Theresa Jane, Burnett

Theresa has had a passion for education all her life, running her own franchise tutoring business for 20 years, home schooling her own children and now working as a freelance private tutor.  Although she mostly teaches children, she has also recently followed through on an earlier ambition and qualified as an English as a Second Language teacher to adults.  

Theresa’s strong sense of fairness, together with her generous spirit, means she rarely finds a reason to say ‘no’ to requests for help or support. She has always been an active volunteer for various charities, sometimes hands on and sometimes in administrative roles.  She fervently believes that everyone, regardless of where they are born or live, should have an equal chance to thrive and enjoy a safe and productive life. 

Upon discovering EVM she immediately recognised that their mission and vision aligned with her own goals to make a lasting difference to as many lives as possible. Realising the lifelong benefits that the EVM sponsorship scheme would have for the children involved, she was proud to be able to sponsor some of the first children to benefit.  

She believes that lasting change comes from the ground up: by changing these children’s mindsets and self belief, instilling in them not only academic knowledge, but also the belief that through education, dedication and determination anything is possible – for their futures and the future of their communities. 

Now, as an EVM Patron, she is excited to be able to continue supporting EVM in a broader role and helping the charity to grow, expand its influence and ultimately achieve its aim of obliterating poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ichie Ikenna,Ofala

Ichie Ikenna, Ofala is a visionary entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in business management and a proven record of leading a successful venture. He’s the Founder and Managing Director of East Konsult Ltd where he provides strategic leadership for the efficient management and running of the company’s operations.

An astute business leader with expertise in developing collaborative work relationships, Ichie Ikenna, Ofala is a strong negotiator and has brokered several successful deals in trade, energy, construction and manpower consulting. He has great expertise in various areas of business where he has provided strategic leadership in Policy & Procedure. Development; Strategy; Vision & Mission Planning; Government Regulations & Relations; Finance, Budgeting & Cost Management; Profitability & Cost Analysis; Contract Negotiations & Strategic Alliances; Public Relations & Media Affairs, and other aspects of entrepreneurship.

Ichie Ikenna, Ofala has great passion for human capital development and, as Patron to different organisations over the years, he’s been involved in many humanitarian ventures for which he has received several meritorious awards. These include his services to the Catholic Church, his local community of Ihiala, his club’s association, and the sports sector.

In his spare time, Ichie Ikenna, Ofala enjoys a game of golf and has won Platinum and Gold awards from various golf clubs for his immense contributions to the development of the sports in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria.

As Patron to Every Village Matters, Ichie Ikenna, Ofala aims to utilise his diverse skills and extensive experience in entrepreneurial management and development, vast business and social networks, and altruistic personality to support the charity on a more global scale.

Dr Yakubu Belgore 

Dr Yakubu Belgore is a lawyer with over 30 years experience. Educated in Nigeria and the UK, Yakubu holds an LL.B, LL.M, and a Ph.D. He joined TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria (TUCN) in 2005 and currently holds the position of Executive Director, People and Country Services.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, he was the Executive General Manager, Legal Services and General Counsel & Company Secretary. He was at the same time Vice President Legal for TotalEnergies Affiliates in Nigeria.

He leads several key functions including Human Resource and Talent Management, Legal Services, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Country Services and his role involves ensuring a competent and engaged workforce, providing strategic legal counsel, and managing corporate reputation and stakeholder relations across Nigeria.

Engr Michael Ndukwe

Engr Michael Ndukwe, a graduate of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering with an MBA, is a certified member of COREN. Transitioning from a successful banking career with five notable financial institutions including First Bank and UBA, he now leads his own thriving oil and gas business.

As Chief Executive Officer of his companies – Franomi Innovation & Skills and MJS Maritime Services Ltd – with expertise in banking, oil & energy, Engr Michael is highly skilled in Strategic Negotiations, Risks Management, Business Relationship Management, and Private Banking and fosters successful partnerships with local and foreign entities. 

Raised in a devout Catholic family, Engr. Michael began active participation in church from the age of 9 years when he joined The Knights of the Altar and has received several titles and awards for distinguished and selfless service. He is a member and benefactor of Saint Vincent de-Paul and supports several other charitable causes and community development projects, finding fulfilment in uplifting the less privileged and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

 Beyond a busy career in business, Engr Michael enjoys the game of football and was once the president of a prominent sports club in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. He aims to bring his wealth of experience from the corporate world and a profound commitment to philanthropy and community service to help advance the work of Every Village Matters.