Elementor #3025 – Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership

Our Team

Our team is composed of dedicated experts, policymakers, and thought leaders committed to advancing governance, policy research, and leadership development across Nigeria and Africa.

For media inquiries, contact us – info.centre@athenacentre.org

Management Team

Osita Chidoka

Chancellor

Osita Chidoka

Chancellor

Osita Chidoka is an award-winning visionary, an astute businessman, a writer, and a philanthropist. He had his first Degree in Management from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He proceeded to the school of public policy at George Mason University in the United States of America where he obtained a Masters in Transport Policy and Logistics. He also holds a certificate in Global Strategy and Political Economy from Oxford University, UK and he has a graduate Diploma in Maritime and Ports Management from the National University of Singapore. In 2021 he obtained a law degree from Baze University, Abuja.

He won the Best Corps Member Award in FCT during his service year which made the FCT Minister to award him automatic appointment in the FCDA. He also worked in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of FCT, serving three ministers as a Special Assistant. After an excellent career in public service, he joined Exxon Mobil in 2005.

In 2007, he was appointed the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps where he transformed the agency from a stolid, almost comatose organization to one that won various international awards and became a model for other road safety organizations across Africa. In 2014, he was appointed Minister of Aviation.

He was conferred with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Good Governance and Model on Road Safety by the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka on 12 November 2011. And in recognition of his patriotic disposition to his fatherland, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan conferred him with Nigeria's National Honor of Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR on 14th November 2011. He won the Sun and Hallmark Newspapers Public Servant of the Year 2012 awards and under him, FRSC won the Leadership Newspapers Government Agency of the Year 2012 award.

He is a robust public policy advocate; he has written many articles, essays, and delivered speeches in many areas of public policy and safety management.

Osita Chidoka is the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a think tank focused on innovative solutions in public policy and governance, and the founder of Mekaria Mentorship Programme.

Chidinma Chidoka

Director

Chidinma Chidoka

Director

Chidinma Chidoka is a peace and conflict specialist, lawyer, and public policy scholar focusing on regional and area studies. She is a Senior Fellow and Director at the Athena Centre, leading policy, governance, and economic development initiatives. Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at Howard University, her research centres on economic reconstruction in post-conflict societies, focusing on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and education policy in Africa. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for African Studies and a Freshman Seminar Teaching Fellow.

Beyond her professional work, Chidinma is a mother of four who enjoys gardening, working out, and dancing. She is passionate about bridging policy and practice and is committed to fostering sustainable development and resilience across African communities.

RESEARCHERS

Dr Uzor Ngoladi

Acting Head, Research and Publication

Dr Uzor Ngoladi

Acting Head, Research and Publication

Dr Uzor Ngoladi Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Education English (2001) Imo State University, Masters in Educational Psychology (2008) University of Port Harcourt, Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (2013) Pan Atlantic University, PhD Educational Psychology (2018) University of Lagos Designation: Acting Head, Research and Publication; Director, Athena Arthur Nwankwo Institute of Education and Intellectual Freedom Dr Uzor Ngoladi is a distinguished academic, media and policy scholar with over two decades of experience in education and development. He is a writer of international repute with several books to his credit. He has delivered several keynote addresses including BLACK LIVES MATTER: POLICE BRUTALITY IN NIGERIA AND THE ENDSARS MOVEMENT, a paper presented to African and African-American Studies Program, Eastern Kentucky University in 2021

Chinaza Igwe

Research Assistant

Chinaza Igwe

Research Assistant

Chinaza is a Research Assistant in Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership who has a deep interest in education. Her research focus areas are geared towards exploring innovative ways to improve the education sector. Chinaza is also an emerging scholar, having participated in several academic conferences, including the Arts International Conference held at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. She has also published journals in collaboration with The Grace Uzoma Okonkwo Foundation.

Chinaza enjoys reading, visiting new places, discovering the beauty of the world, and learning about other cultures and traditions.

Ebube Chukwukaeme

Research Assistant

Ebube Chukwukaeme

Research Assistant

A skilled language expert with over 7 years of experience in translation, interpretation, and linguistic quality assurance. I hold a B.A. in linguistics and Igbo language and I've worked as a researcher, translator, interpreter and Linguistic Quality Assurer on high-profile projects like the TAUS Human Language Project and the Endangered Languages Project. I have also worked with Mazilla translations.

Additionally, I have volunteered with Nkọwa okwu to develop an Igbo encyclopedia. I am a catalyst for language revitalisation, and I have worked over the years to help preserve and promote languages like Igbo, Boki and Ikwerre languages.

Currently, I work with the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership as a research assistant, editor, and executive assistant to the managing director.

Dede Oghenevwede

Research Assistant (Data Analyst)

Dede Oghenevwede

Research Assistant (Data Analyst)

Dede Oghenevwede is a graduate of the University of Benin, Benin city, Edo state Nigeria. where he earned a degree in Economics and Statistics and also a Masters' degree in Development Economics. He is currently working as a Research Assistant (Data Analyst), leveraging his skills in Data Analysis and Data Visualisation to contribute to his field.

Jane Azubuike

Research Assistant (Intern)

Jane Azubuike

Research Assistant (Intern)

Azubuike Jane is a Research Assistant Intern and also serves as the Assistant to the Managing Director at the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. She is passionate about research, policy analysis. She's passionate about research and policy, and loves supporting the team in her role.

She studied International Relations and Diplomacy at Afe Babalola University in Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division. During her time at university, she was actively involved in leadership and extracurricular activities, serving as the Public Relations Officer of her college and participating in the Sports Club, where she focused on tennis.

Beyond her professional and academic interests, Jane enjoys playing and watching tennis, always appreciating the discipline and strategy the sport requires.

NON-RESEARCHERS

Jaspar Evagberien

Programme Manager

Jaspar Evagberien

Programme Manager

Jaspar is a dedicated problem-solver with extensive experience across various sectors, including power, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and healthcare. He hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and have earned multiple certifications in safety, management, project management, and disaster management. As a member of the International Association of Engineers, he also engaged in a mentorship program with Mekaria. With over 10 years of proven expertise in electrical power systems, renewable energy, and project management, he is committed to building strategic partnerships and driving meaningful impact in the industry.

June Udogu

Manager, Talent and Strategy

June Udogu

Manager, Talent and Strategy

Highly accomplished professional with 7 years of experience in customer service, relationship management, and marketing, garnered from her tenure at Zenith Bank. June holds a degree in Applied Microbiology and Brewing from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Currently, she serves as the Talent and Strategy Manager at the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a role she assumed in July 2024. With her unique blend of banking expertise and passion for leadership development, June drives strategic initiatives and talent growth at Athena.

Sarah Eke

Programme/Event Coordinator

Sarah Eke

Programme/Event Coordinator

Sarah Eke is a bilingual data-driven executive with exceptional programme leadership and organisational capabilities with over four years of experience, who is also skilled in supporting high-level executives in dynamic environments.

With an academic background in French from the University of Nigeria complementing her diverse skill set, she brings a unique perspective and cross-cultural understanding to her work.

Nwaokike Desmond

IT Support and Graphic Designer

Nwaokike Desmond

IT Support and Graphic Designer

A dedicated and skilled IT professional with a strong background in Information Technology, gained from his academic journey and practical experience. Desmond holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State.

He further enhanced his expertise with a specialization in Data Analytics and Visualization through Udemy and an ISO Certification in Quality Management.

Currently serving as the IT Support Manager and Graphic Designer at Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Desmond brings a unique combination of technical acumen and creative design expertise to his role. His work drives technological innovation and enhances the Centre's visual communication, contributing to the organization’s continued success.

Aliyu Jalal

Media and Communications Officer

Aliyu Jalal

Media and Communications Officer

Aliyu Jalal is a dynamic media professional with a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has over four years of experience across digital and multimedia journalism, strategic communication, and public relations.

As a writer, his works have been featured in both national and international literary journals, while his thought-provoking opinion pieces have appeared in national newspapers such as Daily Trust, Leadership, and Blueprint.

As the Media and Communications Officer at the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the Centre’s media presence and public perception.

With his expertise in storytelling, strategic messaging, and reputation management, he continues to amplify impactful narratives that contribute to national discourse and progressive change.

Comfort Anyaudo ESQ.

Legal Assistant

Comfort Anyaudo ESQ.

Legal Assistant

I believe in the power of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. With a strong willingness to evolve, I embrace every opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully. Whether assisting with legal research, drafting documents, or ensuring smooth operations, I bring a detail-oriented and proactive approach to my work. For me, every challenge is a chance to learn, and every success is built on persistence.

Temiro Tolulope

Media Supervisor

Temiro Tolulope

Media Supervisor

Oluwaseun Tolulope Temiro holds an LL.B (Hons) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where he graduated with a Second-Class degree. He is currently undergoing his B.L qualification at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.

He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb) and has a strong interest in media production, entertainment law, tech law, and intellectual property law.

Beyond his legal background, Oluwaseun is an experienced media producer, content creator, and video editor. He leads CLEARPATH Media, the media team of Athena Centre, and has a track record of producing high-quality digital content for various brands, organizations, and thought leaders.

His expertise spans film production, social media management, live streaming, and digital marketing. Passionate about storytelling and visual creativity, he merges his legal acumen with media production to drive innovative solutions in both industries.

Ebebe Regina Bukwen

HR Intern

Ebebe Regina Bukwen

HR Intern

Ebebe Regina Bukwen is a driven professional with a degree in Policy and Administrative Studies from the University of Calabar, where she graduated with Second Class Upper Division honors. Currently, she serves as an intern in the Human Resource department at the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership.

OluwaTosin Jeremiah Agbedun

IT Support Assistant

OluwaTosin Jeremiah Agbedun

IT Support Assistant

OluwaTosin is an IT Support Assistant at Athena Centre. He provides expert technical support and ensures seamless IT operations.

OluwaTosin has a strong Information Technology background with a B.Sc in Computer Science. He is skilled in web development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Outside the IT world, Tosin is a researcher, an art enthusiast, and loves agriculture.

Andoor Gabriel Aondoaseer

Support Staff

Andoor Gabriel Aondoaseer

Support Staff

Gabriel has a degree in Political Science from the Benue State University Makurdi, passionate about driving positive change. As a Support Staff at Athena Center for Policy and Leadership, Gabriel is dedicated to synergizing with other staff members to produce good results.

Gabriel has an uncompromising view on moral and national values and he is a firm believer in seeing the good in others, and is always up for a new adventure.

In his spare time, you can find Gabriel behind the camera capturing moments taking on a new acting role or calligraphing his reflections and thoughts.

Nonso Momah

Media and Communications Intern

Nonso Momah

Media and Communications Intern

Nonso Momah is a Media and Communications intern at the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, passionate about media management and production. He has also volunteered with various groups and organizations.

He studied Politics and International Relations at Lancaster University Ghana, where he graduated with first-class honors. During his time there, he was an active member of several clubs and societies, including the Media Club, the Football Club, and the Creatives Club.

Beyond his interest in media, Nonso enjoys playing football, playing tennis, and watching movies.