Planning to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Her professional journey reflects her dedication to contributing to the development and leadership initiatives in Lagos State, further exemplifying her commitment to public service and capacity-building.

Mark Okoye is a highly accomplished public and private sector leader with over 15 years of experience in Nigeria. He is currently the Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion & Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), where he leads the State’s economic development and investment promotion efforts.

Mark began his career as an investment banker in the corporate finance division at Afrinvest, a leading West African investment bank. He holds a degree in Finance from the George Washington University and has attended numerous executive courses at top academic institutions globally.

Prior to joining ANSIPPA, Mark served as Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget, and Development Partnerships for the Anambra State Government. In this role, he led the preparation of the State’s medium-term and annual budgets, achieving and maintaining a budget implementation rate of over 80% for 6 years. He also coordinated key development partner relationships, which attracted over $100 million annually. He also played a key role in designing and implementing the State’s economic stimulus package in response to the 2016 recession.

Mark has a proven track record of success in delivering results. Under his leadership, ANSIPPA has attracted over N65 billion naira in committed investments into Anambra state in 12 months. He has also successfully spearheaded mega infrastructure projects (industrial parks, special economic zones, rail projects, etc.) in Anambra, aimed at transforming the state into Nigeria’s preferred investment destination.

Mark is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2023 Public Servant of the last Decade Award in Anambra, the 2019 Sub-national Awardee of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the Year Award from Junior Chambers International (2017), and the Future Awards Young Person of the Year Award (2016). He is also a member of the inaugural cohort of the Obama Leaders Africa Program (2018).

Mark is passionate about using his skills and experience to make a positive impact on Nigeria. He is a visionary leader who is committed to driving economic growth and development in the country. He is also committed to building Nigeria’s next generation of leaders, especially in the public sector.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu was born on 29th October, 1990, in Kano State, Nigeria. He is the eldest of five siblings and hails from Kano. Khalil completed his early education at Rainbow Primary School in Kano and later attended St. Thomas Catholic School and Prime College in Kano for his secondary education. He pursued higher education at the University of Hertfordshire, England, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Business Administration and his Master of Science (MSc) degree in International Business.

During his university years, Khalil displayed his leadership skills by successfully planning and operating a fully functioning business venture in a short period.

Khalil’s career began with a role as an administrative clerk at Archimode & Associates. He later served as the Chief Operating Officer at Scirrocco for about three years. Khalil held various positions in different companies, including Managing Director (MD) at Khash Strategic Services Ltd., KSH Construction & Design LTD, Creative Director/Business Developer at Africa Infotech Consultancy, and Operations Manager at ZCET Global Meter Services Ltd.

In 2018, Khalil founded the Center For Civic, Welfare and Community Development (CWCD Africa), a non-governmental organization dedicated to contributing to various aspects of African society. CWCD Africa launched the Zabe mobile application, a civic tool designed to enhance democratic participation. Zabe achieved remarkable success, with over 3,000 downloads and a 2000% user growth, playing a significant role in the 2019 elections.

Khalil also collaborated with OSIWA, National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to launch the UNSUB platform in 2020, connecting victims of sexual and gender-based violence with stakeholders.

Khalil’s entrepreneurial ventures include the CANs Park in Abuja, offering workspaces, consultations, and innovation matchmaking to startups and investors across Africa. He also operates ShapShap Logistics in Lagos and Abuja, providing localized tech solutions.

In September 2023, Khalil Suleiman Halilu was appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizing his significant contributions to the nation.

Khalil Nur Khalil is a seasoned professional with a strong background in investment promotion and economic development. Currently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) since October 2021, he has been instrumental in driving investments and economic growth in the region.

Prior to his current role, Khalil Nur Khalil held several key positions within KADIPA, showcasing his dedication and expertise. As the Director of Investment Intelligence, he played a pivotal role in gathering and analyzing valuable data to attract potential investors.

His commitment to fostering investor relationships led to his appointment as the Acting Head of Investor Relations, where he effectively managed and facilitated interactions between the agency and prospective investors.

Before assuming this role, he served as the Manager of Investor Relations, where he honed his skills in providing support and information to investors interested in Kaduna State.

His journey at KADIPA began as a Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary, where he provided crucial support to the agency’s leadership.

During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he served as a Technical Assistant to the Head of Investor Relations, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the agency’s mission.

With a strong educational background and a proven track record in investment promotion and economic development, Khalil Nur Khalil is a valuable asset to KADIPA and plays a pivotal role in advancing the economic prospects of Kaduna State. His dedication to attracting investments and fostering positive investor relations continues to drive the agency’s success and contributes to the growth and development of the region.