The IBWU Foundation is a not-for-profit Organization incorporated in Canada founded by people of like minds across North America, Europe & Africa who are brought together by a passionate and common desire to bring about positive changes in our communities. Our mission and values are inspired by simple acts of charity and by working in partnerships with communities as participants and encouraging social and community responsibility; beginning with each individual.

Mission

Our Vision is for communities, where the people are the catalysts for positive change, that impacts, influences and motivates the future generation.

Vision

Changing the mindset and orientation of communities to realize and take responsibility for social change and community development.

It Begins With Us, all.

Leadership

Mr. Michael Emeka Dibua

Mr. Michael Emeka Dibua

Chairman, IBWU

Michael Emeka Dibua is a lawyer and Notary who practices in Ontario Canada and mainly in Family, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation and non litigation aspects of immigration law.

Michael was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999, after completing his Law Degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ife, in 1997. Thereafter he studied for and obtained a Masters Degree in Law from Cardiff University Wales, United Kingdom, in 2004.

Michael was called to the Ontario Bar in 2010 and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Michael had worked previously as an in-house counsel and has had extensive experience in relationship management, risk and compliance as well as credit and loan recovery litigation.

Michael is very involved in community and has served and continues to be involved in various community based initiatives centered on giving back to his community here in Canada and Nigeria as well as providing mentorship and guidance.

Michael and a group of Nigerian Lawyers in Canada, founded the Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers “CANL” in 2013 and he served as President of the association from 2014 to 2016 and as a Member of its Board from 2016 to 2019.

Michael also founded the “It Begins With U” IBWU Foundation, with a group of friends and colleagues from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Canada in 2019 and is presently the Chairman of its Board of Directors.

Michael Emeka Dibua is a lawyer and Notary who practices in Ontario Canada and mainly in Family, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation and non litigation aspects of immigration law. Michael was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999, after completing his Law Degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ife, in 1997.

 << Click on the image to expand
Mr. Tom Brown

Mr. Tom Brown

Vice Chairman, IBWU

Tom is a co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Compliance Solutions and a qualified barrister & solicitor in both English Laws and Sharia (Islamic Laws). He holds an LLB (Joint Honours), BL and LLM Degree in Commercial Law specializing in Money Laundering, Comparative Corporate Governance and Industrial Property Laws and he holds several professional qualifications in Risk Management, governance and regulatory compliance and is ICA and ACAMS certified. He has been involved in consulting, advisory and training services for over 20 years in AML, KYC, CDD, AB&C, Compliance, Sanctions and Risk Management within the banking, Oil & Gas, Telecoms, Payment Services, Financial Management Institutions & Legal service sectors. A former lecturer and speaker at the Cardiff Law School, City University London and London Business School on Money Laundering, he heads the consulting and training services within Kaizen. In 2017, Tom spoke at the Viadrina G20 Conference in Hamburg on Impact of Corruption and Compliance Integrity in Africa and is an activist on development in Africa.

Tom is a co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Compliance Solutions and a qualified barrister & solicitor in both English Laws and Sharia (Islamic Laws). He holds an LLB (Joint Honours), LLM and several professional qualifications in AML, Compliance, Risk Management and Conveyance.

 

 << Click on the image to expand
Mr Lanre Duyile

Mr Lanre Duyile

Secretary, IBWU

Lanre Duyile is a board certified Behavior Analyst and entrepreneur providing services in the health and business sectors in Ontario Canada. Lanre has a passion for working with people; especially people living with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. He is the President and CEO of companies such as Behaviorprise Consulting Inc. (Canada), Behaviorprise Foundation (Canada), Nigerian Canadian Integration Centre (Canada), and Feedback Strategy Limited (Nigeria). Lanre believes in empowering each individual; even the most vulnerable amongst us and does so on a daily basis.

Lanre possesses a B.A. honors degree in Psychology from York University, Toronto; an Advanced Diploma in Behavioral Science Technology from George Brown College, Toronto and a Master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida. Lanre is a sustaining member of the Ontario Association for Behavior Analysis and a member of the international Association for Professional Behavior Analysts.

Lanre Duyile is a board certified Behavior Analyst and entrepreneur providing services in the health and business sectors in Ontario Canada. Lanre has a passion for working with people; especially people living with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

 << Click on the image to expand
Ms. Irene Ekweozoh

Ms. Irene Ekweozoh

Board Member, IBWU

Irene Ekweozoh is an international lawyer, scholar and policy consultant with expertise in air, space, telecommunications and technology, environmental law, business and intersections with human rights law with special focus on Nigeria. Irene is an alumni of the University of Nigeria, London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of Ottawa, Canada. Irene has also worked in Nigeria’s private and public sectors and has a lot of experience on policy advocacy and advancement, development, regulation and financing of telecommunications and energy projects in Africa. She was the Legal Adviser and Company Secretary of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and served on several boards, Committees and International Study Groups. She has also taught a Corporate Governance module in Afe Babalola University and is excited about any opportunity to make a positive impact through imparting knowledge.

Irene Ekweozoh is an international lawyer, scholar and policy consultant with expertise in air, space, telecommunications and technology, environmental law, business and intersections with human rights law with special focus on Nigeria.

 

 << Click on the image to expand
Laura Awosanya

Laura Awosanya

Board Member, IBWU

Laura Awosanya is an advocate/supporter of social justice and equity issues dealing with homelessness, poverty, and empowerment. With over 20 years of working with individuals to provide access to housing, social service programs to create stability and wellness for individuals who are dealing with homelessness and poverty. 

She has worked with various NGOs in managerial and consultant capacities.  In addition, she is pursuing her Masters in both Health Services Administration and Public Administration. She also owns and runs two event businesses that fuel her passion.

Laura understands that for any change to occur within our communities one has to first remember that we are not only here for ourselves but for our fellow man and we need to act and operate in that manner. Simply we need to have a heart of being selfless.

Laura Awosanya is an advocate/supporter of social justice and equity issues dealing with homelessness, poverty, and empowerment. With over 20 years of working with individuals to provide access to housing, social service programs to create stability and wellness for individuals who are dealing with…

 << Click on the image to expand
Ken Egede

Ken Egede

Board Member, IBWU

Ken Egede is a dual qualified lawyer with an LL. B from the University of Ife, Nigeria and LL.M from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario. Ken is called to the Bar in Nigeria and Ontario, Canada, and has over 25 years of active legal practice and teaching experience in both jurisdictions. He practices law as Senior Consultant with KNE+A Consulting and also teaches as law professor in some institutions in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. Ken is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Founder of ProVISION Nigeria, a trustee of RCCG – JHT (a registered Canadian charitable organization), a former board member of the Ontario Citizen’s Council (an advisory council on health and drugs to the Government of Ontario) and a former long-time board member of the Jane Finch Community Legal Services (a legal clinic under the Legal Aid Ontario)

Ken Egede is a dual qualified lawyer with an LL. B from the University of Ife, Nigeria and LL.M from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario. Ken is called to the Bar in Nigeria and Ontario, Canada, and has over 25 years of active legal practice and teaching experience in both jurisdictions.

 << Click on the image to expand
Dr. Richard Olumide Oyefeso

Dr. Richard Olumide Oyefeso

Board Member, IBWU

Seasoned physician with vast experience in the health sector spanning Africa, the Caribbean and North America; optimal health for individuals and communities, health policy & administration, global health, health strategy and social welfare. Passionate about reducing health disparities and creating access for the underserved and underprivileged. Expertise working with programs that promote the health of women and children. Founder of 4 Breath 4 Life, an NGO addressing infant and maternal mortality in low resource settings.

Seasoned physician with vast experience in the health sector spanning Africa, the Caribbean and North America; optimal health for individuals and communities, health policy & administration, global health, health strategy and social welfare.

 

 << Click on the image to expand
Mrs. Edosa Adams-Idode

Mrs. Edosa Adams-Idode

Board Member, IBWU

Mrs. Edosa Adams-Idode graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria in 1998, where she obtained a Bachelors of Law, (LLB. Hons).

Ms. Adams-Idode was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and also to the Canadian Bar in 2007.

From 2007 to date, she has acted principal partner at Adams-Idode Law PC in Mississauga, Ontario, where she provides extensive legal services in Family law, Immigration and Refugee Protection law and Child Protection law. Ms. Adams-Idode modus operandi and goal is that “You must be heard, and I will be your voice”.

Through her litigation experience and private practice, she has made significant contributions to the administration of justice and the rule of law in Ontario and beyond. Her advocacy for women’s and child’s right includes being on the domestic violence panel for legal aid Ontario. she is also affiliated with community services such as the Barbara Schilfer Commemorative Clinic, INDUS (formerly India Rainbow Community Services) Catholic Cross Cultural Services and The Salvation Army, in Ontario, Canada.

With regards to her membership, Ms. Adams-Idode is currently a member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts as well as being a Board member for the Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers from its inception until March 2019.

Ms. Adams-Idode is a passionate volunteer at the Mandatory Information Program (MIP) Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She is a strong voice for diversity and promotion of access to justice for all.

Mrs. Edosa Adams-Idode graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria in 1998, where she obtained a Bachelors of Law, (LLB. Hons). Ms. Adams-Idode was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and also to the Canadian Bar in 2007.

 << Click on the image to expand
Mr. Tope Atafo

Mr. Tope Atafo

Board Member, IBWU

Babatope (Babs) Atafo is an internationally trained lawyer , IT program management consultant, investor, coach and mentor, with a career spanning over 28 years. He was called to the Nigerian Bar Victoria Island , Lagos in 1991 and practiced as a solicitor for 10 years. In 2000, he veered into IT and project Management and has since then successfully consulted for several public sector organizations in Nigeria, USA and Canada where he resides.

Babs has proudly executed mission critical projects for the provincial governments of Ontario , Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Territory of Nunavut in the far Artic. Similarly, he has led private sector initiatives for several blue-chip corporations such as JP Morgan Chase, Deloitte and Touché , AIG, Manulife Financial, Investors Group , Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), University of Guelph and Telus Communications among others.

As an entrepreneur, Babs is / CEO and founder of Topade Consulting inc. Canada , Improvtek Consulting Canada, and flagship Topron Consulting Inc with operations in the USA, Canada , UK, South Africa , Ghana , Nigeria and Zambia , a truly global consulting and professional training outfit accredited by leading professional organizations such as PMI, IIBA , Scrum Alliance and Scrum Study to mention a few .

Babs is proud to serve on the board of IBWU.

Babatope (Babs) Atafo  is an internationally trained lawyer, IT program management consultant, investor , coach and mentor, with a career spanning over 28 years.  He was called to the Nigerian Bar Victoria Island, Lagos in 1991 and practiced as a solicitor for 10 years. In 2000,  he veered into IT and  project Management…

 << Click on the image to expand
Omodele Ladipo

Omodele Ladipo

Board Member, IBWU

Omodele Ladipo is a seasoned certified Project Manager. She studied Food Science and Technology at the University of Ife, Nigeria. Human Resources Management at Seneca College in Ontario before she via into the Information Technology Industry. She is a member of the Project Management Institute. She has over 20 years working In information technology..

in the Government, Healthcare, Financial Sector She has managed high profile Projects (integration and decommissioning of data centres, decommissioning) for the Ontario Health Agency. She is involved in community-based projects catering to new immigrants. Passionate about giving back to the community. Omodele believes in the mantra, to whom much is given much is expected.

Omodele Ladipo is a seasoned certified Project Manager. She studied Food Science and Technology at the University of Ife, Nigeria. Human Resources Management at Seneca College in Ontario before she via into the Information Technology Industry. She is a member of the Project Management Institute. She has over 20 years working In information technology in the Government, Healthcare, Financial Sectors. She has managed high profile Projects (integration and decommissioning of data centres, decommissioning) for the Ontario Health Agency…

 << Click on the image to expand

Advisory Committee

Mr. Princewill Amadi

Mr. Princewill Amadi

Advisory Committee Member

Princewill Amadi is IBWU’s  Treasurer (Nigeria Chapter). He is a Banker with about 20years experience in the Financial industry. He is presently the Regional Head, South Region for ASO Savings and Loans Plc. He has an MBA from the Business School of Netherlands and an Alumni of the Wharton Business School, Pennsylvania. He is also a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Loan & Risk Management of Nigeria (FCILRM).

Ms. Tolutope Okieimen

Ms. Tolutope Okieimen

Advisory Committee Member

Tolutope Okieimen is IBWU’s Vice President (Nigeria Chapter).

Tolutope is a graduate of Computer Science from the Yaba College of Technology and a PGD in Education. Having worked in many industries over the years like IT, banking and as a resource manager, has finally found a niche in education.

A driven educator and educational consultant with a passion to innovate and drive results through strategic and children driven based methods.

Tolutope has over 18 years multi-disciplinary expertise in Administration, Curriculum Development and Special Education Needs.

Tolutope is very passionate about Nigeria and creating a positive environment for the growth and development of children.

Mr. David Brown

Mr. David Brown

Advisory Committee Member

David is the founder and CEO of dbrown consulting; a consulting, training & pay roll management firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. He acts as a consultant to the World Bank and is a seasoned professional with over 20 years working experience having worked in several corporate banks, former Arthur Anderson and KPMG West Africa. He is an internationally recognised speaker at conferences and events and is a professional trainer specializing in Financial Modelling, Excel and Microsoft BI. In addition to this, David is an ATD Master Trainer and ATD Master Instructional Designer and holds an ICA Certificate in Money Laundering.

Mr. Tony Dibua

Mr. Tony Dibua

Advisory Committee Member

Anthony Dibua is IBWU’s Secretary (Nigeria Chapter) and currently the Managing Director Consort Solutions Limited. He works as a business consultant and entrepreneur. He is particularly focused on small and medium sized enterprise’s.

Anthony graduated with a BSc Political Science from Nigeria and an MBA in Project Management from the University of Wales Cardiff, in 2008.

Mr. Afolabi Oguntade

Mr. Afolabi Oguntade

Advisory Committee Member

An Independent Management Consultant, Afolabi brings with him over 20 years of operations management experience within the financial services industry. Prior to this, he held several management positions with major investment management industry players in Canada, USA and Nigeria.

Afolabi earned an MBA in Organizational Management from Johnson and Wales University, Providence Rhode-Island and a Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. He is a fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), fellow of the Canadian Institute of Management (FCIM) and the immediate past chairman of the board  of the Canadian Institute of Management, Toronto.  In addition, he is a certified coach, speaker and trainer .

Mr. Muyiwa Oladunjoye

Mr. Muyiwa Oladunjoye

Advisory Committee Member

Muyiwa Oladunjoye is an IT professional with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. He has keen interest in IT automation, DevOps and as well as he is an evangelist for the open source cloud community.

Away from the computer screen, he is passionate about helping kids grow to their full potential in a loving and welcoming environment.  In the Mississauga, Ontario community where he leaves, he helps to coach neighborhood boys in soccer. He is also actively engaged in coaching of teenagers in the local community, especially kids in the high-risk demographics.

In his spare time, the loves gardening, listening to music, and learning French.

Ms. Adebisi Aboaba

Ms. Adebisi Aboaba

Advisory Committee Member

Adebisi  Aboaba, is an entrepreneur and business owner based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada with more than 15years experience managing a grocery store.

A mother and wife to Mr Stephen Aboaba, she is a graduate of Ogun State University, Nigeria.

Adebisi has a profound passion and empathy for children and youths and leads a group of mothers as intercessors for children and youths.

She also organizes  regular talks and lectures to educate and encourage children and youths.

Ms. Mobo Oresegun

Ms. Mobo Oresegun

Advisory Committee Member

Mobo Oresegun studied International Development Studies at York University and Research Analyst at Humber College both in Toronto, Canada. Her work experience spans from facilitating various community programs, utilizing Big Data for business improvement, analyzing qualitative data used in reforming policies guiding study experience and Sexual Assault in Ontario Universities. Her interest in educational reform in Nigeria birthed a non-governmental / non-profit foundation named LNF. See www.luzneema.org.

Mr. Anthony Nwafor

Mr. Anthony Nwafor

Advisory Committee Member

Barr. Anthony Nwafor is a Lawyer by profession and Principal Partner in the Law Firm of Toniben and Associates a Firm of Legal Practitioners.

He also holds a Masters Degree in International Law and World Economy from the University of East London (UEL) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Barr Anthony Nwafor is currently an instrumental part of the ACMATRIN (N.G.O) project team which is embarking on the establishment of National Peace and Unity Technology Villages Nationwide and Executive Secretary of the National Primary Schools Friends of The Environment And Agriculture Organization, (NPSFE&AO) an (NGO).

Barr. Anthony Okwudili Nwafor lectures part time in Law, and in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at the (Saviourites House of Formation) Madonna University.  He is engaged also in many rural community development activities as a Consultant Specialist in Environmental Regeneration, Community Development, Poverty Eradication and Value re-orientation and is an integrated Farmer by choice and the Managing Director of Royalles Integrated Farms Ltd.

Hon. Barr. Anthony Okwudili Nwafor, a natural leader of men, and fearless defender of the oppressed anywhere, He is an Ambassador of Peace of The United Nations Polack, and is very happily married to Mrs. Nneka Gertrude Nwafor a Zoologist and they are blessed with children.

Mr. Remi Awojide

Mr. Remi Awojide

Advisory Committee Member

Remi Awojide has been the General Manager of AMET TV since 2011. In his role he has helped to organize many Afrocentric  A Class events in Toronto e.g LWKMD, Lafta Fiesta, Toronto must laugh and the popular annual AMET TV valentine ball.

He is the producer of theamettv YouTube channel that show cases African entertainment in Canada.

He is also a project manager by profession and has worked with 4 of the major banks in Canada.

 

Ms. Modupe Oladunjoye

Ms. Modupe Oladunjoye

Advisory Committee Member

Modupe has 20 years experience in various roles in the Banking and Financial Service Industry both in Nigeria, United Kingdom and Canada.

As the opportunity arises, she supports various charitable causes both in Canada and Nigeria and  volunteers at her local community church. Her personal time is invested on raising her two energetic boys.

Modupe Oladunjoye is the present Treasurer of IBWU Canada.

Mr. Kayode Akinade

Mr. Kayode Akinade

Advisory Committee Member

Kayode Akinade is a co-founder and CEO of Microvis Microfinance Bank and a certified banker in Nigeria and a certified life professional in Ontario Canada. He holds an MBA from Lagos Business School and Masters in Intnl Affairs from ABU Zaria.

He has as his core skills Leadership, Business conceptualisation, Development and Strategy.

Mr. Ernest Nwoye

Mr. Ernest Nwoye

Advisory Committee Member