Team Category: Executive Team

Ota Akhigbe is a powerful force for positive social change across Africa. Her work in healthcare, infrastructure, and finance, spanning over 15 years, demonstrates a deep commitment to improving lives and empowering communities. Ota leverages strategic partnerships and impactful program development to ensure greater access to critical resources.

Prior to joining eHA, she served as the Focal Lead for the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Program (ADHFP), her leadership secured significant funding for infrastructure upgrades in underserved Nigerian healthcare facilities. This resulted in a direct improvement in patient care, with a quantifiable increase in patient visits. Similarly, during her time at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Ota’s expertise secured crucial funding for national healthcare initiatives, directly aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Beyond her leadership roles, she fosters collaboration on a global scale. Building strong partnerships with influential global and indigenous organizations, she tackles complex challenges through collective action. This highlights her ability to navigate diverse perspectives and unite stakeholders around a common goal.

Ota’s dedication extends far beyond the confines of a traditional job title. As Strategic Business Advisor for startups, she champions the development of innovative healthcare solutions, striving for a healthier Africa. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further evident in her fostering a thriving community for executives and entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Additionally, Ota actively contributes thought leadership through her weekly articles in BusinessDay Media, advocating for sustainable development across Africa.

Her achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. She was recognized as one of the Top 60 African Women in Development in 2022, evidence of her outstanding contributions towards community improvement aligned with the SDGs. A frequent speaker at industry events, she shares her expertise on healthcare, leadership, and public-private partnerships, inspiring others with her dedication and vision.

Ota Akhigbe is more than just a leader; she’s a visionary strategist and a tireless advocate for a more equitable Africa. Her strong commitment to social impact translates into positive change across the continent, making her an inspiration to all.

Ben has won several awards in the industry. The team that he led won the Enterprises Services award at FHI 360 in 2016. He was also given an award for exemplary leadership for the set up of the USAID IHP among others.

Ben has been an active player in the development sector for more than seventeen years. He has played leading roles in various capacities, such as IT support Manager with the USAID ENHANSE Project and later, Director of Operations with the then Futures Group International. He joined FHI 360 as the pioneer Director of Information Technology and Administration for the $450M GHAIN Project funded by USAID, and Director of Enterprises Services for the USAID $425M SIDHAS Project implemented by FHI 360. Prior to joining eHealth Africa, he was the Director of Finance and Administration with the Palladium Group’s USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP).

Ben holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Education and Economics, all from the University of Benin, Benin City. He is also a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered), and a member of the Information Systems and Control Association (ISACA), USA. He also holds a Project Management for Development Pro I, among others.

Since joining eHA in November 2012, Atef has been instrumental in transforming healthcare accessibility and quality in underserved regions. As the Executive Director, he has:

• Spearheaded the establishment of eight Polio Emergency Operations Centers in Nigeria, funded by the Gates Foundation.
• Led the rapid response to the Ebola outbreak in Lagos, setting up an Emergency Operations Center within two weeks.
• Developed eHA’s Nigerian Operations Department from the ground up.
• Contributed to Polio eradication projects in Nigeria, Ebola response in West Africa, and mapping projects in North Nigeria.
• Expanded Polio control rooms to over 19 countries in Africa.

Atef’s humanitarian efforts have been recognized with a service award from Rotary International. He was also nominated to the Kano State COVID-19 Task Force during the outbreak, further showcasing his commitment to public health.

A seasoned Operations Management Professional, Atef brings over 10 years of operational and administrative oversight to complex programs. He excels in developing strategic business plans and key performance indicators to maximize program success.

Atef holds a BSc in Computer Communications Engineering from the Lebanese International University, Beirut, and an MSc in Global Studies.

Currently, as the Executive Director, Atef provides executive management for the entire organization as well as programmatic and strategic leadership in the framework of the organization’s business development and relationship building. He also provides thought-leadership for the organization’s strategic capacity building.