Opeyemi Oladimeji’s journey into social impact began in Osun State in 2015, where he founded and lead the Future Builders Initiative (FBI), a nonprofit organization based in Osun State, Opeyemi has led impactful projects focused on peacebuilding, governance, and youth development. Through FBI, he has created opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education and leadership programs. His belief in nurturing leadership at the grassroots level has empowered many youths to become agents of change within their communities.
Opeyemi also serves as Lead Consultant at DMJ-Global Consulting Limited, where he provides business and nonprofit consultancy to drive growth and sustainability. His expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, and project management has helped several nonprofits and businesses scale their operations and increase their impact. His work with the disability community, offering corporate support to organizations, reflects his commitment to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized groups.
In addition to his consultancy work, Opeyemi is the Publisher of West Africa Watch, an online platform focused on governance, business, and social issues in West Africa. Through this platform, he fosters informed discussions and contributes to public discourse on regional challenges and opportunities.
Between 2019 and 2023, Opeyemi served as a legislative aide at the House of Representatives, National Assembly. He contributed to legislative processes, conducted research, and developed policy proposals aimed at improving governance and public service in Nigeria. His work helped strengthen relationships between key stakeholders and fostered a culture of accountability and transparency in government.
Beyond his professional work, Opeyemi is an active volunteer with organizations such as Global Rights Nigeria, YIAGA Africa, and the Kimpact Development Initiative. These roles reflect his passion for building strong civil society frameworks and enhancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
An alumnus of prestigious fellowships, including the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) and African ChangeMakers Fellowship, Opeyemi blends practical experience with a continuous quest for knowledge. His commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and systemic change guides his every endeavour.
He holds numerous academic and professional certifications from several reputable institutions, and he is currently pursuing dual PhDs in Peace and Conflict Studies (UNIOSUN) & Policy and Strategic Studies (UNIABUJA).
Fatima Adam Sheikh is a data scientist and innovation strategist with a strong background in tech startups, AI, and public sector transformation. She currently serves as Senior Special Assistant at the ministry of Budget and Planning in Niger State, where she leads data-driven initiatives to enhance governance, transparency, and service delivery. With a passion for using technology to solve real-world problems, Fatima has also founded a social enterprise focused on women’s health and led multiple digital transformation projects across private, government and development sectors. She is an alumna of the YALI and FES OMYV Fellowships, and actively explores the intersection of machine learning, policy, and social impact.
Sabitu is a dedicated Social Worker with over five years of experience in counselling, relief and rehabilitation, and management of programmes that focused on disaster response, risk reduction, gender-based violence, and emergency relief services. Passionate about advocacy as a tool for peacebuilding, youth engagement, and gender empowerment, am passionate about solution-driven, open-minded, and committed to social change.
Muhammed Bello Buhari is a digital rights practitioner, researcher, and programme specialist working at the intersection of law, technology, and civic space, with a specific focus on internet shutdowns, digital infrastructure, and digital democracy in conflict-affected and politically fragile contexts.
Currently, he serves as the Programmes Officer (Anglophone West Africa) at Paradigm Initiative (PIN), where he leads strategic advocacy, digital rights and inclusion programs, and policy interventions in the region. His experience spans programme coordination, donor-funded project management, and high-level partner engagement. He has a track record of managing EU- and foundation-funded initiatives across multi-country settings, ensuring strict compliance and impact. Prior to PIN, Muhammed Bello held roles at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation (Digital Democracy Initiative), Digital Grassroots, and Call A Lawyer Nigeria, where he coordinated advocacy campaigns, led research, and managed sub-grant processes.
Muhammed Bello is particularly interested in how state power, insecurity, and digital infrastructure intersect to shape access to rights. His work has been supported through competitive fellowships and residencies, including the TechForward Policy Fellowship (African Centre for Digital Transformation), the International Republican Institute’s Fortifying Internet Freedom & Digital Security Fellowship, the Advocacy Assembly Internet Shutdown Advocacy Fellowship, and the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Fellowship at Lagos Business School. He is a 2025 Internet Society Youth Ambassador.
