Meet Your Speakers
Dr Funmi OlaOlorun
Senior Lecturer, Community Medicine, Univeristy of Ibadan
Dr. Uche Amanwu
Uche serves as the Interim Nigeria Country Director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leading efforts to deliver life-saving interventions and economic opportunities to Nigeria's most vulnerable populations. Previously, he was Deputy Director, Strategy Planning & Management, Africa, overseeing programs in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Uche also held roles in the foundation's central strategy office and was a Senior Manager at Deloitte Consulting, where he spent 13 years driving business transformations across sectors. With over 23 years of experience in strategy, operations, and program management, Uche excels in leading teams, managing large-scale programs, and implementing innovative solutions.
Professor Oladapo Ladipo
Professor Oladapo A. Ladipo, an esteemed Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, has over 40 years of experience in healthcare delivery and development. He is the founder and President Emeritus of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), renowned for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Nigeria. A pioneer in innovative contraceptive technologies and adolescent health, Prof. Ladipo has contributed to national and global health policy. With over 184 publications, numerous awards, and leadership roles in organizations like FIGO and AAFP, he remains a passionate advocate for improved healthcare access and capacity building across Nigeria and beyond.
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, born December 13, 1967, is a Nigerian politician and lawyer, currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since 2023. An Igbo-Ikwerre native from Umuepirikom in Rivers State, Wike is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member with a degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He began his political career as a two-term Executive Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (1999–2007) and later served as Minister of State for Education in 2011, becoming Acting Minister of Education. Wike resigned to run for Rivers State governor, a role he held from 2015 to 2023, implementing impactful infrastructure and economic reforms. In 2022, he ran for PDP’s presidential ticket, finishing as the runner-up. Appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, Wike remains a key figure in Nigerian politics, renowned for his leadership and governance contributions.
Prof Isaac Folorunso Adewole
Isaac Adewole is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and served as the 11th Vice-Chancellor (2010-2015). He became Nigeria’s Minister of Health in 2015, spearheading ambitious universal health coverage through 10,000 functional primary healthcare centers, targeting 100 million Nigerians. A past president of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, he is renowned for advancing preventive medicine and cancer screening in Nigeria. A Fellow of the Academy of Science of Nigeria since 2011, he received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Sunderland in 2015 for his academic and healthcare contributions.
Dr. Okai Haruna Aku
Dr. Okai Abubakar Haruna Aku holds a B.M, B.Ch degree in Medicine and surgery; MPH in Public Health. He has a Diploma in Health system management, Galilee College, Israel, and Certificate in Advocacy in Global Health. Dr. Okai has over fifteen years of practical experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, and external relations, and over thirty years in clinical practice, coupled with program management, including clinical management with progressive experience in program management, research, monitoring, and evaluation in RH/FP/HIV/CxCaS&PT/safe abortion and MNCH integration. (SRHR Integration).
Dr. Okai worked with PPFN as a volunteer Physician in accelerated (ARV) HIV/AIDs therapy (2000-2003), and later rose to become the National Advocacy Officer (2007-2011), he became the Ag. Director of program (2011-2014) and Ag. Director, ABDER (2015-2020) and was made Director, ABDER in 2021 till when he became the Executive Director till date.
Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo
Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo is a distinguished senator and a passionate advocate for public service and healthcare. A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), her career spans roles as a healthcare provider, educator, and community health advocate. Dr. Banigo’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system is evident in her leadership and advocacy for better health practices and equitable access to services. Her deep understanding of healthcare challenges and her unwavering commitment make her an ideal leader for advancing impactful health policies and promoting wellness nationwide.
Ms. Amina J. Mohammed
Ms. Amina J. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. A former Minister of Environment for Nigeria, she led efforts on climate action and environmental protection. Previously, she advised Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on post-2015 development, shaping the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. Starting her career designing schools and hospitals in Nigeria, she later advised four Presidents on poverty reduction, public sector reform, and sustainable development. Ms. Mohammed, a recipient of global awards and honorary doctorates, is also a mother of six and grandmother of four.
Prof. Alli Pate
Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, a Nigerian physician and politician, is the current Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria. He also serves as a Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership at Harvard University. Previously, he was the Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank and led the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents. A former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Pate was honored as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2022. He also served as Executive Director of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Since joining the World Bank in 2000, he has led impactful programs addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and healthcare system reforms worldwide. An MD specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases, he holds a master’s in health system management and an MBA in health sector management, reflecting his dedication to global health leadership.
Dr. Okai Haruna Aku
Dr. Okai Abubakar Haruna Aku holds a B.M, B.Ch degree in Medicine and surgery; MPH in Public Health. He has a Diploma in Health system management, Galilee College, Israel, and Certificate in Advocacy in Global Health. Dr. Okai has over fifteen years of practical experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, and external relations, and over thirty years in clinical practice, coupled with program management, including clinical management with progressive experience in program management, research, monitoring, and evaluation in RH/FP/HIV/CxCaS&PT/safe abortion and MNCH integration. (SRHR Integration).
Dr. Okai worked with PPFN as a volunteer Physician in accelerated (ARV) HIV/AIDs therapy (2000-2003), and later rose to become the National Advocacy Officer (2007-2011), he became the Ag. Director of program (2011-2014) and Ag. Director, ABDER (2015-2020) and was made Director, ABDER in 2021 till when he became the Executive Director till date.
Christine Valente
Christine Valente is a Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol and an applied microeconomist. Her research centers on household decision-making around human capital and contraception in low-income settings, exploring the factors influencing these choices and how policy can shape them. Valente is affiliated with several prestigious research organizations, including as a Research Affiliate with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a Research Associate with the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA). Her work aims to provide insights to inform impactful policy interventions.
Adek Bassey
Adek Bassey Ozaveshe Sanni is a certified Public Health professional with over 12 years of experience in adolescent and youth development programming. She specializes in empowering young people through skill-building, life coaching, and mentorship programs focused on career and personal development. A skilled public speaker, SRHR specialist, and purpose discovery trainer, Adek is also the author of The Womanful, a book empowering women and girls. As Founder and Executive Director of the Today for Tomorrow Initiative, her work has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s 100 most impactful women. She holds certifications in project management from the University of Washington.
Margaret Bolaji
Margaret Bolaji is an International Development Professional with expertise in research, project implementation, and management, focusing on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.Sc. in Policy and Development Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and is an alumna of the Global Health Leadership Accelerator Program at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA. As the Youth Partnerships Officer for FP2030’s North, West, and Central Africa Hub, Margaret fosters inclusive, responsive, and sustainable partnerships with youth and civil society partners, advancing reproductive health initiatives across the region.
Kosi Izundu
Kosi Izundu, based in Nigeria, is a Senior Program Manager at Girl Effect, with extensive experience in development work through roles at Pathfinder International and Education as a Vaccine. She holds a Master’s in Development Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy (2017–2019). Kosi possesses a strong skill set in project management, financial reporting, and Microsoft Office tools. Known for her expertise in driving impactful programs, she focuses on initiatives that empower youth and advance social change. Kosi is dedicated to delivering sustainable development solutions through innovative approaches and effective stakeholder engagement.
Dr Samukeliso Dube
Dr. Samukeliso Dube is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in health service delivery and financing across Africa. Currently with FP2030, she previously served as General Manager at Afrocentric Health, leading Health Policy and Medical Advisory, and held senior roles at Royal Philips and PATH. Her global health expertise includes leading healthcare investments at ArK and directing the Global Campaign for Microbicides. Dr. Dube holds an MD from the University of Zimbabwe, an MPH from the University of Limpopo, a DTMH, and advanced degrees in Business Administration and Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Felicity Nneoma
Co-Chair, Youth Subcommittee
Felicity Nneoma
Co-Chair, Youth SubcommitteeFelicity Nneoma is a Public Health Practitioner, early career researcher, and development expert with over five years of experience advocating for gender equality and the sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescents and young people, particularly women and girls in grassroots communities. She works with non-profit organizations on advocacy, policy development, and evidence-based interventions that promote youth development and environmental sustainability. Skilled in communication, advocacy, program management, research writing, and public speaking, Felicity is passionate about driving social change and enjoys networking, traveling, and reading in her free time
Dr. Binyerem Ukaire
Director Family Health Department
Dr. Binyerem Ukaire
Director Family Health DepartmentDr. Salma Ibrahim Anas is a Medical Doctor and Public Health Physician with over 30 years of experience in Public Health and Humanitarian Crisis Response at national and international levels. She has held key roles, including establishing Nigeria's pioneering HIV treatment program and coordinating the first Global Fund proposals for HIV, TB, and Malaria. As Director of the Family Health Department, she launched the RMNCAEH+N Multi-stakeholder Coordination Platform. Dr. Anas is the Special Adviser to the President on Health and Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council Sub-Committee on Health, recognized for her expertise, passion, and dedication to improving healthcare services.
Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas
Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas is a Medical Doctor and Public Health Physician with over 30 years of experience in Public Health and Humanitarian Crisis Response at national and international levels. She has held key roles, including establishing Nigeria's pioneering HIV treatment program and coordinating the first Global Fund proposals for HIV, TB, and Malaria. As Director of the Family Health Department, she launched the RMNCAEH+N Multi-stakeholder Coordination Platform. Dr. Anas is the Special Adviser to the President on Health and Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council Sub-Committee on Health, recognized for her expertise, passion, and dedication to improving healthcare services.