Dr. Akilu is the Executive Director of Neem Foundation. She is a trained psychology wit over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health and psychology. She has taught and authored research papers relating to homelessness, ethnicity and its relationship with mental health. Dr. Akilu holds a Masters Degree and PhD in Psychology from the University of Reading (UK), and has worked as an Adjunct Professor of General Psychology at Broome Community College (USA) for over 12 years.
Mrs. Hurera Atta is the Assistant Executive Director and Head of Education at Neem Foundation. A devoted advocate of human rights, civil liberties, and education – especially for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds – Mrs. Atta has built a legal and corporate career spanning over 25 years. As a lawyer, she handled high-profile and controversial human rights cases, representing young at-risk women. In her capacity as General Manager at Allan Woods Limited, she oversaw and spearheaded the development of the educational institution to bridge the gap in the area of professional development for Nigerian professionals.
Dr. Abiye M. Iruayenema is an expert sociocognitive research psychologist and strategic communications specialist. He is currently heads a mobile counselling and preventing violent extremism (PVE) initiative, which offers counselling in hard-to-reach traumatized communities in Maiduguri, Borno State. As an experienced academic and researcher, Dr. Iruayenama created vulnerability and needs assessments tools used for a UNICEF funded rehabilitation and reintegration programme for 1,500 Children Associated with Armed Groups. He has delivered several trainings revolving around self-care for humanitarian aid workers, social and emotional learning, as well as addressing psychological trauma in conflict zones.
Mr. Jumare has diverse experience in the areas of security, strategic communications, project management and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). He has represented Nigeria in several high-level security and social developmental meetings across the world. of Maiduguri. He also participated in the development of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) messaging toolkit, a strategic communications tool designed to aid the development campaigns and counter-narratives for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) space. Mr. Jumare has a BSc in International Business from Middlesex University (UK).
Mustapha is a results-driven development practitioner. He has a broad, cross cutting and interdisciplinary career spanning development practice, strategic communications, design thinking, innovation, cutting edge research, knowledge management, teaching, technical operations, programme execution and management consulting responsibilities. Mustapha is accomplished in policy development, strategy conception and execution as well as designing and executing programmes targeted at providing sustainable change and development across West Africa. He has undertaken assignments working with the African Union, King's College London amongst others in different capacities.
Belsuk Alimikhena is a dedicated professional whose passion and commitment to development and peacebuilding is clearly evidenced in her decade-long career. She started her professional career in the field of development as a Programme Officer working with the Programme for Building African Capacity for Trade (PACT II) under the International Trade Centre (ITC), where she supported trade development activities in the ECOWAS region. Belsuk is currently the Operations Manager for Neem Foundation where she oversees several units including Human Resources, Admin, Finance and IT. She acts as a business partner for the Organisation by advising Senior Management & The Board on staffing matters as it relates to the overall strategic plan of the Foundation. Belsuk also doubles as the Programme Manager for the Gender & Social Inclusion Department where she implements programmes focused on highlighting and promoting the role of women in PVE and peacebuilding.
