Our Management
We are led by a Board of Trustees (BOT) and an Operating Management Team comprising experienced professionals and trusted messengers, passionate about safe food and nutrition, health, and wellbeing. We retain an external team of advisers looking from the outside on our operations. Our values are compassion, openness, innovation, and impact.
HRH Samaila Mera
Chairman
HRH Samaila Mera
Chairman
His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Mohammed Mera is the 33rd Sarkin Kebbi (Emir of Argungu), having ascended the throne on November 4, 1996, after the passing of his father, Emir Muhammadu Mera. Born into a legacy of leadership, Emir Samaila Mera took the throne at the age of 35, while serving as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources in Kebbi State. Despite being the second son, he had never held a traditional title before becoming Emir, owing to his modest and simple lifestyle. His leadership has been marked by inclusiveness, significantly increasing the number of districts and village heads in the emirate, and uniting various clans and royal families, which has helped maintain peace and unity in the region.
In his 28 years on the throne, Emir Samaila Mera has made significant contributions to Argungu, notably enhancing the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival by introducing a durbar and earning UNESCO recognition for the festival. Additionally, he has been instrumental in preserving historical sites like the ancient Kebbi capital city of Surame and the Kanta Museum, both of which have been declared national monuments.
His Highness is a civil engineer by profession, holding an HND in Structural Engineering and an MSc in Water and Waste Engineering from Loughborough University, England. He has extensive experience working with the World Bank-assisted Agricultural Development Project in Sokoto and later served as a lecturer and Director of Works at the Polytechnic. His engineering career in the Kebbi State Civil Service saw him rise to the rank of Assistant Chief Engineer before his appointment as the Commissioner of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Rural Development.
Emir Samaila Mera is a respected member of several professional bodies, including the Nigeria Society of Engineers, the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria, and the Institute of Water and Environmental Management (UK). He has received numerous accolades, including the National Honor of Commander of The Niger (CON).
His Royal Highness currently serves as the Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Chairman of the Governing Council of Adamu Augie College of Education, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS). His leadership has been pivotal in fostering unity, promoting education, and driving socioeconomic development in the Argungu Emirate.
Dr Ado J.G Muhammad
Founder, Convener, and Vice Chairman
Dr Ado J.G Muhammad
Founder, Convener, and Vice Chairman
Dr. Ado Jimada Gana Muhammad (OON) is a distinguished healthcare leader with a career spanning several decades, marked by significant contributions to public health in Nigeria and beyond. Currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solution, Dr. Ado has a legacy of transformative leadership, particularly in his former role as the Executive Director/CEO of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Appointed to this position in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ado was instrumental in shaping national primary healthcare policy, guiding its implementation across Nigeria's states and Local Government Areas (LGAs). Throughout his tenure at NPHCDA, Dr. Ado championed seven key objectives: controlling preventable diseases, improving access to basic health services, enhancing the quality of care, strengthening healthcare institutions, developing a high-performing health workforce, fostering partnerships, and engaging communities for feedback. His efforts led to significant strides in eradicating polio, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and integrating HIV/AIDS services into primary health care.
Dr. Muhammad’s exceptional leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including Nigeria’s prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2014, and the Public Administrator of the Year Award. He has also been recognized with the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award and Africa Leadership ICON 2014 for his remarkable achievements in public health. Before his tenure at NPHCDA, Dr. Muhammad held pivotal roles including Senior Technical Adviser in the Office of the Senior Assistant to the Nigerian President on Millennium Development Goals, National Health Adviser for the Bamako Initiative Programme, and roles within the National Programme on Immunization.
An alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, Dr. Muhammad furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Wales and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nottingham, UK.
Dr Mustafa Z. Mahmud
Founder and Head of Mission
Dr Mustafa Z. Mahmud
Founder and Head of Mission
Dr. Mustafa Zubairu Mahmud is an accomplished public health specialist with over 25 years of experience in immunization, primary health care, and global health. As the current Head of Missions at C-WINS (Centre for Well-being and Nutrition Solutions), Dr. Mahmud has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the health sector, particularly in low-resource settings.
His career highlights include spearheading the establishment of the Umma Zakat Fund for sustainable social protection, revitalizing therapeutic goods markets post-COVID-19, and leading the health team at the Developing-8 Countries Health and Social Protection Programme. Dr. Mahmud's expertise spans logistics management, capacity building, policy formulation, and implementation of health interventions. He has consistently driven improvements in health indices, particularly in conflict-affected regions, and has been recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to continuous improvement.
With a background that includes significant roles at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Nigeria, Dr. Mahmud has also contributed to international health diplomacy, capacity building, and the development of innovative health solutions that bridge research, policy, and practice. His work has been pivotal in enhancing vaccine visibility and availability, and he has played a key role in the introduction of new vaccines and the transformation of Nigeria's immunization landscape.
Dr. Mahmud holds a Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery, a Master's degree in Public Health, and additional certifications in health and humanitarian supply chain management. His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for improving public health outcomes, makes him a highly respected leader in global health.
Dr. David Kieghe
Co-Founder and Secretary
Dr. David Kieghe
Co-Founder and Secretary
David Kieghe is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished 24-year career that spans healthcare, education, and international development. Known for his exceptional analytical and strategic thinking, Dr. David has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead high-performing teams, solve complex problems, and develop innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact.
Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles that highlight his expertise and versatility. As Director at Alevyn Ltd., he played a key role in health systems, providing strategic guidance and expertise that enhanced healthcare delivery and outcomes. In his role as Senior Consulting Partner at Neo-Telligence UK, a renowned think tank, he tackled global development challenges, contributing valuable insights and strategies that addressed pressing issues in the international development space.
David’s multidisciplinary approach, combined with his ability to inspire and lead teams to achieve exceptional results, makes him an invaluable asset to C-WINS. His deep commitment to advancing health, education, and development initiatives underscores his dedication to creating sustainable and positive transformations in communities worldwide.
Dr Anne Okigbo
Member
Dr Anne Okigbo
Member
Dr. Anne Okigbo is a seasoned health sector professional with over 23 years of experience, particularly in fragile states and SWAP (Sector-Wide Approach) environments across Africa. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of programmatic areas, including child health and survival interventions, routine immunization, cold chain logistics, strategic planning, advocacy, community engagement, and demand creation. She is also proficient in managing grants, performance-based financing, and contracting, ensuring the effective allocation and utilization of resources to achieve health outcomes. Dr. Okigbo has played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and implementation of World Bank Development Projects, both in Nigeria and at the global level from Washington, D.C.
Her academic background is equally impressive, with an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and postgraduate degrees from Keele University and the University of Oxford in England. This strong educational foundation has underpinned her strategic leadership in global health, particularly in advancing health initiatives in challenging environments.
Dr. Okigbo currently serves as a Board of Trustees (BoT) member at C-WINS where she continues to leverage her extensive experience and expertise to drive meaningful improvements in health and nutrition across vulnerable communities. Her career is marked by a commitment to enhancing health systems, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the sustainability of health interventions.
Aisha Waziri Umar
Member
Aisha Waziri Umar
Member
Aisha Waziri Umar is a seasoned legal expert and visionary leader with over three decades of experience spanning law, public policy, and international development. Renowned for her strategic advisory roles, she has provided invaluable guidance to both Federal and State governments in Nigeria on critical projects across education, transportation, agriculture, and the petroleum sector, often collaborating with global agencies like the World Bank and DFID. Aisha's impressive academic background includes postgraduate qualifications from Oxford University and the World Trade Institute, complemented by ongoing doctoral research at the University of West Scotland. Her career is distinguished by her tenure as a Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria and as a senior manager at FSB International Bank (now Fidelity Bank), where she made significant contributions to the banking sector.
As the founder of the Inara Foundation and CEO of iProduce Africa, Aisha exemplifies her commitment to social entrepreneurship and agribusiness. Her leadership extends to board memberships in prominent companies such as Jaiz Bank and Berger Paints, showcasing her multifaceted expertise in law, policy, and business. Aisha Waziri Umar is a powerful catalyst for socio-economic development, driving impactful change in Nigeria and beyond.
Dr. Nihinlola T. Mabogunje
Member
Dr. Nihinlola T. Mabogunje
Member
Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje is an accomplished development expert with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across public and private sectors, including non-profit organizations. She has extensive experience working on programs and projects aimed at improving maternal and child health in Nigeria. Her work has spanned across various health-related areas such as malaria, immunization, polio, nutrition, reproductive health, family planning, and more, across all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Dr. Mabogunje is known for her expertise in system strengthening, citizen engagement through evidence-based advocacy, and accountability to improve health systems. She has a solid working knowledge of international agencies like USAID, FCDO, The Global Fund, MacArthur Foundation, and others. Her leadership skills are further highlighted by her role in leading a team that researched the constraints and incentives affecting the delivery of social services in Nigeria. Additionally, she is actively involved in international health policy forums and has contributed to global discussions on building resilient health systems in post-COVID-19 Africa.
Dr. Mabogunje has also held significant roles in advocacy and resource mobilization, program management, capacity building, and strategic planning. She is recognized for her ability to secure funding, engage with government and legislative bodies, and lead successful health initiatives and reforms. Currently, she serves on the board of several indigenous companies and NGOs, and is a member of the independent judging panel for the PHC Leadership Challenge Fund .
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
Member
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani is a distinguished Nigerian activist and political advocate, known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, anti-corruption efforts, and democratic governance. With a degree in Political Science from Bayero University, Kano, and over three decades of activism under his belt, Rafsanjani has become a leading voice in the fight for a corruption-free society in Nigeria.
As the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Rafsanjani has spearheaded initiatives aimed at legislative advocacy, policy engagement, and civil society empowerment. His work at CISLAC has been instrumental in the successful enactment of crucial legal frameworks, including the Public Procurement Law, Freedom of Information Act, and the Fiscal Responsibility Law. These contributions have significantly strengthened Nigeria's governance and accountability structures. In addition to his role at CISLAC, Rafsanjani has been a key figure in various national and international platforms dedicated to democracy and human rights. His leadership extends to the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), where he is currently serving as the head, focusing on electoral reforms and ensuring that Nigeria's political parties operate with transparency, internal democracy, and accountability.
Rafsanjani's activism journey began in his youth, inspired by figures like the late Aminu Kano, and was further shaped by his experiences at Bayero University, where he was mentored by prominent political scientists, including Professor Attahiru Jega. His early involvement in student activism laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to advocating for the rights of the marginalized and holding governments accountable. Throughout his career, Rafsanjani has faced numerous challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and arrests, yet his resolve has only strengthened. His ability to mobilize citizens, engage with government bodies, and influence policy has made him a respected leader in Nigeria's civil society space. Rafsanjani's work has earned him recognition both within Nigeria and internationally, as he continues to push for reforms that ensure justice, equity, and good governance.
Currently, as a Board of Trustees (BoT) member at C-WINS, Rafsanjani continues to extend his influence, contributing to broader social and health-related causes. His enduring commitment to activism and his vision for a better Nigeria remains central to his life's work, driving him to keep advocating for change until his last breath.
Dr Mustafa Z. Mahmud
Founder and Head of Mission
Dr Mustafa Z. Mahmud
Founder and Head of Mission
Dr. Mustafa Zubairu Mahmud is an accomplished public health specialist with over 25 years of experience in immunization, primary health care, and global health. As the current Head of Missions at C-WINS (Centre for Well-being and Nutrition Solutions), Dr. Mahmud has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the health sector, particularly in low-resource settings.
His career highlights include spearheading the establishment of the Umma Zakat Fund for sustainable social protection, revitalizing therapeutic goods markets post-COVID-19, and leading the health team at the Developing-8 Countries Health and Social Protection Programme. Dr. Mahmud's expertise spans logistics management, capacity building, policy formulation, and implementation of health interventions. He has consistently driven improvements in health indices, particularly in conflict-affected regions, and has been recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to continuous improvement.
With a background that includes significant roles at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Nigeria, Dr. Mahmud has also contributed to international health diplomacy, capacity building, and the development of innovative health solutions that bridge research, policy, and practice. His work has been pivotal in enhancing vaccine visibility and availability, and he has played a key role in the introduction of new vaccines and the transformation of Nigeria's immunization landscape.
Dr. Mahmud holds a Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery, a Master's degree in Public Health, and additional certifications in health and humanitarian supply chain management. His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for improving public health outcomes, makes him a highly respected leader in global health.
Dayo Lomuwagun
Head of Finance
Dayo Lomuwagun
Head of Finance
Dayo Lomuwagun is a seasoned finance and operations manager with over 15 years of experience across various sectors including healthcare, non-profits, and educational institutions. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dayo has demonstrated expertise in financial management, auditing, human resources, and operational strategy. He has held pivotal roles such as Finance Manager at the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) and Lead Finance & Administration at the Developing8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D8 HSP).
Dayo's extensive experience includes teaching finance and accounting courses for MBA and MSc students at the Edinburgh Business School's Learning Centre in Lagos, where he has been an Approved Tutor for the past decade. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and a passion for building sustainable organizations that can compete on both local and international stages.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dayo is an accomplished author, having published over 30 books. His writing spans various genres, including motivational literature and fiction, reflecting his deep understanding of human nature and society. He is also a public affairs commentator, regularly contributing his insights on national TV stations in Nigeria.
Dayo's dedication to his work is matched by his passion for creative writing, mentoring young people, and engaging in personal development initiatives. He is known for his analytical mind, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all his endeavors.
Ja’afar Lawal
Data/ICT Lead
Ja’afar Lawal
Data/ICT Lead
Ndidichukwu Odoh
Head of Media and Communications
Ndidichukwu Odoh
Head of Media and Communications
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