Makashe (Ibru) Awogboro is an entrepreneur, events professional, and community leader with a longstanding commitment to education, service, and youth development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French from Skidmore College in New York, where she was inducted into the prestigious Pi Delta Phi National French Honour Society.
As part of her studies, she completed an academic programme at the Sorbonne University in Paris, an experience that further strengthened her global outlook and appreciation for cultural exchange.
For more than a decade, Makashe has served as the director of special events at the Ibru Organisation, where she has overseen the planning and execution of high-profile corporate, philanthropic and community initiatives. In 2019, she founded a luxury children’s gift boutique in Lagos, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences
Beyond her professional work, she is actively involved in community service through several international organisations. She served for two years as the assistant. Hospitality Secretary of the International Women’s Society of Lagos and is an active member of the American Women’s Club, Lagos, where she continues to support initiatives that foster community engagement and social impact.
As a Trustee of The Oskar Ibru Educational Foundation, Makashe brings a unique blend of international education, entrepreneurial leadership, organisational expertise, and a deep commitment to empowering young people. Her experience in programme management, Community engagement and philanthropic initiatives align closely with the foundation’s mission to expand educational opportunities and equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
Christopher Ibru is a business leader with extensive experience spanning shipping, logistics, natural resources, and strategic business development. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne before completing a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Enterprise and Management with Merit. His academic background combines environmental studies, renewable energy, business management, and policy, providing a strong foundation for his multidisciplinary approach to leadership and sustainable enterprise.
Over the past decade, Mr Ibru has held a number of senior executive and board-level positions across Nigeria’s maritime, energy, and mining sectors. He has served as Managing Director of Stokes Energy Limited since 2013, leading the company’s barge logistics and marine operations, and currently serves as director of METCON, MEXCON, and Nubia Resources, where he oversees business strategy, operational management, and the development of mining and metals trading ventures.
He also serves as Director of Aipec Oil and Gas Limited providing strategic oversight of shipping operations and downstream energy logistics. His longstanding involvement with Emsee Shipping Line Ltd. and international experience with global shipbroking firms have further strengthened his expertise in maritime operations, commercial strategy, and international trade.
Committed to sound corporate governance and responsible business leadership, Mr. Ibru is a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria, and the Nigeria Chamber of Shipping. As a Trustee of the Foundation, he brings strategic insight, commercial acumen, and a deep commitment to developing opportunities that empower future generations through education and sustainable development.
Nenesi Okeke is an entrepreneur, project management professional and business development strategist with extensive experience spanning hospitality, retail, creative industries, and corporate relations across Nigeria, Ghana, and the United States. She holds a Master of Arts in Luxury and Fashion Management from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Atlanta, and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Business from Skidmore College, New York.
She also completed studies in Strategic Management of Small and Medium Enterprises at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, providing her with a strong international academic foundation in business leadership and entrepreneurship.
Over the past decade, Nenesi has held several senior leadership positions, including serving as Director of Public Relations and Corporate Relations at the Ibru Organisation, where she leads corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, major events, and business development initiatives across the Group’s hospitality interests in Nigeria and Ghana
Throughout her career, Mrs. Okeke has demonstrated a passion for developing businesses, creating opportunities for young professionals, and delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors. Her combination of international education, entrepreneurial leadership, and Practical management experience makes her a valuable contributor to organisations committed to education, capacity building, and community development.
Ozana Ibru is an internationally trained aesthetician, educator, and entrepreneur with a strong commitment to professional education and skills development within the beauty and wellness industry. She holds a degree in business administration from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, and is professionally certified by both the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) and the Oxford International College of Beauty (OICB), where she received her specialist training. Her passion for education has been a defining feature of her career, with a particular focus on raising professional standards through quality training and internationally recognised qualifications.
Having built extensive experience in the United Kingdom, Ozana worked in sales and marketing with the internationally renowned Elemis skincare brand while also gaining practical experience in the spa industry.
Since returning to Nigeria, she has successfully managed and operated spa businesses and established herself as a respected beauty educator, preparing aspiring aestheticians to meet international examination and certification standards.
Ozana is the Founder and Managing Director of Skin&Beyond+, a multifaceted business comprising a skincare treatment studio, consultancy practice, and specialist training, procurement, and recruitment services for the beauty industry.
Through her work, she is dedicated to developing skilled professionals, creating career opportunities, and advancing vocational education. Her expertise in business, professional training, and workforce development brings valuable insight to her role as a Trustee of the education foundation
Okeore Michael Ottowin Ibru is a legal, governance and commercial executive with extensive experience advising boards, strengthening corporate governance and supporting the sustainable growth of diverse organisations. As legal executive at Oteri Holdings Limited, he provides strategic legal and commercial counsel across multiple sectors, including real estate, shipping, agribusiness and finance. Working closely with the Board and senior leadership, he contributes to governance, risk management and long-term strategic planning, helping to build resilient institutions founded on accountability and ethical leadership.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Okeore is an entrepreneur and company director with interests in agribusiness and environmental sustainability. He is a Director of Arel Agro Allied Limited and Co-Founder and Director of Bioterra Industrial Solutions Limited, an innovative venture focused on converting agricultural waste into renewable feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon industries. Through these ventures, he champions innovation, responsible resource management and long-term economic development.
His commitment to strong governance, education and sustainable enterprise aligns closely with the mission of educational institutions dedicated to developing future leaders and creating lasting social impact.
Omiemie Ibru is a hospitality and property executive with over a decade of leadership experience across hospitality management, facility management, customer experience, and business development. She holds an MSc in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
from Oxford Brookes University, a Pre-Master’s Certificate in Advanced Research Methods from the same institution, and a BSc (Hons) in Built and Natural Environment (Property Management and Investment) from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Omiemie Ibru is a hospitality and property executive with over a decade of leadership experience across hospitality management, facility management, customer experience, and business development.
She holds an MSc in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from Oxford Brookes University, a Pre-Master’s Certificate in Advanced Research Methods from the same institution, and a BSc (Hons) in Built and Natural Environment (Property Management and Investment) from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Driven by a passion for service excellence and professional development, Omiemie founded ATTEND Plus NG, a hospitality consulting and training firm dedicated to improving operational standards, customer service, and workforce capability within Nigeria’s hospitality and service industries.
Omiemie brings to the Foundation extensive experience in leadership, organisational development, and workforce training, together with a strong commitment to education, skills development, and creating opportunities for young people to succeed through practical learning and professional excellence.
Jonathan Okekpokpo Ibru is a business development and strategy professional with a strong academic foundation in international business and luxury brand management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from Oxford Brookes University, an MBA from Richmond American University London, and a Master’s degree in Luxury Brand Management and Strategy from Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design, London. His Educational background has shaped his commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Jonathan currently serves as business development manager at Emsee Shipping and Oteri Holdings, where he leads strategic partnership development, client engagement, and commercial growth initiatives across the Group.
He also serves as a Director of Beverage Central Distribution Company (BCDC), contributing to the company’s strategic direction and business development, while maintaining interests in the luxury antiques and decorative art sector.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jonathan is actively involved in youth development through sport, supporting initiatives that encourage young people to build the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to succeed academically and professionally. As a Trustee, he brings a strong belief in the transformative power of education and is committed to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. educational initiatives.
Folawe Omikunle is a respected education leader, strategist, and social entrepreneur withover 15 years of experience advancing education reform, youth development, andleadership across Africa. She is widely recognized for her ability to build high-performingorganizations and drive systemic change through multi-stakeholder partnerships andexemplary board governance.
Currently, as a Development Consultant, Folawe advises high-net-worth individuals, foundations, corporations, and mission-driven organizations, helping them shape effective strategy, cultivate high-impact partnerships, and achieve scalable, impact-driven outcomes. Her expertise is grounded in over a decade of advancing program and policy solutions at the federal, state, and local levels, including leading the design and execution of statewide public-private partnerships and building bipartisan coalitions.
She is also a Co-Founder of the Greenstone Education Fund. Folawe’s career is defined by her history of organizational leadership and sector advocacy. As the Founding CEO of Teach For Nigeria, she mobilized cross-sector partnerships, secured over 6 billion naira in investment, and reached hundreds of thousands of underrepresented students nationwide, scaling the organization into a nationally recognized education movement. Furthermore, she served as an Ambassador for Teach For All, where she provided strategic advisory services to social entrepreneurs leading education programs across Africa, including countries such as Togo, Chad, Rwanda, Lesotho, Botswana, Tunisia, and Mauritania. Her earlier tenure as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) further established her commitment to strengthening the quality and professionalism of Nigeria’s private education sector, consistently driving results to expand opportunity for learners.
Deeply committed to institutional excellence, Folawe serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Babcock University Schools Management Board, Global School Leaders (GSL), and the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. She holds a Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster and a Bachelor’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from Babcock University. Her academic background is further complemented by executive education programs at Harvard University, the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and Lagos Business School.