Executive Commitee

Shola Yemi-Jonathan, PhD, MBA, FISPN is a distinguished Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) professional, with over two decades of leadership experience across diverse sectors including oil and gas, construction, FMCG, hospitality, and development projects. A Fellow of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Dr. Yemi-Jonathan is highly regarded for his expertise in safety governance, HSEQ systems implementation, risk management, and capacity building.

Currently, he serves as the Principal Consultant at Blueplate Consulting, where he leads HSEQ audits, training, and strategic advisory services for organizations seeking sustainable growth and operational excellence. In addition to his consultancy work, he is the Chairman of the ISPON Rivers State Chapter, where he plays a pivotal role in promoting professional safety practices in Nigeria.

Dr. Yemi-Jonathan is also a Lecturer in Construction and Manufacturing Safety Management at the University of Port Harcourt, imparting industry-driven knowledge to the next generation of safety leaders. His academic background includes a PhD and an MBA, and he is an alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt.

Known for his strong mentorship, business acumen, and passion for embedding a proactive safety culture, Dr. Yemi-Jonathan is a respected voice in Nigeria’s HSE community. His professional ethos emphasizes integrity, innovation, and continuous learning, making him a valuable resource for organizations and academic institutions alike.

He actively shares thought leadership on safety, leadership, and human capital development through professional forums and social media.

Victoria O. Emelu, PhD is a dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in project management, operations leadership, and disaster risk management. She currently serves as the General Manager at Integrated Corrosion Science Company Limited, Port Harcourt, where she oversees Cathodic Protection design, installation, maintenance, and corrosion monitoring operations. With a strong background in operational efficiency, budget administration, and staff development, Victoria has played a key role in mentoring teams and driving strategic growth.

She holds a PhD and MSc in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, and a BSc in Physiology/Pharmacology from the University of Calabar. Her academic research has centered on disaster risk, oil and gas pipeline vandalization, and environmental pollution — subjects on which she has published widely in reputable journals.

Victoria’s professional journey also includes experience as a Health/Environmental Officer at Danalec Limited and a Laboratory Technologist at Josef Ross & Co. Limited. She is certified in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), HSE, corrosion control, workplace mediation, and emergency response, and actively participates in professional development programs.

A strong leader and independent decision-maker, Victoria combines technical expertise with a passion for research, sustainability, and community resilience. Victoria continues to contribute to the fields of disaster risk management, environmental sustainability, and industrial safety, striving for excellence and innovation in every endeavor.

Prof. E. F. Onuodu is a renowned academic and seasoned researcher in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as an authority in computer science education, with specialized interests in programming languages, software development, and computational problem-solving. With academic qualifications that span bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Computer Science, Prof. Onuodu's academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing both the theoretical and practical aspects of computing. His educational background, combined with years of research and teaching experience, has positioned him as a leading figure in the development of computer science curricula in Nigeria. Prof. Onuodu’s scholarly contributions focus on expanding the understanding of both foundational and advanced computing concepts. His work has particularly emphasized the relevance of fourth and fifth-generation programming languages, fostering the use of practical programming tools such as Ruby and Prolog within the academic space. His involvement in authoring several academic textbooks and instructional materials, including works on computer appreciation, application software, and structured programming with Fortran, has significantly enhanced access to locally relevant learning resources for computer science students across Nigeria.

Professor Hycienth Ogunka Nwankwoala is a distinguished Nigerian geoscientist specializing in Environmental and Applied Hydrogeology. He currently serves as a full Professor in the Department of Geology at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. With a Ph.D. in Applied Hydrogeology from the University of Port Harcourt, an M.Phil in Environmental Management from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Port Harcourt, his academic foundation is robust. Professor Nwankwoala's research encompasses groundwater quality assessment, hydrogeochemical modeling, environmental geochemistry, and geotechnical investigations. He has authored over 290 publications, amassing more than 2,500 citations, reflecting his significant contributions to geoscience. His work is particularly influential in the Niger Delta region, focusing on coastal aquifer management and environmental risk assessment. Beyond academia, he has provided consultancy services to various geoscientific and environmental firms and has been involved in numerous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Notably, he served as Nigeria's Lead Groundwater Expert for UNESCO's Transboundary Water Assessment Programme (TWAP) in West and Central Africa. Professor Nwankwoala is an active member of several professional bodies, including the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS). His dedication to environmental sustainability and water resource management continues to impact both national and international geoscientific communities.

Prof. Eseosa Omorogiuwa is a distinguished academic, researcher, and thought leader in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. With over two decades of progressive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, Prof. Omorogiuwa has significantly contributed to the advancement of electrical engineering education and technological innovation in Nigeria and beyond. His research interests encompass a broad spectrum of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a particular emphasis on Power Systems Engineering, Renewable Energy Integration, Smart Grid Technology, and Control Systems. Prof. Omorogiuwa is renowned for his work in developing efficient, sustainable energy solutions aimed at addressing Africa's energy challenges, with a focus on system reliability, grid modernization, and energy access for underserved communities. Throughout his academic career, Prof. Omorogiuwa has demonstrated a strong commitment to capacity building, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and fostering industry-academic collaborations. His scholarly works have been widely published in reputable national and international journals, with contributions that advance knowledge in power system stability, smart energy systems, and electronic circuit design. Prof. Omorogiuwa actively participates in national policy dialogues on energy, technology, and engineering education reforms. He serves on various technical committees and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His academic excellence, dedication to innovation, and unwavering commitment to national development continue to make him a key figure in the advancement of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Nigeria.

Prof. Batholomew Eke is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. With an extensive career spanning over two decades, Prof. Eke has made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in computing, software engineering, and information systems, particularly within the Nigerian and African academic landscape. His scholarly expertise encompasses critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Development, and ICT for Development (ICT4D). Through his teaching and research, Prof. Eke has demonstrated a sustained commitment to addressing technological challenges and fostering innovative solutions that support national development and digital transformation. Prof. Eke has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and technical reports, contributing to reputable national and international journals. His research focuses on emerging technologies and their applications in solving real-world problems, including intelligent systems, machine learning, and computational approaches to socio-economic development. In his role at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Eke has been instrumental in curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and capacity building for the next generation of computer scientists and IT professionals. He has successfully supervised numerous Master's and PhD candidates, many of whom have advanced to influential roles in academia, industry, and government. Beyond teaching and research, Prof. Eke actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, governmental agencies, and international partners to promote ICT innovation and digital literacy across Nigeria. His leadership in various university committees, academic boards, and national ICT initiatives reflects his dedication to institutional advancement and national technological growth.

Dr. Olusola Akinniyi is a highly accomplished Consultant Gynaecologist and the dynamic Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc. With over 25 years of distinguished experience in medical practice, Dr. Akinniyi brings deep expertise and visionary leadership to Nigeria’s diagnostic healthcare sector. A graduate of Medicine (MBBS) who further refined his clinical and leadership capabilities with advanced credentials—Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS), Master’s degree (MSc), Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS), and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM),Dr. Akinniyi embodies a blend of clinical excellence and managerial acumen.

Under his stewardship, Union Diagnostic has evolved into a premier one-stop diagnostic and clinical services provider. Dr. Akinniyi's strategic initiatives include equipping advanced diagnostic technologies and expanding service access, with proceeds from a notable private placement—over ₦1 billion—earmarked for procurement of equipment, branch expansion, and working capital enhancements. These initiatives underscore his commitment to accessibility, technological advancement, and operational transparency.

A respected voice in Nigeria’s health sector, Dr. Akinniyi has publicly urged governments to prioritize healthcare infrastructure and local capacity building—especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic about over-reliance on international supply chains. Beyond his managerial role, Dr. Akinniyi continues to provide expert gynaecological care, balancing clinical service delivery with strategic leadership. His professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to raising the standards of diagnostic excellence and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Dr. Malachi U. Abasiodiong is a seasoned veterinary professional with over three decades of sustained contribution to veterinary medicine, animal health management, and public veterinary service in Nigeria. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is a registered Veterinary Surgeon with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), as well as a long-standing member of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). His professional career has been anchored in government veterinary services, where he rose through progressive technical and leadership roles including Senior Veterinary Officer, Zonal Veterinary Officer, Assistant Chief Veterinary Officer, and Chief Veterinary Officer within Akwa Ibom State. Across these roles, Dr. Abasiodiong has demonstrated strong expertise in animal disease surveillance, livestock health management, veterinary public health, biosecurity systems, and zoonotic disease control, with particular emphasis on avian influenza preparedness and emergency response. Dr. Abasiodiong has played an active role in veterinary capacity development through facilitation of professional trainings on livestock production systems, disease prevention, veterinary biosecurity, and animal health services delivery. He has also contributed to veterinary policy and disease control initiatives, including participation in the Pan-African Programme for the Control of Epizootics (PACE) and leadership service within the NVMA at state level. Internationally, he is affiliated with the Wildlife Disease Association (USA) and has served on the IUCN Veterinary Specialist Group, reflecting recognition of his expertise in veterinary public health and wildlife–livestock disease interfaces. His combined experience in practice, leadership, training, and policy engagement.