Scholars

Adedapo Sijuwade is a social worker with over seven years of experience in humanitarian services, project management & community development. Adedapo has a degree in Sociology and professional courses in humanitarian works. He is particularly attracted to the quest of creating and enabling a safe environment for vulnerable groups. He believes in timely and collective action in response to the plights of marginalized groups, orphans, and vulnerable children to overcome their unpleasant situations through quality intervention, community engagement, and advocacy. He shares the vision of protecting the dignity of human lives and hopes for a just society for all with an emphasis on enhancing the quality of human existence. Adedapo is a social reformer, who is proactive about addressing social issues. His understanding of social issues, such as gender inequality, poverty, child rights, climate change, resulted in numerous achievements among the communities where he worked. He has been involved in various initiatives in his quest to improve the quality of life among vulnerable children to increase school enrollment and retention among teenage girls to avoid teenage pregnancy.

Chibuzor Mgbeokwere is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning, demonstrating a strong commitment to driving impactful outcomes in both development and emergency context, especially in challenging operational environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education (BSc.) – University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. Prior to her current role, Chibuzor was a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research, and Learning Specialist at Tonipash Energy from September 2022. She made substantial contributions to the improving clean energy initiatives, overseeing the research, development, and implementation of the Performance Monitoring Plan, and providing crucial leadership in M&E. Chibuzor’s career journey also includes her role as a Country Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer (Environmental Health) at the International Rescue Committee from Feb 2021 to September 2022. Here, she showcased her expertise in producing high-quality reports and played a pivotal role in ensuring M&E and reporting requirements were met for multi-donor funded projects in Northeast Nigeria. Furthermore, she has contributed her skills and knowledge to various organizations, including The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), Premiere Urgence Internationale, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative – SIDHAS Project, and World Health Organization (WHO), leaving a remarkable impact in the field of monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Chibuzor’s core competencies encompass strategic MEAL management, proficiency in database development, statistical analysis, data visualization, consultancy services, and project. She is fluent in English, Igbo, and Hausa languages, enhancing her ability to collaborate effectively in diverse multicultural settings. Her commitment to inclusive data and her proactive approach make her an invaluable asset in any professional environment.

Host Organization: Development Gateway

Role at Host Organization: As a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Fellow, Chibuzor, in the capacity of an associate, would have a MERL focus and work on synthesizing and analyzing various pieces of key information collected on the programs. The Fellow is expected to contribute to writing of knowledge products and reports. Additional work may involve supporting other programs at DG should time allow.

Folashade Abimbola has over nine years of experience working with women, children, adolescents, girls, and other marginalized and vulnerable groups in society. Her expertise includes early childhood development, child protection and safeguarding, HIV/AIDS prevention, community and stakeholder engagement, and program monitoring and evaluation. Folashade has worked on various program teams who implemented projects and programs with Save the Children International, USAID, AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF), Mercy Corp, and Management Sciences for Health (MSH) among many others. Presently, she is on the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) team of Women for Women International (WfWI). Folashade is passionate about the rights of women, girls, and marginalized groups and continues to add her voice to ending biases, and long-seated social and cultural norms which impede these marginalized and vulnerable groups from living full and fulfilling lives.

Godiya Makama brings over seven years of experience in the humanitarian sector, complemented by a degree in Law from the University of Jos in Nigeria. Her tenure at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Northeast Nigeria involved providing crucial support to children and families affected by the Boko Haram crisis, ensuring the restoration of disrupted lives. Throughout her time at IRC Nigeria, Godiya served as the most senior female national staff, acting as a source of motivation for many women within the organization, particularly in the highly patriarchal context of Northeast Nigeria. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Programs for the IRC Yemen Country Program, Godiya works closely with technical coordinators to uphold program quality in Yemen. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Godiya is dedicated to enhancing her leadership skills. She aspires to support other women, both within and outside the IRC, who are interested in developing their own leadership abilities. By strengthening her own capabilities, Godiya aims to empower and uplift women within the organization and the wider community.

Janet Ajala is a dynamic leader who is passionate about championing Women’s Rights. She has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She currently works with the International Rescue Committee in Nigeria, where she currently serves as a Field Coordinator. She is responsible for the day to day running of the activities of her field location, where she ensures the necessary humanitarian assistance is provided to the thousands of vulnerable individuals displaced by the prolonged armed conflict in Northeast Nigeria, ensuring they have access to the much-needed medical care, education, and women protection and empowerment activities. In addition to her current role, she heads the IRC Nigeria Women at Work Group, a group established by the organization to provide a safe space for women in the organization. Under this group, she provides leadership on all fronts for the over 300 women in the Country program pushing for their interests with the Senior Management Team and ensuring there is more female inclusion and representation in the organization. Prior to joining the International Rescue Committee, Janet worked with the TY Danjuma Foundation as State Coordinator, where she coordinated the activities of the various community-based and faith-based organizations funded by the Foundation to implement Youth and Women Empowerment programs and Health. Janet obtained a BA in English from the University of Ibadan and an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the same university.

Lolade (Lolly) Durotoye has over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University, a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Forensic Science from Drexel University, and a certificate in Global Health Delivery from Harvard University. In her current role as a Health Policy Advisor at Partners in Health (PIH) in Sierra Leone, Lolly provides technical guidance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for the implementation of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan. She oversees program implementation, conducts policy analysis, and engages with stakeholders at a high level. Lolly also plays a leadership role as co-chair of MOHS’ Governance and Leadership group and the national representative body of health NGOs, serving as the liaison for the Ministry. Through her extensive experience, Lolly has acquired skills in scientific research, strategic planning, results-based project management, partnership development, and resource mobilization. Areas of particular interest to Lolly in the nonprofit sector include health policy development, program implementation, and partnership building for effective healthcare delivery.

Ojo Olabanjo, currently living and working in the southwest region of Nigeria, has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Delta State University Abraka. He works with SOS Children’s Village and brings a decade of experience in humanitarian and developmental programs. His current position at SOS Children’s Village is Livelihood Officer in the Family Strengthening Program which has the goal of preventing family separation in at-risk households. His focus is on providing quality care and support for the most vulnerable members of the society.

Sadiya Yusuf is a lawyer by profession with over six years of experience in humanitarian emergency response of information counseling and legal assistance via different modalities of program development, implementation, and management. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and is currently studying for a second Master’s in Gender Studies at the university of Jos, Nigeria. Sadiya is the project coordinator for information, counseling and legal assistance (ICLA) in the Norwegian Refugee Council: Nigeria, where she has worked for over six years, occupying various roles from project assistant through to project coordinator. Over the years she has contributed immensely to NRC’s objective of providing access to quality services to millions of people affected by displacement and conflict in Nigeria. This experience has helped honed her skills and competence in project management, people management, training design & facilitation. Sadiya enjoys analyzing legal issues, entrepreneurship, traveling, and other social activities.