The Board of Directors
The Ark of Solace Foundation is guided by a highly experienced and passionate Board of Directors with a combined experience of over 140 years across various industries, including finance, business strategy, technology, education, and social impact. Their leadership ensures strong governance, strategic direction, and sustainable growth, driving the foundation’s mission and vision to create lasting positive change.
Dr. Joseph Oladokun, MBA, BSc, AIIN, ANIMN, FIMC, FCAI
Dr. Joseph Olakunle Oladokun is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Ark of Solace Foundation. He holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where he graduated top of his class, and an MBA in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University, Nigeria. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). A Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, he was recently awarded an honorary Doctorate in Strategy and Business Administration by Prowess University, USA.
Olusegun Afolabi, MSc, MBA, BSc, CBAP, CQPA, CCMP, PSM, CCXP, ICP-APM
Olusegun Afolabi is the Visionary Founder and the Executive Director of The Ark of Solace Foundation, driven by a passion for empowering lives and creating lasting impact. With a BSc in Economics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria and an MSc in Information Systems & Business Analysis from Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the foundation.
With an accomplished 18-year career in a leading international banking institution, Olusegun Afolabi combines strategic leadership with a heart for social impact, inspiring hope and change for humanity worldwide.
Dr. Ayodele Shittu, PhD, MSc, BSc
Dr. Ayodele Shittu is one of the Directors of The Ark of Solace Foundation. He is an economist and an entrepreneurship coach. He is an expert in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Economics. He was the immediate past Deputy-Director, Entrepreneurship & Skills Development Centre, and the immediate past Faculty Examination Officer, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
At present, he is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and the Team Lead of the Office of Career Development Services, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Tolulope Onwurah, MBA, BSc, CBAP, CCMP, PSM, ICP-APM
Tolulope Onwurah, a Director at The Ark of Solace Foundation, is an accomplished Business Analyst with extensive experience in banking operations, process optimization, and change management. She holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2004 and obtained an MBA from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2012.
Tolu has led transformative projects across Nigeria and Africa, working with financial institutions and startups. She now provides strategic oversight for business initiatives at a UK government agency, driving innovation and best practices in business analysis. Her appointment reflects her dedication to impactful governance and sustainable development.
Anthony Ihaza, MSc, BSc, CBAP, CCMP, PSM, ICP-APM
Anthony Ihaza is one of the Directors of The Ark of Solace Foundation with expertise in business analysis, operations, strategy implementation, and change management. He currently works at NEPO, supporting the development of OPEN, an e-procurement solution for the public sector. He holds a Master’s in International Business Management from Northumbria University, United Kingdom, and is a member of the International Institute of Business Analysis. His leadership at the foundation aligns with his passion for community development, corporate governance, and social impact.Anthony also advocates for inclusiveness, safeguarding, and capacity-building initiatives.
Hamed Salam-Olarinoye, MBA, BSc, CEH, DCP, ECSA, CHFI, ICP-APM
Hamed Salam-Olarinoye, a Director at The Ark of Solace Foundation, is an information systems specialist with expertise in technology risk, controls, and compliance. A certified ethical hacker, he is passionate about cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin and an MBA in Finance from Obafemi Awolowo University. With a proven track record in governance and information security, he is committed to safeguarding organizational assets and driving digital resilience against cyber threats.
Oluwafunmilola Afolabi, MSc, BSc, ACA
Oluwafunmilola Afolabi is a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience across various roles in middle and senior management. A Chartered Accountant since 2010, she holds both a BSc and MSc in Finance from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Known for her versatility and expertise in accounting and finance, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in driving financial strategies and delivering impactful results in her field. She is a Director, and a Co-Founder of The Ark of Solace Foundation.