Team

President
Dr Michael Akindeju
Ph.D., CEng, CChem, RPEQ, PgD (Banking & Finance), FIChemE, SMAIChE, MAusIMM, MRACI
Michael is a current member of Victoria’s Multicultural Business Ministerial Council, a member of the Victoria African Australian Leadership Forum; a member of the Regional Advisory Council advising the Government on issues relating to Multiculturalism in Victoria (Australia), a member of Ballarat City Intercultural Advisory Committee, and he served as board member and Treasurer of the African Think Tank between 2015 and 2017. Michael migrated to Australia in 2006 after his initial training and education in Nigeria. He is married with children.

Michael is an avid innovator, an apt multidiscipline visionary, Chartered and Registered Professional Engineer, and a Certified Business Architect with ‘background and cross boundary experiences’ in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Management, Public Sector, Policing, Banking and Finance; all geared towards adding values to stakeholders. He is the Principal Process Engineering Consultant and Director at MKPro Group.
Vice President
The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Born in Nigeria, West Africa. Educated in Nigeria (primary, secondary and tertiary (Bachelor of Philosophy) and Australia (Bachelor of Theology & Masters of Counselling). Constantine migrated to Australia in 2003. He is married with two children.

Constantine works as an Anglican Priest at St. Matthew’s Wendouree & Prison Chaplain at Langi Kal Kal Prison, Trawalla.

Constantine’s vision, philosophy and commitment to Social-Connectedness have been influenced by many including his parents, Christian (deceased) and Matilda, Fr Frank Jones, Dr Edith Eger, Etty Hillesum, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Rowan Williams, Pope Francis and a host of others.

His hobbies include soccer, table tennis, music, travelling, walking in a natural setting, spending time with family, connecting with people and building social cohesion.
Secretary
John Nnodumele
John is a Nurse at Ballarat Health Service. His gentleness stands him out amongst others.

John was instrumental to the initiative that saw the shipment of sixty school desks and chairs, a container filled with computers, televisions and hospitals beds to some those that needed such in Africa in 2009. He is passionate about community development and he is a consistent voice of courage supporting established leadership with succinct history and world views.
Treasurer
Charles Nani
Born in Ghana, attained his BSc (Statistic) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Came to Australia in Oct 2006 and obtained his MSc (Information Systems) at Federation University Australia.

Currently a Senior Banker with ANZ Bank with specialities in Home and Investment Lending. Formally a Tutor at Federation University Australia and a Manager at Aldi & Coles. Has passion for community engagement activities and spends quality time with his beloved family.
Public Relations Officer
Rebecca Gatwech
BA, MBA
Rebecca (‘Bec’) was born in Ethiopia, migrated to Australia in 2001; and has lived most of her life in Australia.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, a Master of Business Administration and has held a long-term employment since 2015.

Bec is passionate about using her knowledge and skill to grow our African community here in Ballarat, and her goal is to see every single African in this rural city working or doing something that has a positive impact on our people and the wider Ballarat community.
Social Development Officer
Olumide Oyepitan
Olumide migrated to Australia in 2014. He is a graphic designer and a qualified Disability Social Worker. He enjoys singing, dancing and love soccer.

He is a father, believes in family first, and love putting smiles on others.
Deputy Secretary
Paschal Onyesoh
A 2017 ‘Mechanical and Offshore’ engineering bachelor’s degree graduate from Robert Gordon university (UK), Paschal is currently studying towards a master’s degree in Mechanical engineering at FedUni (Ballarat, Australia).

With his parents as his biggest heroes, he feels inspired daily as batman stopping crime but only as a drink-pouring bartender doing his bit to contribute to the economy. He enjoys camping, playing chess and running.

As a continuous learner, Paschal believes his stories are still being written, and that has helped him on his journeys as he in-turn contribute to helping others to achieve their dreams.
Deputy Treasurer
Angela Bijimba
Ambitious, Courageous, and diligent female—Angela Bijimba is very passionate about succeeding in life and educate on issues that impact people in the community. As a young advocate Angela uses her leadership skills to bring people together to build confidence, leadership, and great communication skills.

Angela Bijimba is an aspired neurosurgeon doctor who is currently studying Biomedical Science at Federation University. Furthermore, she is a member for the Ballarat youth council where she has created a great impact by getting involved in projects that work towards improving women safety , discrimination, environment and other challenges that people of all colours face in the community.

Angela has been in Involved with Centre for multicultural youth since 2016 as a shout out speaker who has not only created a positive impact on children in high school, but also become a person that most children in the community look up to as a role model. In 2019 Angela Bijimba was a facilitator at CMY Ballarat for the LYLO project, ( Lead your Self and Lead others), whereby she facilitated a 3 days training on educating young people on issues that women face such as sexual harassment , Gender violence , racism and many others.
Deputy Social Development Officer
Kuanyjal Tuany
Kuanyjal (‘Jal’) is a fun loving and hardworking youth of South-Sudanese heritage. He is a youth leader of repute and one of the best known prolific strikers in Ballarat and beyond. His critical mind and objectivity stand him out amongst his peers. His vision includes using Soccer as a tool for creating a better tomorrow for African Youths and he continues to advocates for same.
As a players, he has helped his sides to numerous tournament victories. In 2019, he was described as the Sebastopol Vikings Club veteran who held a narrow lead after a two-goal haul in his side’s win over Westvale by thecourier“. As a youth coach, he trains and supports many soccer teams including the [Ballarat] African Soccer Team during local and regional competitions.
He is gainfully employed and married with children.
Ex-Officio
Serena M Ogbuokiri
Serena M Ogbuokiri is a Registered Nurse with one of the public Hospitals in Victoria infusing her law background in Public Health. She is married and a mother of three beautiful children.

With a deep passion for community development, Serena enjoys giving back to the community. She is a voice of reason on many program developments. Serena loves cooking and spending time with family and friends.