Team

President
Dr Michael Akindeju
Ph.D., CEng, CChem, RPEQ, PgD (Banking & Finance), FIChemE, SMAIChE, MAusIMM, MRACI
Michael is an engineer, industrialist, and researcher, an avid innovator who thrives in the application of critical thinking and strategic foresight in contemplating current conditions and forecasting future scenarios with a view to mitigating risk and accelerating opportunities. His business has supported several other businesses, large corporates, and government agencies to realise and surpass corporate performance targets by providing technically sound and cost-conscious solutions.

With cross boundary experience, Michael is passionate about re-branding identities of African Australian. He is an akin proponent of ‘One Humanity’, equity, and equality, and continues to advocate for a society where skin pigmentation does not determine the opportunities people are exposed to. He is the Principal Process Engineering Consultant and Director at MKPro Group.
Vice President
Lem Baguot
Lem is a B.Sc. physicist, trained in theoretical physics, and nanoscience/nanotechnology, and member of the Australian Institute of Physics.
As a theoretical physicist, he had his dissertation in the field of antimatter-matter, specialising in positron- hydrogen collision, and in nanoscience. He developed a multilayered nanofiltration system, as attached and is currently training as a research scientist at the University of Melbourne (Faculty of Science). Lem run a tutoring homework club under the banner of the Nile Science Outreach Inc. affiliated the VicSTEMs Alliance.

As a member of South Sudanese Australian, he is currently the Director for Research & Development | the Society of South Sudanese Professionals Australia (SSSPA), a not-for-professional association.
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 Secretary
Lateef Adeleye
Lateef migrated from Nigeria about 15 years ago. I trained as a nurse and work as a clinician and run a small business that specialises in recruiting nurses to remote areas of Northern Territory.

He use my spare time to engage in politics and issues that can improve the lives of Africans in diaspora. Looking forward to serve BAA and its members.
Treasurer
Angela Bijimba
Every community faces different challenges that impact that community members’ health, well-being and development, for example: drug use, unemployment, school drop out, violence and harassment, just to mention a few. Creating a livable community where the society feels a sense of belonging and engaged requires great leaders, who are passionate and willing to support and also guide their community members to find solutions to the issues the community face. This is where I as a leader, along my fellow community leaders, work hand in hand to guide, support and lead our community on the journey to finding solutions and also build unity among different cultures.

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.
Deputy Treasurer
Vincent Masuku
Vincent Masuku a Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur and mental health specialist. With Australia-based experience and international experience I come ready to serve.

Vincent cherishes the opportunity to maximise social impacts and the quality of life of our society. He brings passion, skill and commitment to his role, and believes in a society that promotes partnership and relationships to empower people to live fully and value-led lives.

He believes in the ‘outside the box’ thinking paradigm as the vehicle for challenging the way we think as we collectively encourage ourselves to build our capacity and most importantly continue to work collaboratively.
Social Development 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. Currently Licensing Officer.

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.
Deputy Social Development Officer
Albert Mumba
Albert worked as a support worker for 3 years and teacher for a year and currently working under the Centre for Multicultural Youth as a youth advisor. He is student studying education with main objective of bringing about a qualitative growth and development to our society and have society with no discrimination on any basis and equal opportunities for all..

As a social development officer his main goal is to improve the well-being of every individual in our society so they can reach their full potential. He believes if we invest in people, that individual and their family will do well and the whole society benefits as the overall wealth of the community is linked to the wellbeing of its constituent members.
Public Relations Officer
Dotun Obadina
Dotun is a Social Worker/Psychotherapist and currently works as a Clinician with the Forensic Intervention Services(DJCS), and has over 10 years experience working with migrants and refugees from culturally and linguistically diverse(CALD) communities. He was twice the secretary of the Nigerian Society of Victoria.

Dotun is passionate about community engagement and social inclusion. He has served in various committees focusing on welfare, promoting social cohesion, community engagement and individual well-being.
Youth Coordinator
Abidemi Aliyu
Abidemi is registered Nurse by profession, and a mother of two beautiful girls, and has been in Australia for 13 years. She relocated to Ballarat 8 years ago and previously lived in Gippsland. She has been involved with community soccer for some years and enjoys playing as well. She believes that our present youth are tomorrow’s future and we need to keep them engaged within the community through learning & development, sports, fun activities etc.
Deputy Youth Coordinator
Lamourette Folly
Lamourette is a journalist, a multicultural community advocate, a customer service officer, a student and a passionate Australian of Togolese and refugee background. Lamourette has experience in social community activities and working with young people.