Kehinde Ekpudu, MBA, RSW, is a registered social worker, mental health therapist, and co-founder of the Alberta Association of Black Social Workers. She is also the founder of Twin Ocean, a mental health brand dedicated to supporting immigrant mental health. Kehinde has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to mental health, equity, and community advocacy. She was honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her
unwavering dedication to promoting mental health awareness, advancing equity, and supporting marginalized communities.

She holds both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Calgary. During her undergraduate studies, she received the PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research Experience) grant, leading research on the immigration experiences of Nigerian women in Calgary. This research earned her the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Internationally Focused Research.

Kehinde’s achievements also include the Recognition of Excellence Award-Student Leadership and the Clarice Chodak Recognition of Excellence in Social Action, both awarded by the University of Calgary. She is also a proud alum of the University of Calgary’s Scholar Academy. With nearly a decade of experience in social work, Kehinde has worked extensively in mental health, community development, and research, with a particular focus on immigration experiences and anti-Black racism. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy continues to shape her work, ensuring that underserved communities receive the support and resources they need.

NCAC congratulates Kehinde on her achievements!

Dorathy Thompson is a dedicated professional with expertise in geology, education, and community service. She holds a B.Sc. (Honors) in Geology from the University of Calabar and certifications in Information Systems Management and Petroleum Geological Applications from SAIT. A professional geologist and APEGA member, she is passionate about geoscience outreach, volunteering with programs like the Science Olympics and Earth Science for Society. Dorathy is also an accomplished educator with a B.Ed. in Mathematics and a Special Education certificate from the University of Calgary. A certified Alberta teacher with the Calgary Catholic School District, she uses evidence-based strategies to support student success. She mentors immigrant professionals transitioning into teaching and volunteers with AGAPE, assisting newcomers in learning English for employment.

Dorathy participates in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program and Healing Hands Health & Education Society, providing online education to underserved communities. A dedicated soccer mom, she has managed teams and organized fundraising activities.As an active NCAC member for over a decade, Dorathy has led humanitarian efforts, including fundraising for victims of the 2013 Calgary flood and the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in food distribution.

Her contributions have earned her national recognition, including the 2022 Knowledgehook Top Impact Influencer Award and the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. In her free time, she enjoys public speaking, cooking and traveling. She continues to inspire through leadership and service.

NCAC congratulates Dorathy on her achievements!

Bukola Ojemakinde is a Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in Calgary's oil and gas industry, but her true passion lies in community service. As the founder and executive director of Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) - [ladiesinthefamily.com] (https://ladiesinthefamily.com/),
she champions emotional wellness and addresses acculturation gaps through impactful
projects. One of her standout initiatives, BE-GIRL, has successfully raised over $100,000 to empower Black girls.

Bukola is also at the helm of the HER Connect initiative ([herconnects.ca]
(https://herconnects.ca/)), which enhances mental health services for Black women and girls. Furthermore, she founded and directs the Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation ([bridgetooasis.ca]https://bridgetooasis.ca/)), dedicated to supporting seniors of African and Caribbean descent in Canada.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Bukola received the Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023.
NCAC congratulates Bukola on her achievements.

Dr. Samuel Adeleke Oluwadairo, MB; BS, MSc, Dip Psych. Med (Dublin), FRCPC, ABAM (certified), CCSAM, FASAM, KSP, is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. Dr. Oluwadairo earned his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan. He left Nigeria in 1992 to complete his postgraduate training in Liverpool, UK, while concurrently earning a Master of Science degree in Drug Use and Addictions from Liverpool John Moores University. In 1999, he relocated to Canada with his family to serve as a senior psychiatrist at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.

Dr. Oluwadairo is a member of the following professional bodies:

• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Fellow of the American Board of Addiction Medicine
• Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine
• Diplomate of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Throughout his career, Dr. Oluwadairo has held numerous positions of responsibility:

• Consultant psychiatrist at Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, since 2001
• Clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary
• Regional Director of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (2010-2014)
• Clinical Medical Director of the Psychiatric Day Treatment Program (2005-2011)
• Clinical Medical Director of the Adult Addiction Centre at Foothills Medical Centre (2006-2013)
• Secretary of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (2005-2009)

Additionally, he is a member of the Physicians Prescription Practice Committee for the Alberta College of Physicians & Surgeons and has served as a past president of the Nigerian Canadian Association in Calgary.

NCAC congratulates Dr. Oluwadairo on his achievements.

Wale Gbalajobi is a Nigerian-Canadian financial expert and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the financial industry.

He migrated to Canada in 1982 and obtained degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Calgary. Wale is currently the President of Aquafinancial Consulting Inc., a wealth management and financial advisory company, and oversees several other businesses.

Aquafinancial Consulting helped to organize meetings with the Calgary business groups during the recent visit of the Olu of Warri Kingdom of Nigeria, to Canada. There was also a Tribe-to-Tribe partnership declaration during the visit between the Tsuu Tina nation and the Warri Kingdom of Nigeria.

Wale also helped introduce Oando Energy to the Canadian energy community both in Calgary and Toronto, during their foray into the Toronto Stock exchange.

Gbalajobi’s professional qualifications include the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Certificate, the Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) designation, and the Professional Financial Planner (PFP) designation.

He is currently enrolled in Mcmaster University, Degroote College Chartered Directors Executive Program.

He worked at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) from 1988 to 2003, where he held various positions, including Loans Officer, Investment Adviser, Branch Manager, Community Manager, Regional Marketing Manager, Country Manager in the West Indies, and Regional Manager, Western Canada.

After a stint as the Country General Manager in St. Lucia, overseeing a portfolio of over USD 500 million, he returned to Canada in 2002 to lead CIBC’s Internet banking strategy for small businesses in Western Canada. Gbalajobi is an award-winning banker with multiple CIBC Chairman’s awards and CIBC Achievers Awards.

Outside of his professional life, Wale has been involved in charitable endeavours, serving as the Chairperson of the United Way’s fundraising efforts in Calgary and raising $120,000 for local charities. He has also served on the board of Families Matter, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening families in Calgary. He is currently strategic advisor to Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) and Bridge to Oasis (BTO) Foundation.

He was a past President of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary. He championed the fundraising that helped with the purchase of the Nigerian house in Calgary without securing a bank mortgage.

Wale is married to Bernie, a CA, CPA. They have two grown daughters.

NCAC congratulates Wale on his achievements.

Moji Taiwo is an accomplished author, community leader, and passionate advocate for youth, families, and immigrant communities.

She is the author of *I GIVE because I’M BLESSED – I’M BLESSED because I GIVE: A Chronicle of an Immigrant’s Journey*, available worldwide in print, ebook, and audio formats. Her book inspires readers to embrace their uniqueness, turn challenges into opportunities, pursue their dreams, and boldly stand out in positive ways.

Moji is also the creator of the children’s picture book series Grandma and Her Munchkins – An Everyday Adventure. Book #1 is available in both English and French through her website, Amazon, and IngramSpark for schools and libraries.

Beyond writing, Moji is the Creator and Host of The Immigrant Experience Show (Tieshow) on Diversity TV’s YouTube channel. Tieshow provides an open platform for first- and second‑generation immigrants to share their stories, challenges, contributions, and aspirations. It also serves as a space for community promotion and resource sharing.

Moji dedicated 31 years to public service with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, Young Offender Branch, where she worked to positively shape the lives of young people and their families. She also mentored young professionals and has taught Life Skills programs to youth groups since 1993. In her spare time, she enjoys professional modeling.

She is a founding and active member of several cultural and community organizations, including the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (1993), the Yoruba Foundation Calgary (2004), and the Women of Vision Society of Alberta, where she served as President (2012–2021). Her volunteer work continues to support youth, women, families, and broader community development.

Moji proudly shares her expertise through board service with various educational and community organizations, including the Calgary Police Service multicultural unit. As a successful immigrant and proud Canadian, she is committed to uplifting others.

Above all, Moji is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to three wonderful boys.

Awards & Recognition

Moji has received numerous leadership and service awards, including:

– Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta), 2023

– Realize Your Potential Youth Society of Canada Black Heritage Community Leadership Award, 2023

– Immigrant Champions Inclusive Leadership Award, 2023

– Unmask Your Beauty Black Woman of Influence Award, 2022

– Governor General of Canada Corrections Exemplary Service Bar, 2015

– Solicitor General and Public Security Leadership Award, 2009

– Governor General of Canada Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, 2008

– NCAC 25th Anniversary Volunteer Award, 2018

– Cover feature of Lethbridge College’s Wider Horizon magazine, 2018

– Featured as one of Canada’s 150 Immigrant Success Stories by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, 2017

NCAC congratulates Moji Taiwo on her achievements.

Patrick Etokudo is a Mechanical Engineer and also holds a master’s degree in supply chain management (SCM). He has held many senior-level supply chain roles, including at Sherritt International; Enbridge Inc.; Suncor Energy; Petro-Canada and Royal Dutch Shell.

Patrick is the Managing Partner at Ankan-VCM, a Supply Chain venture. His last corporate role was as General Manager in charge of Operations Services at Sherritt. In addition to SCM, in this role Patrick was accountable for Projects; Health, Safety & Security; Sustainability; and Operational Excellence. His expertise also includes corporate transformations, Mergers & Acquisitions, and enterprise systems implementations.

Beyond the work he does for corporations, Patrick is active in the community. He was a member of the Board Director, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society for 6 years; He is currently a Councilor of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta; and was VP and later President of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC). He served on the awards committee; and still serves as a volunteer on the Project Committee, as the chair; and Golf committee of NCAC.

He has also served as director on the board of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute; and member of the SCM program committees of both Bow Valley College and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is the Academic Chair of the Supply Chain Management program at SAIT.

In 2017, Patrick was honored as the Supply Chain Executive of the Year in Alberta, and in 2018 he was awarded Fellow of Supply Chain Canada. He is also a recipient of the Newcomer Recognition (Career & Academics), and Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal awards by Alberta Provincial Government.

NCAC congratulates Patrick on his achievements.

Amanda Okafor has been a member of the African dance community since the age of 8 and has since been a driving force in introducing Afro dance styles to the greater community of Calgary.

She has provided classes and training for the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary, Yoruba Foundation of Calgary, South South Association of Calgary, the Calgary Boards of Education, as well as various studios in the city.

While many know Amanda as a dancer, grieving the loss of her mother at the age of 19 developed a love for writing poetry. She has participated in open mic and slam competitions around the Calgary and uses the art of story telling as a vessel for others to find healing.

Her passion for people is not just limited to art but has also put her in a role as a Success Advisor at Bow Valley College and Master of Counselling Psychology student at the University of Lethbridge. Through her work and volunteer experience, she has developed wellness programs to support at risk youth and adults through dance and life skills training. As an artist and future Psychologist,

Amanda hopes to continue creating spaces that will uplift the community she has grown to love, while promoting both artistic and cultural expression.

NCAC congratulates Amanda on her achievements.

Wunmi Idowu is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, instructor, performer, and producer and the Founder and Director of Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc. Since 2006, Woezo Africa has been passionately dedicated to bringing the history of African culture to the masses through traditional and modern modes of performing arts, including dance, music, theatre and storytelling. Her community outreach work with Woezo Africa has granted her numerous milestones, including her involvement in the inauguration of Alberta’s first Black History Month in 2017 and a Certification of recognition from the House of Commons of Canada (House of Parliament) in 2018.

As a producer, Wunmi has organized both local and international productions, including Africa Jo, UNITY: Dance Across Africa, Woezo Africa’s annual Black History
Month event UNGANISHA: Explore. Connect. Dance, two successful runs of the Woezo Africa Festival in collaboration with the Guild of Nigerian Dancers (G.O.N.D) and Ijodee Dance Center in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as the Woezo Africa Cultural festival in Calgary, Alberta.

Wunmi’s accolades in the art industry span winning the people’s choice Performing Arts in the category of Dancer at the Obsidian Award in 2016. The 24th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Award and the Canada Vendors Entrepreneur Award in 2020, both of which were for the category of Arts and Culture. She also won an Afro-Canadian (AC) Community Leader of the Year Award in 2020.

Her recent achievements include nominations for the 2021 Doug and Lois Mitchell Outstanding Calgary Artist Award in addition to being awarded Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2021. By pushing for increased visibility of ethnically and culturally diverse artists in Alberta, Wunmi hopes that perceptions will shift around who participates in the arts. Through dynamic, cutting-edge work that captures the imagination of a range of audiences, her hope is to enhance the creative economy in Calgary, empower communities and perpetuate the movement for instilling social change.

NCAC congratulates Wunmi on her achievements.

Dr. Ukpabi is Founder, and Principal, at The Republic Law, a corporate/commercial business law and civil litigation law firm in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Ukpabi possesses a wealth of experience as a highly respected litigator specializing in corporate/commercial transactions, and civil/business litigation. With over two decades of expertise and a comprehensive understanding of different legal markets, including international legal systems.

Dr. Ukpabi has exposure to legal regimes in Nigeria, Switzerland, USA, and Canada. Dr. Ukpabi is a Certified Director (De Groote School of Business) and volunteers extensively. Currently, Dr. Ukpabi Co-chairs the Calgary Association of Nigerian Lawyers (CANL) and is a member of the Provincial Court Nominating Committee (PCNC), a body responsible for interviewing prospective Judges to the Alberta Court of Justice. Dr. Ukpabi is a John Ware Fellow, an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Calgary Law School and became a Trustee of NCAC in 2023.

NCAC congratulates Dr. Ukpabi on his achievements.

Seun Ogunsola is a believer in people and the power of the collective community. Seun believes everyone wins when the community prospers. Seun served as the PRO and President of the Yoruba Foundation Calgary (YFC), served as the Vice President and President of The Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC), served as the President of the African Canadian Golfers Club (ACGC).

On the professional front, Seun is a senior banker in Canada who is well recognized and respected in Alberta. He spends a lot of his personal time mentoring many new immigrants on career options and financial matters. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Seun continues to advice many business owners on how to create a strong balance sheet. Seun continues to give to the community as a member of four high profile boards.

NCAC congratulates Mr. Seun on his achievements.

Sub-Lieutenant Aniekan Udofia grew up in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria where she attended her primary and secondary schools, and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Calabar. In 2007, Sub-Lieutenant Udofia relocated to land of the living skies in Canada and enrolled for postgraduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained an MSc in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Environmental Sustainability, while volunteering in various capacities with several non for profit and faith-based organizations in the greater Saskatoon and Warman area to advance community development and capacity building initiatives.

In 2016, Sub-Lieutenant Udofia moved to Calgary, Alberta as a Suncor-funded Post Doctoral Scholar at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary and has published articles on environment and sustainability in prestigious academic journals and for Canadian Think-Tank series. While in Calgary, Sub-Lieutenant Udofia joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Logistics Officer in July 2018 due to her pre-existing admiration for the Armed Forces coupled with strong belief in community service.

Sub-Lieutenant Udofia is the Co-chair of HMCS Tecumseh’s Diversity and Inclusion Command Advisory Team. She has planned many events including the first ever Black History Month commemoration in 2022 and is a recipient of several awards including the 2023 Queen Elizabeth the Second Platinum Jubilee Medal. She currently runs Antoru Grace Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on empowering lives globally through educational and wellness support. She resides in Calgary, Alberta with family.

NCAC congratulates Sub-Lieutenant Udofia on her achievements.

Emmanuel is a qualified, trained & practicing Mechanical Engineer. He holds a Master of Engineering (M.Sc.) degree in Mechanical Engineering Management from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and a B.Eng. (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). Emmanuel holds memberships /registrations in several professional engineering/management bodies, including COREN, NSE, ASME, PMP, etc.

Emmanuel has combined 35 years’ working experience in the energy industry with Shell and ExxonMobil corporations in various countries including Nigeria, USA, Europe and Southeast Asia. During Emmanuel’s fulfilling working career with the two oil majors, Emmanuel gained extensive experience in Project management and leadership covering Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning in Onshore, Offshore, Deepwater and Subsea environments including project controls and Client/Contractor interface management. He has extensive involvement in major contracts development, placement and management as well as in Quality Assurance & Controls, Health, Safety, Security & Environmental and Host Communities Relations management.

Following his fulfilling corporate career with the 2 major global energy players, Emmanuel has been deploying his wealth of experience to providing services to the energy industry for the past 8 years. He is currently one of the founding directors with shareholdings and on the board of 3 energy services companies: Subsurface & Surface Development Company Ltd, Pentad Energy Services Ltd and SPEAR Global Consulting Inc. Emmanuel was elected to the Board of Trustees of NCAC in March 2025 and brings business management & leadership skills to NCAC.

Emmanuel is happily married to Mrs. Winifred together they have 4 children. His hobbies include golfing, lawn tennis, walking and reading of professional technical/ business/ commercial publications.

NCAC congratulates Engr. Emmanuel on his achievements.

A strategic thinker, transformation strategist and resourceful finance executive with more than 2 decades experience in Finance and Leadership roles in private, public quoted companies, Not-For-Profit and Government. Finance professional of excellence with in-depth experience in financial controls, Canadian Taxes, Full cycle accounting.

Kola started his professional Career with Guinness PLC in Nigeria where he served meritoriously for over 2 decades, held several key leadership positions in Finance and successfully led a project team as the Global Shared Services and Change Director both in Nigeria and London, UK.

He has more than 7 years leadership experience in Canadian Municipalities as Director/CFO with vast knowledge of Municipal Government Act (MGA).

A recipient of 2 international awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of US and Canada (GFOA) on Distinguished budget award and Canadian Financial Reporting award for 6 consecutive years.

A fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) and Member of CPA Alberta and Canada.

Kola has several years of volunteering experience including coaching and mentoring of CPA members, some of his other volunteer activities include:

Member of CPA Mentorship program for more than 5 years, CPA Volunteer Tax Clinic, Previous Board member and Treasurer of Aids Calgary Awareness Association. He was a Board member of High River Regional Airport, currently a member of Audit & Risk Committee of Calgary Board of Education (CBE), and Treasurer, Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary.

He is a pioneer member and past Chairman of over 200 professional Accountants living in Canada who are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN Canada District.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Outside of work, Kola’s passion for people and competition is demonstrated from being a professional ping pong player, volleyball player and amateur golfer.

A proud family man to a loving and charming wife (Nikky) with 3 adorable adult children.

NCAC congratulates Kola on his achievements.

Kene ILOCHONWU is from Nnewi in Anambra State. He obtained his law degree from Abia State University Uturu and attended the Nigerian Law School Bwari, Abuja, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2000. He subsequently obtained a Master of Laws degree in I.T. and Telecoms Law (LL.M) from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Scotland. Kene relocated to Calgary in 2007 and worked as a supply chain professional for CNRL in Fort McMurray, then Suncor and Husky in Calgary for several years._

Kene is currently an in-house counsel at Parkland Corporation where he focuses on strategic business initiatives and commercial agreements relating to the safe transportation and marketing of hydrocarbon commodities. Kene is also a founding member of Parkland’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and Chair of the Parkland Black Action Committee.

Kene was recognised by his colleagues in 2020, when he was elected as the first Black Bencher of the Law Society’s 113-year history. This is an indication of how much he is respected in the profession and how much he has impressed his colleagues within a few years of being called to the Alberta bar.

Kene’s story, which has been featured in newspapers and interviews both in Canada and abroad, is one that exemplifies leadership, achievement and positive change in the area of diversity in the legal profession.

Recently, Kene was recognized by Canadian Lawyer magazine as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada for 2021 and won the 2021 Calgary Black Achievement Awards’ Excellence in Law category.

Kene is not only setting an example in the legal profession but is also contributing to the betterment of his community. He understands the value of giving back and is deeply involved in volunteering for various causes in the community. He volunteers at the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project with Pro Bono Law Alberta. He serves as a mentor to the Black Law Students Association at the University of Calgary, to internationally trained lawyers through Global Lawyers of Canada, and immigrants through the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. He is a member of the Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary and a Trustee of the Anambra State Association of Calgary.

He has been appointed to the City of Airdrie Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and sits on the Boards of Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Black Chambers, Global Lawyers of Canada, and Our Saviour Anglican Church, Calgary.

NCAC congratulates Kene on his achievements.