Director of Media, Publicity & Communications
Director of Education Initiatives
Program Manager
Partnership Liaison
Program Liaison & Engagement Lead
Educational Outreach Administrator
Media Advocacy & Newsletter
Executive Director
(Data Architect – Aviation & Financial Services)
Kemi Mackenzie-Gureje serves as an Executive Director of Jewels of Africa Foundations (Africa Chapter). She was born and raised in Nigeria by parents who instilled the value of education into her, early in life. She received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ife in Nigeria before emigrating to the United Kingdom three decades, ago.
She is eternally grateful, foremost to God and to her parents for equipping her with high quality education that has opened doors for her in a foreign country. Kemi has an inconcealable and infectious passion for education. She testifies to the power and benefit of education as her defence through the dark moments of her life.
Media Advocacy & Newsletter
Eden is a dedicated volunteer for the Jewels of Africa Foundations. Born and raised in Nigeria, she was awarded a full-ride scholarship by the Jim Ovia Foundation at the age of 17 to attend any university of her choice in the world.
She chose to study at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, where she graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 2023.
As a beneficiary of a life-changing scholarship, Eden appreciates the value of a quality education and aims to give back through event planning, fundraising, mentoring, and advocacy for current, potential, and future scholarship beneficiaries at the Jewels of Africa Foundation.
Executive Director
Bola Kelani earned her BSc, MSN in Nursing. She is currently a retired RN, Nurse practitioner, after working for Alameda County Medical Center for over 35 years. She is also the Broker, and the owner of Kelani Realty. She is an advocate for the educational development of the youths.
Dream Maker
Magdaline Amanda Nkechi Anyafulu: RN, CNS, MPA, MSN, DNP(c) is a widowed mother of five wonderful children. She has four plus decades of career experiences spanning banking, accounting and nursing. She is a woman of faith and a strong advocate of social justice, gender equity and human rights and dignity. She strongly believes that educating the girl child is key to alleviate poverty in Nigeria.
Dream Maker
Dr. Adeola Akindana is a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner Consultant and also owns her own private practice in Maryland, USA. She believes that where we started from does not have to dictate our future. She is very passionate about self development and sponsoring good causes that lift up the down trodden, giving them opportunity to reach their full potential. Dr. Akindana believes in the work of JoA and counts it a privilege to support this formidable organization.
Dream Maker
Abiola Ajayi’s passion for optimal health and wellness lead her to a profession in nutrition and dietetic where she worked diligently for over 35 years. Her life mantra is “health is wealth” and she works hard to practice what she preaches.
Approximately 6 years ago, Abiola became a substance abuse and mental health counselor.
This new career has opened her eyes to human suffering in a new dimension and motivated her to stop talking about the problems but rather become a solution seeker. Also to never forget that God blesses one in order to be a blessing in this circle of life.
To be a cheerful giver became real when Abiola got the revelation of Matthew 6:33 which I believe is one of the values JOA stands for, which is helping the underprivileged and marginalized younger generation to reach their God ordained potentials and destiny fulfilment.
Abiola is honored and a privileged to partner with such an authentic organization as JOA.
Advisory Board
Lara Dasilva is a Workers Compensation Specialist based in San Francisco California. A Nigerian Diaspora and a ‘No Child Left Behind’ education advocate.
Jewels of Africa Foundations is one of her advocacy channels for supporting functional education as a fundamental right of every child in Sub-Sahara Africa and not a privilege.
Advisory Board
Susan Sodipo has over 30 years of experience in the social work field. She currently serves as the Director of Client Services for a non profit organization that serves over 20,000 individuals.
She understands the need for greater educational opportunities for all children and youth, recognizing that nurturing the mind and providing skill development ultimately yields a more productive society as a whole.
Director, Technology & Innovative Enrichment
Technology Entrepreneur | AI Consultant | Civic Tech Advocate
Joseph Agunbiade is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building innovative software solutions and driving impactful civic and educational initiatives. He is the founder of Univelcity, a tech training institution that equips aspiring professionals with skills in software development, data science, AI, and product design, while connecting them with job opportunities in the tech industry.
In 2011, Joseph co-founded BudgIT, a pioneering civic tech organization that leverages technology to enhance citizen engagement and institutional transparency, driving societal change across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ghana. He continues to serve on BudgIT’s board, contributing to its mission of fostering accountability and governance.
Joseph is the visionary behind Getmobile Technologies, a software development agency specializing in building enterprise-level software, mobile applications, and IoT solutions. Through Skill-Up Africa, which he co-founded during the 2020 pandemic, he is championing the creation of a sustainable tech talent pipeline in Africa by combining training with impact-driven investing.
Recognizing the need for innovative security solutions, he co-created Resolute 4.0, a platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability in security systems using human intelligence networks and recruitment strategies.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Joseph is an adjunct lecturer working on curriculum development for emerging tech disciplines like data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. He has also provided consultancy on design thinking to an African city in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Joseph holds a B.Tech in Physics with Electronics, is an alumnus of the MIT Innovation Bootcamp, and has advanced certifications in Product Management from General Assembly, San Francisco. He sits on the board of several not-for-profit organizations and remains deeply committed to empowering communities through technology and education.
Director of Media & Publicity Communications
Abel Kolade is a Development Journalist from Nigeria. He tells the story of underserved communities as he leverages on strategic communication, mass and digital media to amplify these voices, facilitates meaningful participation, and foster social change.
He is currently a lead broadcast news editor and media campaign lead at the Lagos State Radio Service, Lagos where he disseminates information on civil participation and accountability among public office holders.
Abel designs campaigns; produces development focused programs, and covers events with the aim of awakening the consciousness Nigerians as well as enlightening them on their roles in the development of the country.
He is passionate about mentoring young people with a view to preparing them to become pillars in national development.
Abel is a Fellow of Radio Netherlands Training Centre (RNTC) and the Global Art in Medicine.
Program Manager
Oluwaseyi Martins is currently a Trainer and Program officer at Jewel of Africa Foundation. She is an experienced Educator with close to a decade and half experience both as a classroom teacher and a Project Manager in an Edutainment Industry. She effectively teaches English Language and Literature-in-English and have worked both at the primary and secondary school levels. She is creative in lesson planning, and well loved by her students . Oluwaseyi is passionate about raising world leaders who are also effective communicators in the English Language.
Director of Youth & Special Education Development (Nigeria)
Olayinka is the Director of Youth Educational Development & Special Education for Exceptional Learners for Jewels of Africa Foundations in Nigeria.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Teachers Education & Economics from the premier University of Ibadan Nigeria.
She champions and provides oversight for Youth Development Education programs in Nigeria and has vast experience working with young people. Yinka is passionate about nurturing youths through their education development and empowering them with resources and skills to fulfil their potential through Jewels of Africa Foundations year-round enrichment and mentoring programs.
Executive Director
Jumoke Akin-Taylor is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Design Build Professional (DBIA) and a Certified Construction Manager (CCM), CMAA Trainer. A 2 term Chair of Membership/Mobilization on NIDO Americas Board of Directors. One of two pioneer Global Coordinators for the annual Diaspora Day celebration.
She served on the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) National Board of Directors and 3 terms as Chair of the Owner’s Committee on CMAA Northern California Board of Directors.
Currently she is the Second Vice President of the TriAfrica Empowerment Foundation overseeing Administration and Finance operations. A Founding member and Executive Director of Rebuild Nigeria Initiative (RNI), whose focus is to develop and deliver programs focused on national peace and reconciliation. She also currently seats on various Design Build Institute of America’s Committees and the prestigious National Awards Jury.
She is actively engaged in contributing to the advancement of the Construction Profession.
She holds a B.Sc in Civil/Construction Engineering and a Masters in Construction Management.
A social justice enthusiast, committed to equitable justice and inclusion. A social justice enthusiast, committed to equitable justice and inclusion. Jumoke passionately advocates for racial equity and inclusion in the male dominated construction Industry.
Local Initiative Planner
Tunde Adeoye came on board as a result of his sympathy toward the economically disadvantaged, imaginative in creating scenarios for social change and commitment to community development. He had an 18 – year stint banking career before fully joining the family business. He had his first degree in Management from University of Sunderland, UK, MBA from LAUTECH and just completed a Masters Degree in Sustainable Development from University of Ibadan. His research on rural finance and entrepreneurship has taken him to rural areas in Nigeria and Ghana.
Director of Education Initiatives
Mercy Folowosele is the Head of Academic Program for the Jewels of Africa Foundations. She is currently the Head of Humanities at Olashore International School in Iloko (Osun State, Nigeria) where she plays a pivotal role in developing the Leadership Programme initiatives that are aimed at helping the students to identify a need in their immediate Iloko local community, raise funds and meet these needs.
She believes in the dignity and worth of every child as well as the creation of equal opportunity for all. She is passionate about education and she is an advocate of quality education for all regardless of race, ethnic origin, religious affiliation or social status. Mercy received her Bachelor’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the prestigious Babcock University.
Executive Board Director
(Retired General Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria)
Prince Deji Haastrup serves as an Executive Director of Jewels of Africa Foundations (Africa Chapter). He recently retired as the General Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, USA. In his private life and career, he is committed to the youth and under-served in society. Over the years, his company has supported many educational and health programs, especially in rural communities. He was himself recently recognized by the Sigma Club of Ibadan University for his numerous “contribution to personal, corporate and institutional philanthropy…” Jewels of Africa Foundations is another avenue through which he seeks to further human development.
Fundraising & Treasury
Shola Oderinde serves as an Executive Director of Jewels of Africa Foundations (Africa Chapter). He is a Software Architect in the Silicon Valley area of California (USA). Shola was born in the United Kingdom but raised in Nigeria. Having been a direct beneficiary of community mentoring in his early years growing up in Nigeria, Shola feels it is a natural calling for him to reciprocate the same mentoring and guidance that he once received growing up in Nigeria.
Shola is passionate about going back to his root to give back to the underprivileged youths. As a change agent, Shola has an unyielding passion to empower youth through education. Additionally, he is involved in various community programs for youth empowerment and big brother mentor-mentee programs within his local church.
Executive Director
Babatunde Ojo hails from Nigeria and currently resides in United States of America. He is a medical doctor and the president of Alpha Medical Center, A primary care facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
His primary passion is youth development and Nation Building.
President/Chief Executive Director
(Founder, DatOculi LLC)
Lara Gureje-Oderinde is the President and Executive Director of Jewels of Africa Foundations Inc. She was born and raised in Nigeria. She attended public elementary and high school in Nigeria before travelling to the United Kingdom for her Undergraduate and Post Graduate studies. Lara is an author and a renowned data governance and regulatory risk expert in the financial industry. She is currently the Founder & CEO of Datoculi LLC, a Data Governance and Stewardship Management Consultancy firm with offices in both San Francisco, CA USA and London, United Kingdom.
Having left the country over three decades ago, she is disheartened by the change and decay in the educational system in Nigeria. Growing up in Nigeria, Lara’s educational journey was made so much easier and interesting by the immense financial support from churches, missionaries and philanthropists that was made available to public schools. The current situation of the educational system in Nigeria is a far cry from what it used to be. She understands firsthand that youths from the rural regions of Nigeria are being disenfranchised as they have no means of accessing quality education. Consequently, the opportunity to use education as a platform to change their families’ storylines and transform their own lives is very slim. Not one to sit on the sidelines and lament the decline in the educational system in the country, Lara decided to do something about it and be part of the solution to restore the educational system to what it should be.
Engaging with her alma mater, St. Margaret’s School in Ilesa (Nigeria), she kick-started a multi-pronged strategy to augment teaching and learning experience with after school programs, books and teaching aid supplies. The vision for Jewels of Africa Foundations Inc. was birthed as an offshoot of these initiatives. Lara’s passion for youth empowerment is organic. Without doubt, it is her calling to make a difference in the lives of many children in Sub Saharan Africa. Lara is unwavering in her passion and commitment to raising up a new generation of African leaders. She continues to plug in and forge alliance and partnership with individuals and organizations with similar passion, with the goal of reviving the continent by impacting its present youth and the next generation.