Gen Chris Abutu Garuba

Chris was a former military governor of Bauchi State and holds a B.Sc degree in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma, and M. Phil in Political Science from the University of Jos, and Honorary Doctor of Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He had a distinguished career in the military and was GOC 82 Div [1990-1993] and member of the Armed Forces Ruling Counci [AFRC]. He served and led various missions and commands abroad and since his retirement has been engaged in several business and consulting ventures. 

Charles C. Okigbo is passionate about using strategic communication to address pressing issues of society, especially in political communication, election campaigns, advertising, public relations, public affairs, and government services. He is Professor Emeritus of Strategic Communication at North Dakota State University and was formerly the Executive Coordinator of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE, Nairobi), and the Founding Registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) He taught undergraduate and graduate communication courses at the University of Nigeria, University of Lagos, and Ahmadu Bello University, Daystar University, Nairobi, and the University of Nairobi. 

  Dr. Diribe is a  retired school administrator and executive Director of The Orchard Institute, an educational services group in Corona, CA. USA. He is a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he also taught Large Animal Surgery before leaving to the United States in 1990. At different times he had been a lecturer, teacher, adjunct professor, and school administrator. He was adviser to the University of California Irvine, MESA program and the Anaheim Union High School District Technology Action Group. Chibuzo is a self-taught artist and graphic designer; he is married with three adult children.

 Femi holds a Bachelor of Arts (special honours, History) from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife from where he graduated in 1975. He holds a Master of Arts(Communication), Howard University, Washington DC. He has been in the Broadcast Industry since 1972 when started his career as an undergraduate on vacation job at FRCN Ibadan. Was employed by NTA Ibadan in 1976 after his Youth Service and became the first Political Editor on television in Nigeria in 1978. He was Bureau Chief NTA (Network) News Ibadan Bureau till 1996 when he was appointed Head, Corporate Services, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. He retired from OAU in 2000 and worked as Communications Consultant until he relocated to the United Kingdom where he still runs his private Communications Consultancy Services and coordinates a Christian Ministry. 

 Chinedu is currently a communications professor at Algonquin College, Ontario, Canada where she has served as a program coordinator and student academic advisor. Chinedu is also a tutor trainer and academic coach who works with learners of all ages. She received her BA in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1987, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria in 2000, a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Humber College, Toronto in 2002, an MA in Applied Linguistics from York University, Ontario, Canada in 2005, an MA in Educational Studies, specializing in Leadership in post-secondary institution from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta Canada in 2014.

Chinedu’s extensive experience managing educational projects has fueled her passionate interest and involvement in matters related to Student Affairs and advocacy, particularly in the area of the academic success of international students, Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP), Refugees, and various classes of immigrants. Chinedu also owns and operates a Tutor Doctor franchise.

Professor Ene Emmanuel Emeka is a distinguished figure in accounting and finance, currently serving as Principal Partner of Emeka Ene & Co. Chartered Accountants & Consultants and Adjunct Professor at Cosmopolitan University. His extensive career spans over 32 years, encompassing academia, professional accounting, and investment banking.

Previously, Professor Emeka held significant leadership roles at Baze University, Abuja, including Dean of Faculty of Management & Social Sciences and Head of the Accounting & Finance Department. Before that, he was the pioneer Director of the Entrepreneurial and Business Development Center and Head of Accounting at Bingham University. He began his academic journey lecturing for 15 years at the University of Maiduguri and also gained experience in investment banking with BGL Ltd.

Professor Emeka is recognized for his diverse expertise, diligence, and analytical skills. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Nigeria Accounting Association (NAA), and a member of other prestigious professional bodies. He has also authored numerous publications and academic research.

 Professor Samaila Mande is a distinguished Professor of Marketing and Communications at the National Open University of Nigeria's Department of Business Administration. His extensive academic background includes degrees in Marketing, Mass Communication, and Business Administration from various esteemed institutions.

Beyond his primary role, Professor Mande is a Resource Person for the World Bank's Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE) at Ahmadu Bello University. He has held part-time lectureships at Benson Idahosa University and Nile University Abuja, and began his career in journalism with Newswatch Communications Limited.

He serves as an External Examiner for several universities and holds Visiting Professorships at the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT) and Nasarawa State University Keffi, along with an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Abuja. Professor Mande is also the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Education and Tertiary Institutions liaison and Accreditation of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). His current research centers on procurement, social standards, and supply chain management.

A highly decorated professional, he holds fellowships with numerous prestigious institutes, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (FNIMN), the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), and the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), among others. He formerly served as Dean of SPGS at NOUN and as a Senate Representative to the NOUN Governing Council and External Governing Council Member of the University of Ibadan.

 Dr. Femi Makinde is a distinguished pharmacologist and recipient of the Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award Scholarship. He earned his master’s degree in pharmacology from the University of Ibadan and completed his PhD at the University of Alberta, Canada. He began his academic career lecturing medical students at the University of Maiduguri before transitioning to Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch. There, he oversees the review and approval of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and biosimilar medicines across various therapeutic areas.

Dr. Makinde is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS). Beyond his scientific contributions, he is a passionate advocate for justice, integrity, and patriotism among Nigerians. He urges citizens to prioritize national interest and unity, echoing John F. Kennedy’s call for civic responsibility. Dr. Makinde envisions a Nigeria defined by accountability, responsible leadership, and good governance. He believes in the country’s potential to reclaim its status as the “Giant of Africa” and calls on all Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building for a brighter, more respected future on the global stage.

Ambassador Aminu Wisdom is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, visionary leader, and advocate for youth empowerment across Africa. He is the CEO of the Strategic Global Mentorship Program (SGMP), an initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African leaders through mentorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships. Under his leadership, SGMP has become a beacon of hope for young innovators and changemakers, fostering a culture of proactive engagement and continental transformation.

Here's the 200 word bio:Ambassador Wisdom previously served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he played a pivotal role in regional diplomacy and strategic facilitation. He is also the Head of Strategic Facilitation International, an organization focused on high-level diplomatic and developmental consulting.

His work has earned him recognition from global leaders and institutions, including commendations from the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta for his inspirational leadership and commitment to Africa’s future. Through his initiatives, Ambassador Wisdom continues to champion the cause of youth leadership, believing that Africa’s prosperity lies in the hands of its empowered and well-mentored young population.