To be Released
Abuja
27.02.26
CLEEN Foundation Announces New Board Members, Appreciates Outgoing Board for Their Dedicated Service
CLEEN Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, marking an important step in the organization’s continued growth, strategic renewal, and institutional strengthening. The newly appointed Board members bring a wealth of experience across governance, public safety, law, research, civil society leadership, and institutional development. Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to accountability and democratic governance will further reinforce CLEEN Foundation’s mission to promote public safety, strengthen security sector oversight, and deepen democratic values across Nigeria.
The Foundation also extends its profound appreciation to the outgoing Board members for their exceptional leadership, guidance, and unwavering dedication. During their tenure, the organization experienced significant milestones, including programmatic expansion, enhanced policy influence, strengthened internal systems, and improved institutional sustainability. Their stewardship helped consolidate CLEEN’s reputation as a leading voice in security sector reform and governance accountability. Under their guidance, the Board provided strategic direction, ensured sound fiduciary oversight, upheld strong governance standards, and supported management in navigating complex operational and policy environments. Their service has left a lasting institutional legacy that will continue to shape the Foundation’s trajectory.
As CLEEN Foundation welcomes its new Board members, it remains committed to building on past achievements while advancing innovative, evidence-based approaches to public safety and democratic governance. The transition reflects both continuity and renewal, preserving institutional memory while embracing fresh perspectives for the future.
The new board members are:
- Engr. Dr. Y.Z Ya’u
Engr. Dr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u is the Executive Director and co‑founder of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). He is a renowned ICT-for-development expert who previously lectured in Electrical Engineering at Bayero University Kano for 16 years. He has led pioneering work on digital rights, hate‑speech monitoring, youth empowerment, ICT policy reform, peacebuilding, and technology governance in Nigeria. He has authored over 20 books and more than 30 peer‑reviewed papers, and currently serves as the Convener of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room.
- Mrs Olufunke Baruwa
Olufunke Baruwa is a leading gender and development practitioner with over two decades of experience spanning government, civil society, and international development. A feminist and public policy expert, she has held roles at the Ford Foundation, USAID, and the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, where she served as CEO. She has championed gender equality, women’s political participation, and social inclusion across Nigeria. She holds degrees from the University of Abuja, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and an MA in Corruption and Governance from the University of Sussex.
- Dr. Jude Ohanele
Dr. Jude Ohanele is a respected human rights defender and founder of Development Dynamics, an organisation that promotes credible elections, civic participation, and protection from violence in the South‑East and across Nigeria. With years of advocacy experience, he has worked under challenging conditions to document rights violations and advance democratic accountability. He is known for championing the right to life, youth engagement, and community participation in governance processes.
- Dr. Ini Laura Abimbola
Dr. Ini Abimbola is an accomplished sustainability, governance, and strategy expert with more than 22 years of experience across public, private, and development sectors. She is the Founder and former CEO of ThistlePraxis Consulting, a globally recognised sustainability and CSR advisory firm. A Draper Hills Fellow from Stanford University and a Harvard Business School alumnus, she has served as Executive Director of WIMBIZ, faculty member at the Ferdinand Porsche FernFH University (Austria), and advisor on women’s political leadership. She is widely known for her work in corporate sustainability, governance reform, and youth leadership development.
CLEEN Foundation extends its deep gratitude to the outgone board members for their exceptional leadership and years of unwavering commitment:
- Prof. Muazu Abubakar
- Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa
- Prof. Orji Nwachuku
- Ms. Pricilia Ankut
Their strategic direction, service, and guidance have been instrumental in strengthening CLEEN Foundation’s governance and expanding its impact in Nigeria’s justice and security sectors. We salute their courage and efforts.
With the inclusion of these new board members, CLEEN looks forward to a future of strengthened partnerships, innovative programming, and enhanced institutional leadership.
Signed:
Peter Maduoma
Executive Director