Team

President
Dr Michael Akindeju
Ph.D., CEng, CChem, RPEQ, PgD (Banking & Finance), FIChemE, SMAIChE, MAusIMM, MRACI
Michael served as board member and Treasurer of the African Think Tank between 2015 and 2017; he is a current member of the Victoria African Australian Leadership Forum; and a member of the Regional Advisory Council advising the Government on issues relating to Multiculturalism in Victoria, Australia. 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—geared towards adding values to stakeholders.
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
Joy Sawiche Juma
Joy and her family migrated to Australia in 2004 from Mombasa, Kenya. She is a nurse/midwife, paediatric Nurse and Infant massage Therapist.

Joy was nominated for the Victoria’s 2013 Multicultural Awards for Excellence and recognised for “Service Delivery by Multicultural Victoria in Health and Community Services by Denis Napthin (Premier of Victoria, 2013).

Joy is a member of “It Takes courage”— with a book of same title bearing recipes and storied from around the world; and “Unstoppable Women” project. She is an “Equality for all” Advocate through Women’s Health Grampians.

Joy is a mother of 2 boys and one girl, with passion to inspire her daughter and other women from different backgrounds and cultures, helping them to find their way and navigate life here in Australia. To be a champion and advocate for family unity and Uphold equality for all.
Youth Development Officer
Lunorphare Kodjo Folly
As a Togolese, Lunorphare (‘Lunor’) was born and raised in a refugee camp in the Republic of Benin. He moved to Australia in 2008 with his family at the age of eight, speaking no word of English.

All struggled, Lunor was dedicated, disciplined and commitment to self-development through personal tutoring provided by the Settlement program. He soon learnt to speak and write in English language and joined regular school. Lunor is currently studying sports development at SEDA and working as a youth facilitator at CMY. He plans to further study “Youth services” and work in the Multicultural Youth Sector.
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 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.