ACCOUNTABILITY LAB NIGERIA
ODEH FRIDAY
Country Director
Odeh is deeply passionate about human development and social impact. He studied Mathematics at the University of Abuja; is a professional member of the Institute of Information Management; and is currently pursuing a Masters in Science in Psychology at the University of South Wales. He has a deep interest and passion to serve humanity while contributing to social development on issues from child protection to gender equality to HIV/ AIDS. Odeh has seen first-hand the importance of accountability as a critical driver of progress, and is now building a movement for young people in Nigeria through the Accountability Lab. Odeh has been a mentor with the WEF Abuja Global Shapers, volunteered with United Nations Youth Association of Nigeria, and worked with Association of Positive Youth living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN) and Save the Children. In his spare time, he plays basketball, watches current thriller movies, and enjoys listening to music and scoring the bass line of songs. Hometown: Oju, Benue State – Nigeria When I’m not at work: Playing Basketball, networking and creating opportunities Ask me about: Discipline, Commitment, and Dedication
GRACE OKPARA
Finance and Admin Manager
Grace is a Chartered Accountant with over nine years of experience managing finances of companies and international organizations. She holds a M.Sc. and B.Sc. Accounting degrees from the University of Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, respectively. She was trained by Onyefulu Eddymic and Co., and started her career as an Account Supervisor/Revenue Controller for Protea Hotels. She has also held positions as Regional Finance Officer with the Center for Clinical Care and Research Nigeria, an implementing partner for the Center for Disease Control US PEPFAR HIV project in the South East Region of Nigeria; and worked briefly with Maryland Global Initiative Corporation (MGIC) on the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), a project of University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA. She is an advocate of public interest accounting for SMEs in Nigeria as a pathway for economic development.
Hometown: Enugu, Nigeria
When I am not at work: I am at home, relaxing and researching.
EHI IDAKWO
Programs and Learning Manager
Ehi Idakwo is a mid-career professional that has garnered over seven years’ experience in the development sector. She is an enthusiast of issues related to good governance, democracy, and peace. These interests have steered her career towards volunteerism, internships, active integral development work for social justice, and sustainable development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Masters in Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Jos. She is the Co-founder of Advance Global South (AGS) which is an international social enterprise passionate about supporting young people across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and the Caribbean in their efforts towards access to life-changing opportunities. Ehi has worked with the Institute of Governance and Social Research on their Peace in Jos Project which was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented by the British Council in partnership with Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Program (NSRP). She has also led the strategic direction of large-scale programs like Young Aspirant Leadership Fellowship, Female and More. She has also worked on several-funded projects by international donors’ e.g. DFID, USAID, NED, NDI, World Movement for Democracy, Ford Foundation, UN Women, and OSIWA. Ehi is excited to join Accountability Lab Nigeria to contribute her expertise towards making governance work for people.
Hometown: Otukpo, Benue State.
If I’m not at work, I’m: Reading a book or tutoring my little nieces and nephew.
Ask me about: The latest news on Nigerian politics.
ALFRED IJELOESA AGU
MEL Officer
Alfred Ijeloesa Agu is a University of Abuja graduate with more than five years of experience. He strongly believes that youth participation and inclusion in governance can bring about social change to promote innovation, collaboration, and development. He is dedicated to enhancing the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning system of AL Nigeria by contributing to data collection, surveys, and data management to ensure that programs and projects are effective and efficient in achieving their goals and objectives.
He has through knowledge-sharing assisted in making informed decisions based on project timelines and has demonstrated his leadership abilities by overseeing project implementation; collaborated with individuals and organizations from different fields and backgrounds to share ideas, resources, and expertise in pursuit of common goals.
Hometown: Abuja
When I’m not at work I’m: Writing songs, Reading or Playing basketball
Ask me about: Music
SHIIWUA MNENGA
Public Policy and Research Officer
Before he joined the Accountability Lab, Shiiwua Mnenga worked as a part-time lecturer with University of Abuja. Previous to being a lecturer, he was a Tenement Rate Officer with Isa Eliya and Co., a revenue consulting firm based in Abuja. He holds a B.Sc and M.Sc in Public Administration from University of Abuja in 2008 and 2017 respectively. Shiiwua is quite interested in research, which is demonstrated by the number of published academic articles and conferences attended. He currently works within the Programmes Unit of Accountability Lab Nigieria as a volunteer.
Hometown: Zaki-Biam, Benue State
When I’m not at work I’m: Reading or playing volleyball
BLESSING ANOLABA
Storytelling Development Officer
Blessing Anolaba is the Storytelling Development Officer for Accountability Lab Nigeria.
With over four years of experience in the Development Sector, leveraging effective communication strategies and storytelling, Blessing amplifies the voices of marginalized communities across various projects spanning climate action, healthcare, policy advocacy, and gender inclusion.
Throughout her career, she has advocated for policies that would benefit citizens and promoted dialogue for significant behavioral change through storytelling.
Hometown: Asa, Abia State
If I’m not at work, I’m: Scoring songsAsk me about: Emotional Intelligence.
STELLA CHINEDU
Finance Officer
A young and experienced graduate of economics from the University of Abuja, Stella’s motivations lie in her desire to build change and transparent governance in Nigeria. It did not take long for her to gravitate towards leadership positions, as she was selected to serve as Head Girl during her Secondary Education at Government Secondary School, Karu-Abuja, Nigeria. Pursuing high aspirations, she has gathered leadership certificates through numerous University associations. Her love for humanity led her to volunteer for the Red Cross during her National Youth Service, where she eventually rose to the rank of Assistant Commandant. Stella is known for her diligence, discipline, and work ethic. She is passionate about music and finance and has inspired her congregation with her compositions for over 6 years as a Music Director. In the future, Stella looks forward to becoming a Chartered Accountant and a Professional in Financial Management.
Hometown: Asaba in Delta state, Nigeria
When I’m not at work I’m: At home, hanging out with friends, traveling, or seeking adventure
Ask me about: Musical and fun activities in town
AKAKANENO MARKSON
Gender Associate
Akakan, a graduate of Madonna University with about three years of experience in programs across Inclusion, civic participation, climate justice, and digital rights. Passionate about promoting gender equity and youth participation in governance, she believes in the power of inclusion to drive social change.
As a Gender Associate at Accountability Lab, Akakan works to promote gender-sensitive practices, amplify marginalized voices, and ensure programs and policies are inclusive and impactful. In her role, she leverages her knowledge in monitoring and evaluation to integrate gender perspectives into program design and implementation. She ensures that data collection, management, and analysis prioritize inclusivity, enabling programs to achieve equitable and impactful outcomes.
Home town: Ini, Akwa-Ibom state.
If I am not at work, I’m: Hanging out with friends and family.
JEREMIAH ONUH
Administrative Associate
Jeremiah Onuh is a graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.
With extensive experience in administration, operations, and customer service. He is deeply committed to supporting office operations and enhancing organizational leadership in fast-paced environments. Jeremiah believes that strong teamwork, attention to detail, and resourcefulness are key to achieving operational efficiency and driving positive change.
Throughout his career, he has developed a strong understanding of administrative operations, building effective relationships with multiple stakeholders to improve satisfaction and ensure smooth operations. Jeremiah’s expertise in handling clerical tasks, problem-solving, and providing creative solutions has consistently contributed to organizational success.
A key strength of Jeremiah is his use of emotional intelligence to connect with people, allowing him to navigate complex situations with ease. His critical thinking, analytical approach, and dedication to delivering results on time have made him a valuable asset to the team
Hometown: Ugwuaji, Enugu State
If I am not at work, I’m: reading or analyzing forex chart
Ask me about: Football and Forex
CHIEMELA ILECHUKWU
Human Resource Associate
Chiemela Ilechukwu is a Human Resource Management Associate with a B.Sc. in Psychology. She is passionate about supporting staff and promoting a positive work environment. Leveraging her 3 years of experience in administration, she brings a strong foundation in human resource principles to her role.
Her values include integrity, accountability, and transparency. She is motivated by the organization’s mission to make governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders, and accountable institutions. She is dedicated to using her HR expertise to support the organization’s goals in achieving this mission.
A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Chiemela fosters effective collaboration with colleagues. She is a continuous learner with a strong work ethic and a dedication to professional growth.
Home town: Oko, Anambra State.
If I am not at work, I’m: Reading a book.