A Message from Our Founder

Chinyelu Nwachukwu-Onuotu

Board Chair

Chinyelu (“Chee”) is a visionary leader, creative professional, and advocate for advancing equity and empowerment, particularly for women. She is a trailblazer with an unwavering passion for redefining possibilities and creating transformative solutions in complex environments. As the founder of The Maverick Circle (“TMC”), Chee is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where women can develop self-awareness, foster empathy, and cultivate mutual respect while navigating their unique paths to growth.

Guided by the core values of resilience, integrity, equity, and compassion, Chinyelu believes in the transformative power of understanding and shared humanity. Her work is rooted in the conviction that authentic connections and a strong sense of self can help individuals overcome challenges, embrace growth, and achieve fulfilment.

The Maverick Circle reflects Chee’s mission to empower women by encouraging open dialogue, nurturing emotional intelligence, and promoting fairness and balance in all interactions. Inspired by the values of the TMC Crest, she champions the endurance of a mountain, the fairness of a scale, and the regenerative spirit of a phoenix, all while fostering an environment where women feel heard, supported, and valued.

Chee’s leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to honesty, inclusivity and growth. She strives to inspire women (including herself) to embrace their unique personalities, achieve their full potential, and thrive in their respective life journeys, while supporting one another with grace, respect, and shared purpose.

Molade Ajidahun

Vice Chair

Molade Ajidahun is a dynamic and accomplished legal and business professional with a proven track record of success in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector. As Group Head of Legal, Corporate & Commercial Transactions at MainOne Group, Molade has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in providing strategic legal counsel, managing complex transactions, and leading a high-performing legal team. Her strategic insights and effective leadership have contributed significantly to MainOne’s growth and success.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Molade is a passionate advocate for women in the workplace. As an ExCo member of the Women In MainOne and Vice Chair of the Employee Council at MainOne, she actively mentors young professionals, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them develop their careers. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment is a testament to her dedication to empowering others.

In her spare time, Molade enjoys exploring her passions for music and child development and spending time with friends and family. Her diverse interests and experiences bring a unique perspective to her work and contribute to her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.

Molade’s dedication to her profession, coupled with her commitment to mentoring and community engagement, make her a valuable asset to our team.

Fatima Mamman-Kazaure

Secretary

Fatima Mamman-Kazaure is a seasoned legal expert with over 17 years experience in wireless telecommunications infrastructure, specializing in legal and commercial drafting, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.

At American Tower Corporation (ATC Nigeria), Fatima serves as Senior Manager, Legal (Commercial), driving transformative strategies that integrate legal excellence with business growth. She also heads the ATC Nigeria Foundation, expanding its impact through operational optimization, strategic partnerships, and broadened reach.

Her distinguished career includes roles at the Helios Towers Africa and Nigerian Communications Commission. She holds an LLB (Hons) and BL (Hons) and is pursuing a Business Sustainability Management certification. An alumna of the Lagos Business School Senior Management Programme, Fatima brings technical expertise and leadership acumen to the telecommunications sector.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Fatima is a dedicated and passionate apiarist, devoted to the art of beekeeping. With a deep love for nature and a commitment to sustainability, Fatima finds solace and inspiration in the intricate world of bees, nurturing her apiary with care and dedication.

Nkechi Adimora

Board Member

Nkechi Adimora is an HR innovator with over 15 years of experience transforming workplaces across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Specializing in talent acquisition, DEI, and building future-ready teams, she delivers forward-thinking, people-first strategies that drive results.

Her expertise includes Strategic Workforce Planning, DEI Leadership, Employer Branding, and AI-powered Talent Acquisition—helping organizations build inclusive, high-performing teams that thrive.

Outside of work, Nkechi is an avid traveler, foodie, and enjoys spending quality time with friends.

Kofoworola Bamgbose

Board Member

Kofoworola Bamgbose is a legal expert with an extensive and impressive career spanning 15 years across law firms and corporate organisations. She is currently the Manager, Legal at Savannah Energy in Nigeria, at which she heads the Company’s Legal team as it navigates the Company’s various Nigerian operations. Her professional journey has seen her holding pivotal roles in indigenous and multi-national oil companies including, Amni International Petroleum, TotalEnergies, and Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited.

She is known for her strategic and results-oriented approach to problem-solving, her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and her commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.

A proud graduate of Cardiff University, UK, Kofoworola brings a strong academic foundation and a wealth of practical experience to her work which traverses all her endeavours.

Her career reflects her dedication to driving results and creating meaningful impact within the energy and corporate sectors, making her a valuable asset to any team she’s part of.  

She enjoys mentoring younger lawyers, travelling, fashion, theatre and exploring global cuisines. 

Nyema Ndu-Iheme

Board Member

Nyema Ndu-Iheme is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience in the energy sector, specializing in Business Communication, Leadership, Strategy Execution, and Project Management. She has a strong track record of driving transformational initiatives in Talent Development, Enterprise Risk Management, Corporate Communications, and Process Optimization.

A certified expert in Strategy Execution, Negotiation Mastery, and Leadership & Management from Harvard Business School, Nyema blends world-class education with hands-on experience to deliver meaningful and sustainable business outcomes. Currently leading the Digital Communications Projects department at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Nyema plays a pivotal role in enhancing organizational communication strategies and driving digital transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Rivers State University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Warwick Business School, United Kingdom.

Nyema is deeply passionate about empowering women in business, advocating for their growth through mentorship, skill development, and strategic career advancement initiatives. She is committed to fostering inclusive leadership and helping women unlock their full potential in the corporate world.

Anthonia Ugowe

Board Member

Anthonia Ugowe, PhD is a legal, governance, compliance and risk management consultant. She has many years of experience in legal practice, the corporate sector and academia. She is a senior law lecturer at the Department of Business Law at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin. Kwara State, Nigeria and is responsible for the corporate governance, commercial transactions and regulatory compliance of clients housed at Aqua Advisory – A law firm she founded. 

Anthonia obtained her first degree in Common Law from the University of Ilorin, Ilorin. Kwara State, Nigeria. Her master’s in International Business and Commercial Law was from the University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. Anthonia holds a PhD in Business and Commercial Law from the University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom. Her PhD focus was on using corporate governance as a transformation tool in sustaining Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Nigeria. She is qualified to practice as a solicitor and advocate in Nigeria.

Chinyelu Nwachukwu-Onuotu

Board Chair

Chinyelu (“Chee”) is a visionary leader, creative professional, and advocate for advancing equity and empowerment, particularly for women. She is a trailblazer with an unwavering passion for redefining possibilities and creating transformative solutions in complex environments. As the founder of The Maverick Circle (“TMC”), Chee is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where women can develop self-awareness, foster empathy, and cultivate mutual respect while navigating their unique paths to growth.

Guided by the core values of resilience, integrity, equity, and compassion, Chinyelu believes in the transformative power of understanding and shared humanity. Her work is rooted in the conviction that authentic connections and a strong sense of self can help individuals overcome challenges, embrace growth, and achieve fulfilment.

The Maverick Circle reflects Chee’s mission to empower women by encouraging open dialogue, nurturing emotional intelligence, and promoting fairness and balance in all interactions. Inspired by the values of the TMC Crest, she champions the endurance of a mountain, the fairness of a scale, and the regenerative spirit of a phoenix, all while fostering an environment where women feel heard, supported, and valued.

Chee’s leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to honesty, inclusivity and growth. She strives to inspire women (including herself) to embrace their unique personalities, achieve their full potential, and thrive in their respective life journeys, while supporting one another with grace, respect, and shared purpose.

Nyema Ndu-Iheme

President

Nyema Ndu-Iheme is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over 18 years of experience in the energy sector, specializing in Business Communication, Leadership, Strategy Execution, and Project Management. She has a strong track record of driving transformational initiatives in Talent Development, Enterprise Risk Management, Corporate Communications, and Process Optimization.

A certified expert in Strategy Execution, Negotiation Mastery, and Leadership & Management from Harvard Business School, Nyema blends world-class education with hands-on experience to deliver meaningful and sustainable business outcomes. Currently leading the Digital Communications Projects department at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Nyema plays a pivotal role in enhancing organizational communication strategies and driving digital transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Rivers State University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Warwick Business School, United Kingdom.

Nyema is deeply passionate about empowering women in business, advocating for their growth through mentorship, skill development, and strategic career advancement initiatives. She is committed to fostering inclusive leadership and helping women unlock their full potential in the corporate world.

Kofoworola Bamgbose

Vice President

Kofoworola Bamgbose is a legal expert with an extensive and impressive career spanning 15 years across law firms and corporate organisations. She is currently the Manager, Legal at Savannah Energy in Nigeria, at which she heads the Company’s Legal team as it navigates the Company’s various Nigerian operations. Her professional journey has seen her holding pivotal roles in indigenous and multi-national oil companies including, Amni International Petroleum, TotalEnergies, and Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited.

She is known for her strategic and results-oriented approach to problem-solving, her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and her commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.

A proud graduate of Cardiff University, UK, Kofoworola brings a strong academic foundation and a wealth of practical experience to her work which traverses all her endeavours.

Her career reflects her dedication to driving results and creating meaningful impact within the energy and corporate sectors, making her a valuable asset to any team she’s part of.  

She enjoys mentoring younger lawyers, travelling, fashion, theatre and exploring global cuisines. 

Osa Aisien

General Secretary

Udeme Chukwuogo

Financial Secretary / Treasurer

Udeme Chukwuogo is an astonishing Engineer with over 13 years of experience at Total E&P Nigeria, where she specializes in ensuring precision and efficiency in measurement systems within the oil and gas sector. Her expertise spans metering operations, flow measurement, and compliance with industry standards.

Before joining Total E&P, Udeme worked as an SAP Finance & Controls Consultant at C2G Consulting, gaining valuable experience in financial controls and enterprise solutions. She holds a Master’s degree in Technology for Broadband Communication from University College London and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

With a strong technical background and years of industry experience, Udeme is committed to innovation and excellence in metering solutions.

Tech-savvy, detail-driven, and always up for a challenge, Udeme is redefining precision in a high-stakes industry one measurement at a

time.

Olaroyeke Ishola

Abuja Programme Director

When you think of a lawyer who combines sharp legal acumen with business-savvy thinking, Olaroyeke Ishola comes to mind. As the Principal Partner at Abu, Royeke & Partners, she has spent nearly a decade ensuring that businesses, individuals, and organizations navigate the complexities of the legal world with confidence. she delivers top-tier legal solutions with a touch of brilliance.  

With a background that blends law and business development from her experience at K.A. Primewater, she understands the practical side of legal practice, always helping businesses grow while staying compliant.  

Armed with degrees from Nigeria Law School, University of Kent, and Padworth College, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. A strategic thinker, problem solver, and legal powerhouse, she is always passionate about delivering excellence, whether it’s in legal research, corporate advisory, or simply making the law work for her clients.  

Need a lawyer who thinks beyond the law? Olaroyeke Ishola is the woman to call.

Eseosa Abbe

PHC Programme Director

With over a decade of experience as an Electrical Engineer at TotalEnergies, Eseosa Abbe has left an indelible mark in the oil and gas sector.

Currently serving as the Head of Special Projects at TotalEnergies, Eseosa is redefining the boundaries of what’s possible, tackling complex challenges and driving impactful solutions that shape the future of energy. Eseosa is an expert in power distribution, load flow analysis, and orchestrating large-scale projects with precision and expertise.

Armed with a strong foundation in electrical engineering and a knack for leveraging tools like ETAP and Microsoft Office, Eseosa seamlessly bridges technical know-how with strategic project management. This TotalEnergies leader thrives on tackling challenges and turning the impossible into reality through advanced system commissioning and power solution optimization.

There’s more to Eseosa than engineering. She’s a dynamic leader, mentor, and inspiration to colleagues and peers alike, she is on a mission to not only power industries but also empower people.  

Out of revolutionizing energy systems, she’s likely brainstorming fresh ideas, advocating for sustainable practices, or enjoying a laugh with her teammates. For Eseosa, engineering is all about brightening the world.

Ada Ekwueme-Oguike

Lagos Programme Director

Ada Ekwueme-Oguike is an accomplished interior designer and the creative mind behind Lighthouse Interior Design, a Lagos-based firm specializing in residential and hospitality spaces. With a passion for storytelling, Ada transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Her work spans boutique hotels, short-let apartments, and bespoke homes, each design carefully crafted to reflect the unique story of the space and its purpose.

Ada’s journey into interior design began with exploring architectural models in her father’s studio, the transformative appeal of show homes, and witnessing the influence of beautifully designed spaces. These experiences shaped her design philosophy—that great design is not just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.

Ada writes a monthly column for Alice, the inflight magazine of Air Peace, where she shares her blend of design insight and lifestyle tips, establishing her as a thought leader at the crossroads of interior design and lifestyle.

When she’s not designing, she loves exploring new places and uncovering hidden gems. She enjoys traveling, discovering interesting stories, and making lasting memories with her husband and two children, who are her greatest inspiration.