TRUSTEES OF STANDTALL AFRICA INITIATIVE

Our trustees are not on salary or any form of monthly or annual payment. The organization, however, gives them honorarium from time to time and appreciates them through some well-packaged allowances to motivate and encourage them to deliver on their assignments throughout the year.

Our trustee membership is for two tenures of five years per tenure. Which means a trustee member could remain on the board for ten years, except if he or she resigns voluntarily, is forced to resign, or dies. Membership is also not transferable. The organization appoints a trustee member whenever the need arises. Below are the members of the trustees of the organization:

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DR. OGAH EMMANUEL EDEOJA (Country Director/CEO, STAi

Dr. Ogah Emmanuel Edeoja is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Standtall Africa Initiative and also doubles as the Country Representative of STAi Nigeria.

A renowned health expert and human capacity builder per excellence, he bagged his first degree in Human and Clinical Physiology from the University of Ilorin, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, PGD in Educational Administration and Planning, M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Planning, Master’s in Business Administration, and a PhD in view.

He is a prolific writer with books to his credit, a speaker of note in workshops, seminars, and conferences, specifically on issues bothering leadership, creativity, and education in Africa.

His passion for African development led to the establishment of STAi in 2018. STAi, since then, has greatly impacted the lives of African leaders, institutions, youths, entrepreneurs, etc.

Dr. Ogah Emmanuel hails from Benue State of Nigeria, precisely Idoma by tribe.

Emir Of Zazzau

HIS HIGHNESS, MALLAM AHMED NUHU BAMALLI, CFR (EMIR OF ZAZZAU), Board Chairman, Standtall Africa Initiative (STAi)

His Highness, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, Doctor of Laws (LLD), University of Jos Emir of Zazzau in the year 2023 was born on the 8th of June, 1966, to the family of late Nuhu Bamalli CFR, Magajin Garin Zazzau, and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister in the first Republic. He hailed from the Mallawa Dynasty and was also a direct descendant of Mallam Musa, the first Fulani Emir of Zazzau, 1804 – 1821.

 

His Highness studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) between 1986 and 1989. He had his Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same University. In 1998, he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from ESUT Business School in Lagos. He studied for a fellowship on Conflict Resolution and became a Senior Chevening fellow from the University of York (UK) in 2009. His Highness was at the Harvard Business School in 2011, where he had his GMP – General Management Programme that qualified him to be an Alumnus of the Harvard Business School. In addition, he obtained a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Oxford University (UK) in 2015.

Among other accomplishments, he was appointed Magajin Garin Zazzau in 2001, the second most Senior Princely title of Zazzau Emirate after the demise of his father, Nuhu Bamalli. His Highness was crowned 20 years later as the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau on the 7th October, 2020. He succeeded late Shehu Idris, Emir of Zazzau.

His Highness had worked in many institutions and thereby served in several capacities: –

  1. He was a Foundation member of First Security Discount House (FSDH) in Lagos and rose to the position of Assistant Manager.
  2. He was also in FSB International Bank and later Fidelity Bank, where he voluntarily left as Senior Manager
  3. He briefly served as Assistant Director at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency, FCT
  4. He was at MTEL (Nigerian Mobile Telecommunication), where he served as General Manager, Human Resources for 2 years.
  5. His Highness was appointed Executive Director, Corporate Services after reorganizing Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc in 2011
  6. In 2012, he was elevated by the Board to the Ag MD/CEO. This is the position he held up to 2014.
  7. He served as a member of the Transition Committee for the new Administration of Kaduna State in 2015.
  8. He was appointed Commissioner in the Kaduna State Electoral Commission (SIECOM) in 2016
  9. He was appointed Nigeria Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He served from 2017 – 2020 September.
  10. On October 7th, 2020, he was enthroned as the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, thereby occupying the coveted seat his great-grandfather built and occupied. He is the incumbent Sarkin Zazzau, exactly 100 years after his grandfather, Emir Aliyu Dan Sidi.

His Highness has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in various organizations where he has served, among them are; President, African Banknote Association 2013-2014, Chairman, Board of Directors, Tawada Limited 2013 – 2014, Director Lauman Limited 2009 – 2010, Director Ryden Oil and Gas 2009 – 2010, Director Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria 2014 – 2015, Member Transition Committee, Kaduna State 2015, Appointed Chancellor of the University of Jos 2021 – Date, Appointed Chancellor, Capital City University, Kano 2022 – Date, Appointed Chancellor, Greenfield University, Kaduna 2022 – Date.

His Highness was conferred Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 2022. He is happily married with 5 children.

Felix

BARRISTER FELIX ONOWO OGBAUDU, AIG Rtd, MON, NPM, JP. mni, B. Sc. Ed, PGDPA. LLB. BL

Barr. Felix Ogbaudu is a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and currently an Abuja-based private legal practitioner. He hails from Otor-Owhe, Isoko North LGA, Delta State. A lawyer, teacher, and administrator, enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in August 1976 after his National Youth Service in Kano and served meritoriously for 35 years before retiring in August 2011.

Barr. Felix Ogbaudu is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1972-75), Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Badagry (1984), University of Lagos (1987-1992), Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos (1993), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos (2006), among others. He has attended several courses, conferences, seminars, and tours within and outside Nigeria.

He was a member of the federal government committee on the sale of FGN shares in UBA PLC 1998, FGN investigation committee into NAFCON ONNE, Port Harcourt, and the Federal Superphosphate Company, Kaduna 2000-2001; member, Federal Government Committee on the implementation of the white paper on FG landed property in Nigeria 2000-2001. Some of the top positions held while in service are thus; Force C.I.D Alagbon Close Ikoyi Lagos (1980-1986); ACP i/c FCT C.I.D ABUJA (1994-1999); Co-ordinating Deputy Commissioner of Police, Force C. I. D, Abuja; Commissioner of Police Gombe, Oyo, Anambra And Rivers States; Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar and 7 Abuja.

In recognition of his immense contributions to national security and the Police Service, Barr. Felix Ogbaudu was awarded the National Honours Award as MEMBER ORDER OF THE NIGER (MON) by the Federal Government in 2000 and the NIGERIA POLICE MEDAL (NPM) by the Nigeria Police Force in 2009.

AIG Felix Ogbaudu is widely travelled and has been to the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ghana, Italy, Namibia, Hungary, South Africa, and Israel.

He is married with children and grandchildren. His hobbies include photography, listening to music, dancing, traveling, and playing squash.

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ALHAJI ISMAILA NUMAN ALIYU (Turaki Batta)

Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu is a distinguished Nigerian senior civil servant and career bureaucrat who served as Federal Permanent Secretary in several key ministries of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the Federal Ministry of Defence. Over the course of his career, he contributed significantly to the administration and coordination of national public sector institutions.

He is also recognized within traditional and cultural circles in Adamawa State by the title Turaki Batta, reflecting his respected standing within the sociocultural institutions of his community.

 

Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu was born on 2 October 1956 and hails from Numan in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. He comes from a prominent Adamawa family with strong ties to local traditional institutions.

His educational journey began in Numan and continued through reputable institutions in northern Nigeria:

  • Native Authority Primary School, Numan – Primary School Certificate (1969)
  • Government Secondary School, Numan – Secondary School Certificate
  • Federal School of Arts and Science, Mubi – Advanced Level Certificate (1977)
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1980)

He also participated in a course in Good Governance in Public Sector Administration in 2010, further strengthening his expertise in public administration and governance.

Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu built a long and distinguished career in both the private and public sectors, steadily rising through leadership roles in Nigeria’s administrative system.

  • Mortgage Officer, Federal Mortgage Bank (1980–1981)
  • Store Officer, Nigerian National Supply Company (1981–1987)
  • Analyst, International Merchant Bank (1987–1999)

He later joined the Federal Civil Service, where he held several strategic positions:

  • Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (2000–2006)
  • Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Finance, serving in the Home Finance and International Associations Divisions (2006–2010)
  • Director (Special Duties), Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance (2010–2012)

His career continued to advance into the highest levels of the federal administrative system:

  • Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation – Political and Economic Affairs (2012)
  • Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Police Affairs (2012–2013)
  • Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence (from 2013)

These appointments reflect a career marked by professional competence, administrative leadership, and national service.

As Permanent Secretary in key ministries, particularly Police Affairs and Defence, Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu played an important role in coordinating policy implementation, institutional management, and public sector administration. His work contributed to maintaining administrative continuity and governance effectiveness across successive federal administrations.

Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu is married and blessed with children. He remains actively connected with his community in Adamawa State, where he is respected as a senior statesman and community figure.

His association with the traditional title Turaki Batta reflects his recognition within the cultural and sociopolitical structures of Adamawa State.

Alhaji Ismaila Numan Aliyu is a seasoned Nigerian administrator whose career in the federal civil service culminated in his appointment as Permanent Secretary in several strategic ministries of the Federal Government, including Defence and Police Affairs. His professional journey demonstrates decades of dedication to public service, institutional leadership, and national development, while he continues to be regarded as a respected elder statesman in Adamawa State.

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BARRISTER MUSTAPHA BASHIK WALI

State of Origin: Kano State, Nigeria

Barrister Mustapha Bashik Wali is a distinguished legal practitioner, public administrator, and corporate governance expert with several decades of professional experience across the legal, transportation, and public sectors.

He attended Government College, Zaria (now Barewa College) before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later enrolled at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 1973.

Furthering his academic and professional training, Barrister Wali undertook postgraduate studies at the University of North London, United Kingdom, between 1973 and 1976. During this period, he also attained the professional qualification of Member of the Chartered Institute of Transport (MCIT).

In recognition of his professional contributions, he was awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) in 1980.

Barrister Wali began his career in public service, serving between 1972 and 1973 as an Administrative Officer (Executive Secretary) in the Kano State Public Service Recruitment Committee in Charge of Recruitment into the Civil Service.

From 1973 to 1976, he served in the Nigerian Ports Authority Legal Department as a Law Cadet. He subsequently rose through several senior positions within the organization:

  • Executive Director (Sales), Nigerian Limited (1976–1979)
  • Executive Director (Media), Nigerian Limited, overseeing the construction of two Victoria Island housing estates in Lagos (1979–1987).

He also established a respected legal practice with offices in Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, where he served as Solicitor and Advocate of the Nigerian Courts, providing legal services to both private and public sector clients. His expertise extends to arbitration, and he has acted as an advocate before International Arbitration Tribunals (London Court of International Arbitration – LCIA) and the Arbitration Tribunal of the Nigerian Tribunals of Arbitration.

Public Service and National Engagement

Since 1988, Barrister Wali has served as a public appointee of both Federal and State Governments, participating in numerous panels, judicial commissions of inquiry, investigations, and public sector advisory assignments, including those relating to NNPC and NEPA.

Board and Professional Memberships

Barrister Wali has also served on several important boards and advisory bodies, including:

  • Former Member, Kano State Judicial Service Commission (1988–date)
  • Former Member, Board of Savannah Bank of Nigeria
  • Former Member, Board of the International Bank of West Africa (former Afribank, now Keystone Bank)

Through his extensive career spanning law, public administration, and corporate governance, Barrister Mustapha Bashik Wali has contributed significantly to legal practice, institutional development, and national public service.

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PROFESSOR LAWAL SULEMAN BILBIS

(Former Vice-Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto)

Professor Lawal Suleman Bilbis is a distinguished Nigerian academic, biochemist, and university administrator with decades of experience in teaching, research, and higher education leadership. He is a Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he has served the institution in various academic and administrative capacities.

 

Born on 2 April 1961 in Bilbis, Zamfara State, Nigeria, Professor Bilbis is a respected scholar and academic leader whose work spans biochemical research, university administration, and national academic development.

Professor Bilbis obtained his academic training in Nigeria and the United Kingdom:

  • D. in Biological Chemistry – University of Essex, Colchester, England (1992)
  • Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry (Second Class Upper Division) – University of Sokoto, Nigeria (1986), now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2002)

Prof Bilbis

Professor Bilbis has had a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades. He joined Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto in 1988 and rose steadily through the academic ranks:

  • Graduate Assistant (1988–1989)
  • Assistant Lecturer (1989–1992)
  • Lecturer II (1992–1994)
  • Lecturer I (1994–1996)
  • Senior Lecturer (1998–2002)
  • Professor of Biochemistry (2002 – Present)

He also served as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at King Khalid Military Academy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1996–1998) and held sabbatical academic appointments at Federal University Gusau (2016–2017).

University Leadership and Administration

Professor Bilbis has held numerous strategic leadership positions in Nigerian universities, including:

  • Vice Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2019–2024)
  • Vice Chancellor, Federal University Birnin Kebbi (2013–2016)
  • Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Usmanu Danfodiyo University (2011–2013)
  • Dean, Faculty of Science (2003–2007)
  • Head of Department, Biochemistry (2001–2003)
  • Director, University Development Office (2007–2011)

He has also served on numerous university committees and governance structures, including the University Governing Council, Senate Committees, and strategic academic boards, contributing to institutional development and academic policy formulation.

Professor Bilbis is an accomplished researcher whose work focuses on:

  • Oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Biochemical mechanisms of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, malaria, hypertension, and infertility

He has supervised over 19 PhD candidates and more than 30 Master’s degree students, while mentoring numerous postgraduate researchers.

His research has attracted several competitive grants from national and international organizations, including:

  • National Universities Commission (NUC)
  • Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)
  • Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)
  • Nestlé Foundation, Switzerland

Professor Bilbis is also the holder of scientific patents related to antidiabetic and antimalarial compounds, reflecting the practical and translational impact of his research.

He is an active member of several professional and scientific organizations, including:

  • Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Biochemical Society (United Kingdom)
  • Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology
  • Science Association of Nigeria
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

Professor Bilbis has contributed significantly to national academic and scientific development. He has served as:

  • President, Federated African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • National President, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Member, Governing Council of the University of Benin
  • Chairman, Governing Board, Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau
  • Member of various Federal Government visitation panels, NUC accreditation teams, and national scientific committees.

Professor Lawal Suleman Bilbis is a highly accomplished biochemist, academic administrator, and research scholar whose career has been marked by outstanding contributions to scientific research, higher education leadership, and national academic development. Through his roles as Vice Chancellor, Professor, researcher, and mentor, he has played a significant role in strengthening university education, advancing biochemical research, and building scientific capacity in Nigeria and across Africa.

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PROF. (MRS) SA’ADATU HASSAN LIMAN

Prof. (Mrs.) Sa’adatu Hassan Liman is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Professor of Islamic Studies. She was born on the 14th May. She hails from Lafia, Nasarawa State. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Jos in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from the same university in 2002. She also earned a Master of Philosophy in 2008 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Studies in 2010. She started working at Nasarawa State University in 2002. She is a member of many learned societies including Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS); American Academy of Religion (AAR) Atlanta, Georgia; Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals of Nigeria (FIIFPN); International Research and Development Institute, Research and Development Network (IRDI); American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and President, Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NAFTAIS). Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman has received several fellowship awards, prizes, and scholarships.

 

She has written several books and journal articles on religion, politics, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and finance. Among the awards she won is the winner of the Lecturers’ Face of Reading Award 2020, organized by Standtall Africa Initiative.

She attended and presented papers at many national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops, including a presentation at the 60th United Nations Women’s Assembly in New York on the Status of Women.

PATRONS OF THE ORGANIZATION

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SEN. MAJ. GEN. MOHAMMED MAGORO (RTD), OFR (Grand Patron, STAi)

Maj. Gen. (Senator) Mohammed Magoro (Rtd) is a veteran military officer and gallant soldier of the Nigerian army.

Maj. Gen. Magoro hailed from Kebbi, south of the north-western part of Nigeria. He retired from the military as Major General. Not only did Maj. Gen. Magoro make a mark in the Nigeria military, his selflessness and passion for Nigeria also led him to serve Nigeria in both the civil society and the private sector. He was twice a government minister under Gen. Obasanjo as Federal Commissioner of Transportation in 1978 and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s military regime as Minister for Internal Affairs in 1984. Maj. Gen. Magoro, as a civilian, was twice a Senator representing Kebbi South from May 2011 to 2019. Maj. Gen. 

Magoro has sat on the board of different companies, such as Oando group as Chairman in 2000, PDP as a member of the board of trustees in 2001, and others. Maj. Gen. Magoro graduated from an incredible class of 1962, which later produced a remarkable number of Generals, among whom are: Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Gen. Garba Duba, Gen. Gado Nasko, Gen. Sani Sami, the late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, etc., among whom are heads of state and presidents.

And finally, today, he is the Grand Patron of Standtall Africa Initiative.

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HRH. ALHAJI IBRAHIM USMAN JIBRIL (Emir of Nasarawa)

HRH. Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibril is a Nigeria traditional ruler and an administrator. He is the 12th Emir of Nasarawa Emirate and was a Minister of State for Environment between 2015 and 2018 in the first four years of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibril was born in Nasarawa town of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He is the great-grandson of Sarki Umaru Maje Haji and thus a direct descendant of Umaru Makama Dogo, who founded the Nasarawa Emirate.

Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibril has his first degree in Education and Geography and his master’s degree in Land Resources and Administration from Bayero University, Kano. His brilliance and insatiable quest for education spurred him into teaching. In 1984, he temporarily lectured at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and later joined the Plateau State Ministry of Education, where he was posted to New Karshi as a teacher. In 1985, he transferred his service to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where he continued his teaching career. After obtaining his master’s degree, he left the teaching profession and joined the Department of Land, Planning, and Survey of the FCT as a Land Officer.

From there onward, he moved up his career till he was appointed the Minister of State for Environment. Following the death of Emir Hassan Ahmad II, Wambai (Prince) Ibrahim Jibril was chosen as the new Emir of Nasarawa by the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs.

In December 2018, he was appointed Emir of Nasarawa in Nasarawa Local Government of Nasarawa State by the state governor, H.E. Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

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