Nigeria Metro Level Advisory Board
Dr. Umar Yakubu - Advisory Board Member Global Chamber® Nigeria- Abuja Metro
Dr. Umar Yakubu is a seasoned expert in Defence, security, and anti-corruption strategy, with over two decades of experience spanning public policy, governance, and global advisory. A Nigerian national based in Abuja, he holds a PhD in Defence & Security Studies and an MSc in Counter Fraud and Counter Corruption Studies from the University of Portsmouth.
Dr. Yakubu’s academic portfolio includes certifications from Harvard University (Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies), MIT (Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World), Universiteit Leiden (Global Security), and the MIT (Public Policy Engagement). He also holds an MBA from the University of Chester and a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University.
A graduate of the Nigeria Defence Academy and alumnus of Air Force Military School, Jos, Dr. Yakubu brings military precision and policy depth to every engagement. His work focuses on strengthening institutional integrity, advancing strategic governance, and building resilient ecosystems across Africa.
As a contributor to national and international security dialogues, he is committed to shaping future-ready leadership and fostering cross-border collaboration. His website, [www.umaryakubu.me] showcases his thought leadership and advisory footprint.
Dr. Yakubu joins the Global Chamber® Nigeria Chapter as a trusted voice in Defence, governance, and strategic transformation—bridging African expertise with global opportunity.
Azes Ahmed Giwa, Esq. - Advisory Board Member Global Chamber® Nigeria- Ogun State Metro
Azes Ahmed Giwa, Esq. is a dual-qualified legal professional with over a decade of experience spanning the UK and Nigeria. He holds an LLB in Law and Criminology and a master’s in criminal Litigation from South Bank University (2012–2017), followed by rigorous training at the Nigerian Law School (2017–2019), where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2019.
Azes has served in key roles across UK housing organisations—including Lewisham Housing and Riverside Housing—bringing 15 years of operational insight into housing law, community justice, and regulatory compliance. His cross-border expertise informs his work as Partner at Giwa & Giwa Solicitors & Advocates, Lagos, where he leads on litigation, strategic advisory, and rights-based advocacy.
Known for his precision, resilience, and client-first approach, Azes Ahmed Giwa, Esq, bridges legal systems and cultures with integrity. He is passionate about justice reform, youth empowerment, and scalable legal access. His practice reflects a commitment to excellence, community impact, and global collaboration—making him a trusted advisor in both public and private sectors.
Hakeem Omotayo - Advisory Board Member Global Chamber®Nigeria - Lagos State Metro
Hakeem Omotayo is a strategic finance executive with 23+ years of banking experience across retail, corporate, and marketing portfolios. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics and an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where his passion for development finance was shaped by a dissertation on rural savings behaviour in Northwestern Nigeria.
His career spans financial structuring, sovereign instruments, and large-ticket transactions—including Nigerian Sovereign Promissory Notes exceeding $100 million. As a lead negotiator, Hakeem has secured pricing and value exchange agreements with global off-takers, anchoring trust and long-term returns.
Certified in Project Management and business analysis, he leads cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, impact-driven solutions. His strategic lens transforms legacy systems into agile, efficient operations.
Hakeem is now advancing his role as a Green Entrepreneur, building ventures in renewable energy, afforestation, and community-led upcycling. His work targets greenhouse gas reduction while promoting inclusive growth and circular economies.
By bridging finance, sustainability, and policy, Hakeem positions himself as a trusted advisor in Africa’s evolving investment landscape—supporting climate resilience, local innovation, and long-term development.
He continues to mentor emerging leaders and collaborate across sectors to unlock capital, drive ESG outcomes, and shape Africa’s green transition with precision and purpose.
Dr Chris Ugwu - Advisory Board Member Global Chamber® Nigeria - Enugu Metro
Dr Ugwu is a trusted governance and development expert with over two decades of impact across education, gender justice, and public health. As Executive Director of the Society for the Improvement of Rural People (SIRP), he leads sustainable development initiatives aligned with SDGs 1–5, including menstrual hygiene outreach to over 6,000 girls, STEM SPORTS integration in schools, and rural water access. His consultancies with UKDFID and USAID span governance reform, education sector strengthening, and gender-focused HR systems.
A champion of gender equality, Dr Ugwu coordinated MenEngage Nigeria (2020–2025), mobilizing men and boys to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage. His advocacy helped institutionalize the Child Rights Law (2006) and VAPP Law (2019) in Enugu State, reducing FGM prevalence from 85% to 10–15%. He promotes Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) through community engagement, policy reform, and digital advocacy.
Dr Ugwu’s expertise spans education, health, human rights, and inclusive innovation. He has trained civil servants, led outreach across 17 local government councils, and developed gender-responsive budgeting frameworks. His values—dignity, equity, and community-led change—are reflected in his work with adolescent girls, government actors, and international NGOs.
He continues to advocate for treating drug use as a health challenge, not a criminal offense, and leverages technology to expand SRHR access. His leadership blends strategic foresight with grassroots impact, shaping Nigeria’s next generation of changemakers.
In summary, Dr Ugwu is a visionary leader driving scalable, rights-based solutions across governance, education, and gender justice. His work exemplifies value for money, community empowerment, and measurable impact.
Closing Power Line:
A trusted digital and governance expert committed to shaping Africa’s generation of impact leaders across SDGs 1–5.
Comfort Runyi Effiom - Advisory Board Member– Global Chamber® Nigeria Abuja Metro
Comfort Runyi Effiom is a distinguished Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) leader with over 14 years of experience in advancing development and humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria. As the Country MERL Manager at Plan International Nigeria, Comfort leads a high-performing team, driving evidence-based strategies and cross-border collaborations that have positioned Nigeria as a regional leader in program performance and innovation at Plan International. Her expertise includes program management, strategic planning, cross-border stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization, with a proven track record of managing donor-funded projects for organizations.
Comfort’s leadership extends to strengthening MERL systems internationally, including a recent deployment to South Sudan, where she enhanced organizational performance and capacity. She is recognized for her ability to bridge gaps between diverse partners, ensuring coherence and measurable impact in complex, multicultural environments.
A Mandela Washington Fellow, Comfort is a sought-after public speaker and technical advisor, presenting at national and international forums. She is passionate about empowering women and girls, promoting female leadership, and mentoring the next generation of changemakers. She actively contributes to national technical working groups and policy advocacy.
As a Metro-level Advisory Board member of the Global Chamber® Nigeria, Comfort brings a wealth of experience in cross-border collaboration, risk reduction, and sustainable growth—aligning with the Chamber’s mission to connect global leaders, accelerate business, and foster trusted partnerships worldwide.
Thank you to our sponsors! Contact any of them for more success as you grow globally.
Contact Virtual Latinos for outsourced talent here.
_sml.png){kind=logo}
