Award Review Committee

Below are the bios of the committee members. Nominees who contact members of the committee will be immediately disqualified.

EXECUTIVE CHAIR

Mrs. Funke Treasure Durodola is a multiple award winning radio broadcaster, with 17 years media experience. She has a degree in English Language and started her broadcasting career in 1996.  In 2000, she joined Radio Nigeria (FRCN) where she has worked extensively on health, women and children related projects. She is a National Network News reader, breakfast show host and content provider on the Network. She has held appointments as country producer with UN IRIN RADIO on a five nation project in Africa on HIV/AIDS. She has worked with UNICEF and other NGOs in Nigeria advocating for children’s rights and better participation of women in politics. She is an avid blogger and fellow of the Thomson Foundation in UK. Mrs. Durodola is the initiator of the Media Mentoring Initiative (MMI). 

ASSOCIATE CHAIR 

Mr. Ayo Sowunmi is an IT Consultant based in the UK with over 17 years industry experience. His specialty is Project Management, Change Delivery and IT Integration. Ayo grew up in Lagos and spent his early working career with Guinness Breweries, Mobil Unlimited and Shell Petroleum before relocating to the UK and setting up his own firm. His current portfolio of clients includes major companies across the healthcare, legal, housing and oil & gas sectors of the UK FTSE100 listed companies. He holds a first degree in Computer Engineering in addition to Masters’ degree in Oil & Gas Engineering and an MBA. He also holds numerous project management certifications and is a chartered member of the British Computer Society. 

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Ms. Clara Chinwe Okoro is Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Brandworld Media, a media and entertainment company committed to developing the core principles of branding and spearheading the discourse of brands as new wealth creators in modern economies. Events she participates in include: Festival of Media Montreaux Switzerland, Samsung Africa Week Cape Town SA & New York Fashion Week. She recently expanded into publishing with the first youths and brands magazine ICE, which tracks how young people consume brands and trails the emotional journey of brands’ adoration for the young. A firm believer in the use of media to transform the landscape of the future for the youths in Africa, her brand was recently selected and featured in COOLBRANDS - Around The World in 80 Brands.

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Ms. Joke Kujenya, who obtained her advance diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, has two decades of professional journalism experience most of which she served with newspapers including The News and Post Express where she became the first female News Editor in Nigeria. She is a well-travelled journalist with an unquenchable passion for investigative journalism and health communication. The beats she has covered include News, Features, Politics, Economy and Health for local and international publications and influential personalities. She began her career as a journalist with LTV 8 in 1989 and has earned a reputation for being highly resourceful and dedicated. This avid blogger is a Fellow of the International Center for Journalism.
 She is the Executive Coordinator of Media Mentors. 


EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Mr. 'Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi joined The Guardian newspaper as a reporter in 1996, rising to the position of acting News Editor in 2011. In the past 17 years, he has reported on all aspects of the education sector and development related issues. Organisations he has worked with include UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP and World Bank on their respective Action Plans for Nigeria’s education sector and poverty eradication. His career took him to several countries where he covered diverse international conferences. Oyekanmi is both a fellow of the Freedom Forum and beneficiary of the US Department of State’s International Visitors’ Leadership Programme (IVLP).  He holds a degree in Religion/Philosophy with Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Ms. Olufunke Akiyode is an educator, writer, entrepreneur and researcher. She holds a National Diploma in Accountancy, degree in Biological Science, masters in Health Administration and Business Administration. Her 13-year experience was garnered in the nonprofit industry while working on issues of gender and global health care. Funke is a survivor of Sickle Cell Disease; her dedication to improving socio-economic status and people’s healthcare is a passion. She believes that education; awareness and improvement of socio economic status can go a long way in eradicating diseases. She has written several articles, advocacy materials and conducted researches on health and developmental issues. She has published and presented papers nationally and internationally to support this cause. She is currently the Executive Director of Shout Global Health and CEO of Available Group Company.

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Anthony Ogoegbunam is an intensive care, repatriation and flight nurse with 16 years experience. He holds a diploma in accounting and finance. Anthony is very interested in fitness, health and nutrition and spends quite a few hours in the week working out. His charity interests include Women for Women International (womenforwomen.org.uk) who help female victims of rape, oppression and economic hardship get a start in life and Islamic Help (islamichelp.org.uk) who amongst other things help female victims of acid attacks with surgery and psychological care. Anthony hopes to one day win the lottery and retire.

Bios for others coming soon…

‘Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge’ - William Shakespeare