Team
Our Team is the backbone of the Safe Haven Foundation, passionately working together to support and uplift survivors of domestic violence. With compassion, dedication, and expertise, they provide guidance, advocacy, outreach, and essential resources to help individuals and families rebuild their lives in safety and hope.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, PhD
Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi is a Professor of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), a legal practitioner, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK); a distinguished academic, a published author, a human rights activist, Notary Public for Nigeria and founder, Safe Haven Foundation (SHF).
Prof. Waziri–Azi is committed to championing the rights of the marginalized, particularly women and children, by undertaking sustainable reforms that enhance people-centered, access to justice. Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Waziri-Azi has harnessed the power of the law as a force for positive change.
Her work experience includes-Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from 2021- August 2024; Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Rule of Law, Office of the Vice President from 2019 to 2021; Attorney & Program Officer at Human Rights Law Service; Legal Associate at the New York City, Administration of Children Services, Division of Legal Services; Legal Fellow at Transparency International USA, (Washington, D.C.); Researcher at the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).
Prof Waziri–Azi, has a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; a Barrister-at-Law Degree from the Nigeria Law School Lagos; Master of Law Degree in International Law and Human Rights, from St Thomas University School of Law, Miami–Florida, USA; a Doctor of Juridical Science Degree (PhD in Law) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh–Pennsylvania State, USA; and a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program, Boston-Massachusetts, USA.
Prof Waziri-Azi is the 2022 recipient of the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Sheth International Young Alumni Achievement Award. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association; Association of Women in Development, Women in International Security, and the International Scrabble Club. Dr Waziri–Azi can be reached via email at fatima@safehaven-foundation.org
Gary Kelechi Amadi
LL. B (IMSU), B.L (LAGOS), LLM (LJMU), A(Arb)UK
With 15 years of experience in legal practice, Gary Amadi is a seasoned expert in his field. As an Academic and Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), he contributes to the apex legal institution’s mission to advance legal research and education.
Previously, Gary worked with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) from 2017 to 2022, serving as a Research and Programme Officer. During his time, he played a crucial role in coordinating anti-corruption efforts, promoting government reforms, and advising on the prosecution of corruption cases. His contributions led to increased convictions of corrupt officials, capacity building of anti-corruption agencies, and the development of key policy documents notable among them are the Whistle Blowers Policy document and the Asset Recovery Strategy Document which sheds more light on the non – conviction based asset recovery.
From 2022 to July 2024, Gary served as Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). His efforts resulted in increased awareness of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Persons issues, enhanced prosecution of traffickers, and expanded operational capacity. He also contributed to the development of policy documents, including the Anti-Trafficking Action Plan and NAPTIP’s Disability Inclusion Policy. Gary was part of the team that developed the training manual for training of judges and prosecutors on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) issues especially as provided in VAPP Act, 2015. He was also the focal person for NAPTIP on the Schools Anti Trafficking and Advocacy Project (STEAP), in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), supported by the Government of the Netherlands. The project focused on prevention as a tool in curbing TIP as well as rehabilitation and reintegration of victims/survivors of school age.
Gary holds an LLM in International Business and Commercial Law from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and is an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK. His research focuses on Global Finance Law, particularly in the area of money laundering, Illicit Financial Flows, and terrorism finance, with a special interest in TIP and SGBV-related issues. As a lecturer at NIALS, Gary has published and edited numerous scholarly articles in various books and journals.
Murja
Profile will be updated soon.
Zainab Saleh
Clinical Psychologist
Zainab Saleh is an internationally trained and licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience delivering evidence-based care in diverse clinical settings. She brings to Safe Haven Foundation a wealth of expertise in trauma-informed therapy, emotional wellness, and holistic mental health support.
Prior to joining Safe Haven, Zainab served at a high-acuity inpatient psychiatric facility, where she provided both individual and group therapy to patients facing a broad spectrum of psychological challenges. Her clinical work spans areas including anxiety, depression, addiction, complex grief, post-traumatic stress, and behavioral disorders. Zainab is passionate about restoring dignity, and resilience, in individuals who have experienced severe emotional distress. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and client-centered healing.
At Safe Haven Foundation, Zainab Saleh plays a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive mental health support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence by integrating Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with case management strategies to holistically address the complex needs of survivors.
With a unique blend of legal and clinical expertise, she brings a multidisciplinary lens to trauma recovery. Zainab holds an LLB in Civil Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. Complementing her legal background are certifications in Counselling Psychology, Childhood Development, Crisis and Trauma, and Expressive Therapies from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.
Blessing Thomas
Blessing is a Shelter Resident Assistant, where she delivers round-the-clock, trauma-informed support to shelter residents and helps maintain a safe, dignified living environment. Her responsibilities include daily resident care, safety monitoring, documentation, and the consistent implementation of SHF’s policies, procedures, and quality standards. Prior to joining SHF, Blessing held several positions, including working as a class teacher in a primary school, experience that sharpened her communication skills, compassion, and attention to details.
Joseph Ijulu
Profile will be updated soon.
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