Meet The Team
Lamidi Temitope May is a gender parity strategist, legal analyst, and social development advocate focused on gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
She is the Founder and President of GEADI and the President of WAANSA Nigeria, where she drives gender-responsive integration and mainstreaming across policies and programmes.
Her policy recommendations have been featured in Al Jazeera, Blue Print Newspaper, and Trumpet Newspaper — and have directly influenced government policy on State Police and economic palliatives during the oil crisis.
She has consistently argued that without State Police and targeted government relief, Nigerian and African women — who are predominantly farmers — risk moving 80 years backwards. Many cannot afford transport fares to move their daily produce to market, leaving their livelihoods and safety exposed.
Through GEADI, she leads programmes that empower women economically, support girls’ education, and provide recovery pathways for vulnerable women.
Temitope holds certifications from UNICEF, the United States Institute of Peace, and the UNILAG SPESSE World Bank-funded programme, with credentials in PSEA, ESG, Mental Health, Peacebuilding, and Advanced Social Standards.
Her vision is to close structural gaps, reduce gender-based violence, and build a more equitable society where women and girls can thrive.
Dr. Endurance Edafewotu, PhD
Social & IT Researcher | Policy Strategist | Development Advocate
CEO & Managing Director, Syledach Nigeria Ltd and Keez Hospitality & Education UK Ltd
Secretary, Gender Equality and Advocacy Development Initiative (GEADI)
Director of Operations, West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Nigeria)
Executive Profile
Dr. Endurance Edafewotu is an astute Social and IT Researcher, policy strategist, and development advocate with over 15 years of cross-sector leadership spanning research, taxation, governance, business development, and civil society. He combines qualitative and quantitative research expertise with lean thinking and cost optimization to deliver high-impact solutions for government, corporate, and nonprofit clients. A published author and PhD holder in International Relations from the University of Benin, his dissertation critically appraised National Interest & Cyber Security in Nigeria (2000–2022). He has been a research consultant to individuals and corporate organizations, translating complex problems into pragmatic, evidence-based interventions that exceed stakeholder expectations.
Current Leadership & Advocacy Roles
Dr. Edafewotu currently serves as CEO and Managing Director of Syledach Nigeria Ltd and Keez Hospitality & Education UK Ltd, driving innovation in business services, education, and hospitality across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He is Secretary of the Gender Equality and Advocacy Development Initiative (GEADI), where he manages the secretariat, reviews policy briefs, oversees tax compliance, prepares conference materials, and supports institutional strategies that advance gender parity. A committed HeForShe advocate, he has championed GEADI’s gender equality campaigns and stakeholder engagement with government and civil society.
As Director of Operations of the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Nigeria), he leads the coalition’s research and advocacy to curb the inflow of small arms and light weapons through Nigerian border communities. His responsibilities include proposal development, corporate and government collaboration, and coordinating with the National Bureau for Statistics and Defence on nationwide surveys tracking small arms proliferation. He has held this role since 2018, building WAANSA-Nigeria’s research and advocacy capacity.
Professional Track Record
In the UK, Dr. Edafewotu has worked as a Field Interviewer for Verian, Kantar Public, and the Office for National Statistics, conducting confidential interviews, crime surveys, and biospecimen collection with strict adherence to protocol and ethics. From 2019–2023 he was Business Development Analyst at Denjos Ltd, Greater Manchester, leading business process reengineering and multi-disciplinary change delivery.
In Nigeria, he was Branch Manager for Fasapillars Limited, Abuja, and Managing Director of Elomaz Communications Ltd, where he led user experience and financial sustainability. At Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, he served as Senior Change Management Officer and later as Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, driving the Board’s migration from analogue to digital operations and advising on revenue strategy. Earlier, he was Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Isoko South LGA, and Contract Evaluation Officer, leading need assessments for community contracts.
Research, Publications & Affiliations
A Fellow and Partner with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Sustainable Development Centre, and Research & Communications Director at the Institute for Leadership and Development Communication (ILDC), Dr. Edafewotu oversees ILDC’s African Journal of Culture, Communication and Media. He is author of The Isoko Ethnic Nationality in Time Perspective (University Press, Ibadan, 2019) and Isoko Dictionary with English Translation (2021), with journal articles on digital divide, cyber security, and China’s South China Sea policy.
He holds memberships with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) UK, the Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria (ICAD), and the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN). His certifications span Tax Policy, Leadership & Change Management, Sustainability Strategy, and International Tax Management from institutions including Coventry University, University of Edinburgh Business School, and WAUTI Ghana.
Core Competencies: Policy Research & Analysis | Stakeholder Engagement | Gender Advocacy | Small Arms & Security Policy | Business Development | Business Analysis | Change Management | Field Interviewing | Strategic Communication | Tax & Revenue Reform | Research Consultancy
Oladokun Babatunde Akin is an accomplished Director and Professional Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), AMNIM with over a decade of multi-sectoral expertise in global logistics, administrative governance, and social advocacy. With a robust academic background in Accounting and Business Administration, he provides the Board of Trustees with a sophisticated blend of financial scrutiny and high-level strategic oversight. As a Professional Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), AMNIM, he is dedicated to fostering institutional integrity and sustainable regional development.
Executive Leadership & Board Experience
Currently serving as Director of Operations and Procurement at Top May Goshen LTD, Mr. Oladokun spearheads international trade relations and large-scale supply chain management. His leadership is characterized by a “Value for Money” philosophy—underpinned by his technical financial background—and the successful navigation of complex cross-border regulatory frameworks. His previous roles, including his tenure with the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) Nigeria, highlight a career-long dedication to regional stability and non-profit governance.
Specialized Qualifications & Strategic Advancement
A proponent of lifelong professional development, Mr. Oladokun holds an Executive Certificate in Leadership & Management, La Plage Meta Verse, 2026, specializing in Public Sector HR and Strategic Decision-Making. He is currently advancing his expertise in International Business Administration and holds the World Bank SPESSE Track A Certification in Sustainable Procurement and is progressing to Track D: Advanced Procurement Management for Executives (2026). This roadmap ensures his approach to development initiatives remains aligned with global environmental standards and modern corporate governance.
Safety, Equity, and Ethics
A cornerstone of his trustee profile is his specialized training in human protection. Mr. Oladokun holds dual certifications from UNICEF in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment & Abuse of Authority (PSHAA) and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA). These credentials ensure that GEADI operates under the highest global standards of gender equity, protection, and ethical conduct.
Ehanah-Osayuware Dina Ogiemhewan, MSc
WASH & Gender Officer
Gender Equality Advocacy Development Initiative (GEADI) | Benin City Field Office, Edo State
Ehanah-Osayuware Dina is GEADI’s WASH & Gender Officer advancing UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through accountable, gender-responsive water security programming across Edo State.
She holds a BSc in Accountancy and an MSc in Water Accounting, applying public finance and M&E expertise to strengthen transparency in community water systems. Her research on Corporate Water Accounting supports GEADI’s evidence-based approach to budgeting, tariff design, and performance monitoring for donor-funded WASH interventions.
Based in Benin City, she coordinates gender-responsive governance of water points, solar-powered boreholes, and sanitation facilities, ensuring women and vulnerable groups participate in management, fee collection, and maintenance structures. She integrates TVET-certified service delivery and stakeholder engagement standards to enhance community outreach, field program logistics, and behavior change campaigns. She is currently enrolled in the World Bank/FME-supported TVET Certification Programme in Hospitality Management through Amena Academy to strengthen operational coordination and community engagement for WASH initiatives.
Dina supports technical collaboration between GEADI’s Abuja headquarters and field operations in Edo State. Her work contributes to UN SDG 6 targets, national WASH standards, and donor financial accountability requirements for sustainable service delivery.
Core competencies: Water accounting & WASH finance, gender-responsive M&E, community water governance, stakeholder engagement, TVET-certified service operations.
Osayuware Ehanah
Civil Engineer | WASH & Gender-Responsive Infrastructure Specialist | Safety Officer
Osayuware Ehanah is a Civil Engineer and certified Safety Officer specializing in the delivery of resilient WASH systems and inclusive community infrastructure. With advanced expertise in gender-responsive programming, he holds a Child Safety Awareness certification from TraumaCARE International Foundation, enabling the integration of rigorous safeguarding principles into complex civil engineering works.
As GEADI’s Gender-Responsive Infrastructure & WASH Officer, Osayuware serves as a vital technical link for the organization’s South-South operations. Based in Benin City, Edo State, he leads the planning, design, and supervision of critical facilities across regional project sites, including solar-powered boreholes, sanitation systems, and drainage networks. He ensures every intervention transcends conventional builds by embedding GBV risk mitigation, menstrual hygiene management (MHM), and universal accessibility frameworks for persons with disabilities.
A specialist in HSE Competence (Level 3), he enforces exacting safety protocols across field sites, leading high-level risk assessments and fostering a robust culture of health and safety for technical teams and host communities alike.
Osayuware drives expert collaboration between GEADI’s Abuja headquarters and key regional stakeholders—including RUWASSA, government agencies, and international implementing partners. His ongoing COREN certification further strengthens his capacity to provide validated engineering oversight and ensure all technical designs meet the regulatory and World Bank standards required for large-scale, donor-funded infrastructure interventions.
Meet Our Grand Patron
Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, FCA, FCTI, MBA (Tech Mgt)
Senator, Delta South Senatorial District, APC
Traditional Titles: Majidadin Kaigama Katsina | Idodo of Emede Kingdom
Background & Values
Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo is a seasoned leader, chartered accountant, and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in public service, governance, and community development. He is a strong proponent of sustainable human development and believes in supporting disadvantaged groups in society.
He currently serves as:
- President of the Board of Trustees– Joseph Onothome Ofo Educational Foundation (awarding scholarships to brilliant students)
- Patron– Ithihikpebe Campaign Organization (non-profit focused on civil rights, economic & educational empowerment)
- Chairman, Board of Trustees– Elomaz Foundation
Public Service & Governance (Relevant to NGO Work)
- Senator, Delta South Senatorial District(2023–present)
- Executive Chairman (Mayor), Isoko South Local Government Council(2007–2008) – demonstrated grassroots governance and development
- Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue(2009–2015) – grew state revenue and built infrastructure for public good
- Member, Delta State Economic Council(2009–2015) – shaped economic development policies
Key Achievements in Human Development
- Championed modernization of public agencies with a vision for technology-enabled service delivery
- Recognized for commitment to quality representation and dedicated serviceto Delta South Senatorial District (Michael Okpara Leadership Prize, 2024)
- Facilitated numerous seminars and programs through his professional bodies
- Provides scholarships and educational support through foundation leadership
Education
- MBA (Technology Management)– Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Alumnus– Harvard Kennedy School of Government
- Senior Executive Fellow & graduate of leadership programs in the US, UK, and Canada
Personal & Leadership Qualities
- Speaks four local languages (Isoko, Urhobo, Ijaw, Yoruba) – effective for grassroots engagement
- Enjoys meeting people, listening to music, and playing golf
- Married with six children
Professional Affiliations (for credibility)
- Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)
- Fellow, Association of Chartered System Accountants (USA)
Our approach
Our Mission
Geadi is committed to transformative, gender-responsive advocacy that challenges patriarchal laws and systemic discrimination. We empower women and vulnerable groups by restoring dignity, advancing legal reform, and fostering inclusive environments — so that no one is left behind because of stereotype or who they are.
Whether it is a reassuring conversation, financial help, education, professional training, or simply the assurance that they are not alone, we will make sure that everyone gets support that meets them where they’re at as quickly as possible.
Our Vision
We envision a world where dignity is the first thing protected, not the first thing taken — where no woman or vulnerable person faces prejudice, systemic barriers or discrimination because of their protected characteristics, including gender, race, disability, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. A world where every marginalized voice is empowered to thrive, lead, and belong – without exception.
Our entire team wants to see a world where every woman struggling in any way feels able to reach out and has people who’ll help them with education, jobs, and more. We want to spread out in every region so we’ll be reachable to all.
Our Partners
