A Smile for December
Uzoamaka Anita Asiegbu is a Creative Writer and Disability Advocate who is passionate about advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and their representation in literature, media and arts.
After serving as Class President of March/August 2020 cohort of the Creative Youth Boot Camp, Uzoamaka secured a grant from The Pollination Project to train 30 persons living with disabilities in creative and practical income-generating skills through her creative enterprise called ‘Write Hand Hub’. Following this amazing achievement, she also secured a volunteer position with UN Volunteers as a Program and Inclusion Analyst for UN Women Nigeria.
Abani-Elem Blessing .C. is a Gender Advocate, Public Speaker (TEDx), Community and Social Development enthusiast with over 4 years’ experience working with Community Based Organizations and NGOs in empowering women/ girls and the youths through education/ training, mentorship/coaching and advocacy. Blessing is the curator of “Let’s Talk with Naz-B” an online talk show that is changing the narrative, fostering behavioral change and helping young people live purposeful lives. She’s also the Founder of “Project L.E.A.P (Learning, Educating and Achieving Purpose). She is an alumnus of the Young Women Leadership Project (NWTF). Blessing is a Member, Young Professionals Platform , Fellow of the African ChangeMakers Fellowship 2020 and Yali RLC Fellow 2020. Recipient of the Outstanding Volunteers Award 2020 by the United Nations Volunteers Field Office, Nigeria. A Beijing+25 Young Champion- United Nations Women, Nigeria. Honorable Mention (WHO) at the virtual International Model United Nations Conference 2020 and also a soft skills trainer certified by JobberMan Limited.
Ezenwa Okoro is an Innovation Specialist, Social Justice Advocate and Youth development Facilitator with fifteen years of experience working directly with communities in West Africa focusing on social mobilization, gender equity, youth development and human rights. Okoro is the Founder of Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network, a community-based organization that provides pro bono business development services to startups using business simulation activities to inspire disadvantaged youths to lift themselves out of poverty.
Rita Ezenwa-Okoro is the Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation. She has spent over a decade nurturing and building this vision from scratch and has successfully grown the foundation from a
charity to a social enterprise that caters to the employment and enterprise needs of young people from low-income backgrounds. Rita is also a Marketing Communications Expert that provides 360 degrees communication solutions to SMEs and non-profits
Eduvie Olutimayin is a seasoned Programme Coordinator with robust consulting work experience working with start-ups, financial institutions, NGOs and FCMGs. In recent past, she has provided thought leadership to senior management staff of clients and managed Pan Nigerian engagements/studies with responsibility for overall delivery. She has a BSc degree from the University of Lagos and an MBA in Executive Leadership from Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She is now a Partner and Director of Operations for the Street Project Foundation. She is also the Business Head for Nigeria of a reputable Research Consulting Company.
Ugochukwu Enwereji is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in Information and Communication Technology as well as the Broadcast Media. He is the Former Head of Broadcast and Operations at WAZOBIA FM, Onitsha and currently the Special Projects Manager for Globe Broadcasting and Communications Limited (AIM Group), overseeing projects, operations and business development. During the course of his career, he has worked in various broadcasting stations. He is also a founding member and main stay of 1Thumb, a youth movement that sensitizes youths to empower themselves politically and also vote right.
Wole Oguntokun is a Playwright, Theater Producer and Artistic Director of Renegade Theatre. He is also a Fellow of the International Society for Performing Artistes (ISPA). He was the founding producer and
resident director of Theatre@Terra, a project he ran weekly for three and half years, staging plays at the Arts Centre known as Terakulture. Worthy of note is his work as Asst. Director to Nigeria’s Nobel Laureatte, Prof Wole Soyinka in the Nigerian Premiere of The Beatification of Area Boy in the 2015 Muson Festival.”
Tolu Ajayi is a highly knowledgeable and awarded creative professional, TV producer and filmmaker. He is currently the Head of Branded Content, Insight Communications Limited. Over the past 2 decades, Tolu has led the production of world-class creative and strategic television campaigns, while garnering industry accolades for creative executions with the highest of production values.
Paul R. Sachs is the Executive Director for Merakey-Philadelphia, a division of Merakey USA, a multi-state nonprofit organization working with underserved individuals who have mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual disabilities. Dr Sachs is also a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, USA. He is the author of one book, several book chapters and professional articles in the fields of rehabilitation psychology and corporate social responsibility.
Kelechi is currently the Head, Human Resources, Administration and Communications at Transport Services Ltd (TSL), Nigeria. She was previously the Head of Novartis Africa Corporate University, responsible for Capability and Leadership Development for Novartis Africa, Sandoz Africa as well as Alcorn Africa; a role she took on in November 2015.
Udegbunam Akachukwu Samuel as birthname. word-man was given to me by family and street friends. I am a spoken-word artist, sustainable artist, writer, An entrepreneur. He is also a basic medical student at the University of Nigeria Nsukka Enugu Campus. My hobbies are travelling, reading. I have performed at SECAN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION, Lacasera spoken word competition, Hummingbird poetry community, Els foundation. Wordman won a competition in the spoken-word category and became an ambassador of STREET PROJECT FOUNDATION. In 2020 I was selected to be part of a great community called to pick me up poetry, South Africa. I have also performed at ELS (ENUGU STATE LITERACY SOCIETY)on WORLD POETRY DAY 2021.
Dorcas Jacob is a Brand Communication Professional with key areas in Advertising, Digital Strategy, Public Relations, Branding, and Social Media. She sits on the Youth Advisory Board of Street Project Foundation and she holds a first-class degree in Public Relations and Advertising. Dorcas is a firm advocate and devout volunteer for equality, questioning the status quo and youth development. She thrives in public speaking, enjoys new challenges and seeks experiences that create opportunities to live the best quality of life.
Vanessa Zoë Daniels is a Street Project Ambassador, a creative with a knack for acting, screenwriting and baking. She owns a bachelor's degree in Applied Geosciences and an outstanding record that includes high performance at notable industry events like the ExxonMobil, Chevron and Shell quiz competition in the 2018 Nigerian Association Of Petroleum Explorationist and completing an internship with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, where she facilitated training for field temp staff, managed site project logistics, and built an outstanding portfolio. With a passion for Arts, she got on an intensive Acting workshop at the African International Film Festival where she emerged best among four others. Since then, she has featured in the TV series ‘This is Lagos’ produced by NvivoTV and Mike Gouken’s REHEARSAL. Colleagues, mentors, and employers have described Vanessa as a passionate, focused, innovative, and solution-driven alpha female who is always committed to getting the job done. She is dogged and actively seeking opportunities to ‘change the narrative’.
DIMEJI-AJAYI Olamide is a Nurse, Speaker and Teacher. She presently sits on the SPF Advisory Board and is a firm believer in the power of Teamwork.
Nyagba Nenge Samson Aka De Artista , is a visual Artist and Mass communicator.
Seyi Crown is a Street Project ambassador, performing artist, Gender Based Violence Advocate and budding Content Developer. She started following her passion for acting in secondary school where she played in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Vernice. She officially began her acting career in 2017 with movie roles in short films and has featured in movies & theatre productions like, Africa Magic’s Unbroken, Kafirantan, Dear Mama, One With The Sound to name a few ever since.
As part of Seyi’s disapproval against all forms of sexual assault, she enrolled for the EU-UN spotlight initiative & became a certified advocate against Gender Based Violence after the training she underwent.
Seyi is a strong believer in first believing in oneself before undertaking actions & being free from negative mindset and opinions. She is a student of the University of Lagos studying Creative Arts.
Chibuikem Chris-Oparah is a highly motivated and success-driven Creative who is a fresh graduate from the University of Lagos, Akoka. He has starred as a Lead Actor in Kamal, a Tv series Directed by Izu Ojukwu and 'Man Pikin' another series produced by Chris Ihidero. His versatility also sees him thrive Musically and with the help of Street Project, has been able to take his creative writing even further into copywriting.
Elizabeth Adams is the owner of Lizdiamond Concepts. She is a poet, budding writer and a teacher. Presently, she is a member of Poetrysoup and PoemHunters.com. She is a certified educator licensed by the Teachers Registration Council Of Nigeria, with a 10-year teaching experience. She is also a speech consultant, specialised on jolly phonics, recognized by the English Extra Info Outreach Speech Organisation. She is an albino model and an albinism advocate. Elizabeth loves teaching children, reading,writing, traveling and meeting people.
Vanessa Kelechi is a quintessential Compere, a lawyer in learning and a social impact enthusiast. She serves as the Chapter Coordinator of the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Business Law Club UNIBEN.
She sits on the Youth Advisory Board of Street Project Foundation, is a Graduate Fellow of Young Professionals Hub and a Fellow of The Platform Young Professionals Boot Camp 2019.
Vanessa occasionally writes for The Legal Watchmen, presents for Music Africa on DSTV and works as a production assistant for Spice Tv Africa. Driven by her commitment to improving the world, she was admitted as a Student of the Clinton Global Initiative University Class of 2020 in Scotland (founded by President Bill Clinton) with a course study on commitment to criminal justice, arbitration and educational access. Vanessa facilitates mentorship session for law students with the international Bar Association. She further facilitated discussions with the United Nations Migration Agency in creating opportunities for law students and young lawyers in Migration and international trafficking.
Yvonne Adewumi is a legal practitioner and brand communication professional. She is a published author, public speaker and youth advocate. She currently works at Interactive CT as a community manager where she handles communication for various international brands. In her spare time, she develops and manages content for clients within and outside Nigeria and also directs the affairs of Yellow Trybe, an organization dedicated to empowering young women with digital skills.'
Rodiah Abiodun Lawal a.k.a RODDIELAW hails from Oyo state, she is a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta where she studied Pharmaceutical Technology. Roddie is a professional Dance and fitness instructor, Actor, voice over artist,creative Director of RODDIELAW PRODUCTIONS,Face painter, Entrepreneur and a Model. She is currently a student of the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) and a 2017 Street Project Ambassador. Roddie is a Trained and Certified DANCER/DANCE INSTRUCTOR and has featured in several Musical videos and also performed on several stages both as an Actor and dancer. Some of which are; DEAR MAMA THE MUSICAL(Directed and Produced by Roddielaw),My Fairly Old wife(by Agozie Agwu),SISI PELEBE(IFeanyi Eziukwu),
AFURUNGBÍN(Bunmi Awolowo) BIA animations and many more. RoddieLaw is a very passionate being who believes in doing what she loves without Limitations.
TheGift Chikere is a creative artist with a focus on spoken word, music, and acting for social activism. She is the first runner up of the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development Talent Hunt Competition, 2017, spoken word category. She played the character “The Man” in One with a sound Theatre production premiered at Castillo Theatre, New York. The first runner up of African Writers Competition,2017. Street Project Foundation Ambassador, 2017. First runner up Lagos Film Academy Contest, 2018 and performed at the All Stars {virtual} Conference in USA, 2020. She is the winner of the Street Project Talent competition {Rap Category}, 2020.
Amdi Salam is a graduate of the 2017 Street Project Foundation Creative Youth Boot Camp where he developed his skills in Presenting, acting (voice acting) and entrepreneurial development. He is the current President of the SPF YouthAdvisory Board
He is also a YALI, Adansonia and TEF fellow and a graduate of political science from Ahmadu Bello University.
As a social entrepreneur, Amdi is the founder of SharkBite foods; a startup agro processing company that produces healthy organic foods like Baobab, Tigernut and Dates powder. He is the Cofounder and Creative Director of Initiative for National Growth, an NGO that provides capacity based training for people living with disabilities in Nigeria. He has also moved his skill to the corporate world where he serves as a consultant for a global professional services and energy firm. His dream is to be an entrepreneur and human Capital development expert who will transform the lives of young people.
Andres is the Founder and Passion Catalyst of Promethean Community LLC, a social enterprise that helps organizations enhance collaboration internally and externally. In 2014 he was named one of the emerging social innovators of the year in North America by Ashoka and American Express. He is a Faculty at the Executive Master in Policy Leadership at Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, a Guest Lecturer on Leadership at Georgetown University Institute for Transformative Leadership. He is also a Senior Fellow at George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. He is currently a Volunteer Consultant for all things Global at Street Project Foundation.
Anthony Ikechukwu Chielo is a creative writer, poet, playwright, human rights activist, digital marketer, video editor, singer, and keyboardist. He is also a proud Ambassador of Street Project Foundation.
He likes to think of himself as a human before any other thing and this influences how he sees the world, his creative process and his relationship with people. He loves to read, listen to classical music, write, and watch movies. He uses his art to advocate for human rights and the rights of women in our society. He currently serves as the community engagement and outreach officer of Street Project Foundation.
Ezenwa Okoro is a volunteer consultant for Street Project Foundation. He is a renowned youth mobilizer and has twelve years of experience working directly with communities focusing on community development, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition for young people. As the founder of the Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network(E-YEN) he frequently travels to rural communities conducting workshops and seminars. This has enabled him build strong relationships at a grassroot level. Okoro is the CEO of Oxygen Resources Industrial Ventures and also the Nigerian representative of “Helping Students and Businesses Succeed” (HSBS) a United States based educational and skills development exchange program .
Having been educated by an Israeli institute , he is helping both the rural and urban youth attain self employment by organizing free business clinics and boot camps. He is skilled in strategy, project development and communications. Ezenwa is a Mandela Washington Fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative of the United States department of State in Washington DC. and an Alumni of Pan-Atlantic University Nigeria, Galilee International Management Institute Israel and University of Wisconsin – stout, USA.
Chidinma Osigwe AAT is an excellence driven accountant who strongly believes in the multiple possibilities and opportunities available in Africa. Her drive for leadership made her the Deputy Speaker of Professional Accountancy Students Society (PASS) Yabatech Chapter in 2015 and she remained a vibrant Honourable member through out her study year. She is a graduate of accountancy from Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos with a wide range of accounting expertise with hands on Accounting for various sectors . She is also a strong team player. She has worked with Porters World Consult as an Analyst, where she kicked off her Accounting career, carrying out responsibilities like Tax filing and compliance, accounting and advisory services. She is also the Finance personnel at Current data International Services Limited. Street Project Foundation Ambassador 2017 and Young Professionals Bootcamp fellow 2017. She is currently the Finance and Administrative Officer for Street Project Foundation and soon to be Chartered Accountant.
Eduvielawhe Ogoro is a Partner and the Director of Operations for Street Project Foundation. She is an ardent advocate of human and economic development through leadership and enterprise. Starting her career in the banking industry, she worked in the Multilateral Unit of Zenith Bank Head office where loans were acquired from financial developmental institutions. In 2011, she went on to pursue an Executive Leadership MBA at Liverpool John Moores University where her dissertation was based on a case study of a working Social Enterprise system that impacted its community and country laws as a whole.
While in the UK, she volunteered at Citizens Advice Bureau, Birmingham, a non-governmental organization aimed at helping citizens take advantage of opportunities around them to raise their standard of living. She helped in identifying the challenges people had and recommended them to other specialist organizations. Eduvie also volunteered at Chara Trust, Liverpool where she was opportune to take part in the Steps-to-Success workshop on Social Entrepreneurship (UK) sponsored by the European Social Fund featuring a study visit to Poland to witness Social Entrepreneurship in action.
Rita Ezenwa-Okoro is the Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation. Under her leadership, hundreds of young people have been impacted positively. She is the architect behind talent discovery and development projects such as Project Raw, The Reflection Series and most recently, Creative Youth Boot Camp. She also masterminded and managed life-changing Charity projects such as A Smile for December and The Haven Project. This she has done successfully since 2008.
As lead visionary of Street Project Foundation, she is constantly thinking of new ways of reaching the less fortunate in society in a manner that will make them self sustained and financially empowered. Rita is also a Marketing Communications Consultant focused on helping Start-ups, Small and Medium sized businesses and not-for-profits attain their full potential.
She has a Masters of Science Degree in Media and Communications and is poised to use her knowledge to grow anything she lays her hands on. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Arts has been the bedrock of her desire to use performing arts as a tool for human development. Presently Rita has been recognized by local and national organizations for her selfless service in developing her community. She is also a Mandela Washington Fellow in Civic Leadership and a recipient of the Extraordinary Women Award in France.
