Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees comprises accomplished professionals dedicated to the mission of the Safe Haven Foundation. Collectively working to combat domestic violence and provide critical support for survivors and their families.
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
Patrick Nnamdi Azi
Patrick Azi is an engineer by training and a graduate of the University of Benin, Nigeria. During his early career as an Engineer, Patrick worked with various oil companies including Shell Nigeria. He later ventured off on his own to become an entrepreneur.
He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of 3D Hi-tech Limited. His area of focus is power generation.
As a distinguished philanthropist, Patrick is passionate about the plight of women and children. He seeks to contribute his quota to the betterment of these groups of persons by contributing to their cause.
Patrick enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures of the world.
He is a voracious reader and enjoys watching football.
Jimmy Ashafa Waziri
Jimmy Ashafa Waziri is the Director, of Heritage Computer Services Limited, Nigeria. His high-level Information Technology skills took him to the level of an Advisor on Information and Communication Technology to two past governors of Kaduna State Governor. Jimmy also is an educationist and this aspect of his career elevated him to the position of Vice Principal, at Nigerian Turkish International College, Kaduna.
His love for the care and empowerment of women/children/youths motivated him to assume the duty of the Secretary-General, I Care Women and Youth Initiative a Pet Project of Her Excellency, Hajia Namadi Sambo, the wife of a former governor of Kaduna State and Vice President of Nigeria.
Saratu Umar Garba
Saratu Umar Garba (M.CIoD, ACIS)
Saratu is a distinguished Lawyer with over 22 years of cumulative experience and proven expertise in corporate law and governance, compliance services, Insurance, banking, and wealth management advisory services. Her extensive career has been marked by a series of significant achievements and roles across various sectors, showcasing her versatility and commitment to excellence.
Currently, she serves as the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser and Chief Compliance Officer at Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc (VKAP), where she leverages her extensive legal expertise to guide the company in matters of corporate governance, compliance, and legal strategy. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the company’s operations adhere to legal standards and regulatory requirements, while also providing strategic counsel to the board and management.
Before joining VKAP, Saratu’s career included impactful roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited (formerly known as Afribank Nigeria Plc) and Unity Bank where she excelled in, financial institution services, and Branch Management. Her efforts in these banks were instrumental in navigating financial challenges and implementing robust compliance measures that significantly enhanced the bank’s operations.
Saratu is a graduate of Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she acquired a solid foundation in legal principles and practice. She furthered her legal education at the Nigerian Law School, where she qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2003.
In her quest for continuous professional development, Saratu earned her MBA from Hult International Business School Boston, Massachusetts USA. This advanced degree has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of business management and strategic decision-making, complementing her legal expertise.
Saratu is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), reflecting her proficiency in alternative dispute resolution. Her certification of this prestigious institute underscores her commitment to promoting and practicing arbitration as an effective means of resolving disputes.
Additionally, Saratu is a member of several professional bodies, including:
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA): Demonstrating her active involvement in the Nigerian legal community and her dedication to upholding the standards of the legal profession.
The Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria CIoD- As a member, she is dedicated to promoting best practices in corporate governance and leadership.
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Nigeria-(ICSAN) – As an Associate Member Saratu is committed to maintaining the highest levels of, secretarial proficiency, and administrative excellence.
Saratu’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in corporate law, governance, and compliance. Her diverse experience across the legal and banking sectors, strong educational background, and professional affiliations makes her a highly respected and influential figure in her field. At VKAP, she continues to contribute significantly to the company’s success and to the broader legal and business communities in Nigeria and beyond.
Profile will be updated soon.
Adenike Adeyanju
Adenike Adeyanju is a seasoned and compassionate social work professional with a deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
She holds a Professional Master’s degree in Social Work from the prestigious University College Dublin (UCD)
and a fully regulated member of the Social Work profession.
With over 2 decades of dedicated service in the health and social care sector, Adenike has been working in Ireland’s number 1 leading Health and Social Care organisations (HSE) and Tusla Child and Agency, the only statutory organisation responsible for the Protection and Welfare of Children in the Republic of Ireland.
Her role includes supporting individuals with various and complex care needs, safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, and advocating for systemic change. Her work has consistently focused on upholding the dignity and rights and promoting the well-being of those who are the most vulnerable members of our society.
Adenike brings to the Board her expertise in safeguarding, advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed practice, along with a strong ethical grounding and unwavering integrity. Her professional insight enriches the Foundation’s mission to provide holistic support and promote social justice across all its programmes.
Dr. Diane Igoche
Diane A. Igoche, PhD is a passionate human rights advocate. Diane seeks to understand the underlying causes of domestic violence in the family setting. She volunteers with groups dedicated to the empowerment of survivors of domestic abuse, and she is dedicated to supporting the mission of Safe Haven to make a great impact in society.
Professionally, Diane is an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems with a budding expertise in grant writing. Diane can be reached via email at diane@safehaven-foundation.org
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Join us in raising awareness, supporting and empowering survivors, and driving community action to prevent and end domestic violence. Together, we can bring justice to everyone everywhere.