TEAM IMPACT
We are a team of passionate people willing to make a difference in the world. Using our skills and
talents to make positive impacts in the lives of rural dwellers and several communities.
talents to make positive impacts in the lives of rural dwellers and several communities.
OUR TEAM
RUWAI boasts a diverse and passionate team of dedicated individuals. Our team comprises agriculture, community development, environmental conservation experts, and more. Their deep knowledge and unwavering commitment bring transformative change to rural communities across Nigeria and the world. We are united by a shared vision of creating sustainable and equitable development and work tirelessly to make that vision a reality
Uche is a seasoned expert in rural development and environmental resource management with over a decade of experience. He holds degrees in Environmental Resource Management and Environmental Safety and Security Management, along with professional certifications in climate change, nature-based solutions, poverty alleviation, and humanitarian response. Uche has consulted for leading organizations, including Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD), and international NGOs on land restoration, food security and poverty alleviation. He also serves on the boards of several local and international organizations, playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and community resilience.
Uche Isieke
Executive Director
Bala Gukut is a distinguished expert in livelihoods, food security, and forest management, with over 20 years of professional experience. He holds a B.Sc. and a Master’s degree in Forest Management. As a former Director at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, he played a pivotal role in shaping national policies on sustainable land management, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration.
Bala has provided high-level consultancy services to both international and local organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and AFR100. His expertise spans afforestation, carbon sequestration, and land degradation. His work continues to influence environmental sustainability and rural development across Africa.
Bala Gukut
Director of Restoration, Food Systems, and Livelihoods
Tobias Ukeh is a European Union-certified apiculturist with a Master’s degree in Science and over 20 years of experience in community development, sustainable agriculture, and rural empowerment. As a passionate advocate for improving rural livelihoods, he has played a key role in advancing beekeeping as a viable economic and environmental solution for smallholder farmers.
For the past four years, Tobias has successfully led the implementation of RUWAI’s rural projects, ensuring impactful results through capacity building, sustainable natural resource management, and innovative livelihood strategies. His expertise in apiculture, coupled with his commitment to community development, continues to drive positive change in rural economies and environmental conservation efforts.
Tobias Ukeh
Beekeeping Program Coordinator
Maria Ransome brings a wealth of experience to RUWAI, leading our IT and digital media communications with expertise and dedication. Her work plays a pivotal role in strengthening our advocacy programs by effectively building, engaging, and expanding our online community. Through strategic digital outreach, she enhances our visibility, fosters meaningful connections, and ensures our message reaches a wider audience, advancing RUWAI’s mission with impact and consistency.
Maria Ransome
Digital Designs and Social Media
With over 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid and crisis management, Tammy is deeply committed to improving the welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly children affected by displacement and socio-economic hardships. She holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration and has obtained multiple certifications in crisis response, child protection, and psychosocial support.
As the coordinator of RUWAI’s humanitarian interventions, Tammy leads efforts in education, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), food relief, and women & child protection. She plays a critical role in designing and implementing programs that address the specific needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring that children and other at-risk groups receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Tammy Abia
Humanitarian and Children Care Officer
Emmanuel Ihezue holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Extension and Data Management and has eight years of experience working closely with local farmers on agricultural development initiatives. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between technology and agriculture to enhance productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in rural communities.
Over the last four years, Emmanuel has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing digital data tracking tools that have significantly improved RUWAI’s program monitoring and evaluation processes. His innovative approach has streamlined data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling more efficient tracking of project impact and enhancing transparency in donor reporting. Through his contributions, RUWAI continues to strengthen its agricultural interventions, ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes for rural communities.
Emmanuel Ihezue
Agric-Extension Services and M&E Lead
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