Team
Our Team 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.
Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi
Founder/Team Lead
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi is a Professor of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and an expert in human rights, and legal reform. She served as Director-General of the National Agency of the Prohibition of trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from 2021-2024 and was Senior Special Assistant on Rule of Law to former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2018-2021. A distinguished academic, legal practitioner, notary public and activist, she holds degrees from Nigeria and the United States and a certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program. Prof. Waziri-Azi, founded Safe Haven Foundation in 2016. She continues to shaped policies that protect women and children. In 2022, she received the University of Pittsburgh Sheth International Young Alumni Achievement Award.
As Team Lead, Prof. Waziri-Azi provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization achieves its mission of empowering survivors of domestic violence. Her role involves driving organizational growth, building strong partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
Gary Kelechi Amadi
Head of Legal
Gary Kelechi Amadi is a Lawyer and Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS). Previously, Gary worked with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) from 2017 to 2022, where he played a crucial role in coordinating anti-corruption efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also served as Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from 2022 to 2024.
Gary holds an LLM in International Business and Commercial Law from Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU) 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 Trafficking in Persons and Sexual and Gender Based Violence related issues.
As Head of Legal, Gary leads survivor-centered legal aid, representation, and referral services. He advises on legal strategy, policy development, and legislative advocacy and ensures organizational compliance with all legal and regulatory frameworks. Gary supervises legal officers, and volunteers as well as supports litigation and alternative dispute resolution where required
Murjanatu Kamaldeen
Head of Programs
Murja is a lawyer with experience in private legal practice and governance. She practiced law for some years before transitioning into a career in the public sector. In her past experience working in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, she supported the Rule of Law Advisory Team and gender related issues and policies on police reform.
In 2021, Murja was appointed Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) where she successfully contributed to the anti-human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence efforts of Nigeria in terms of prosecution, counselling, rehabilitation of survivors, advocacy, research and forging partnerships with other law enforcement agencies as well as global stakeholders.
Murja holds a first-class degree in Law from the University of Liverpool. She was one of the six Nigerians awarded the prestigious Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarship, to study a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, which she successfully completed.
As Head of Programs, Murja is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs and initiatives that align with the Safe Haven Foundation’s mission to support survivors of domestic violence. Her role ensures that programs are impactful, sustainable, and delivered efficiently while meeting the highest standards of quality and compliance.
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.
Mary James
Shelter Resident Assistant
Mary James is a trained teacher and holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from College of Education, Gidan Waya, Kafanchan, Kaduna. Before joining Safe Haven Foundation, she worked as a primary school teacher at a private school in Wuye, Abuja.
As a Resident Assistant, Mary plays a critical role in providing dedicated on-site care and support for shelter residents, ensuring their well-being, safety, and overall comfort during their stay. Her role also involves ensuring that the foundation’s policies, procedures, and goals are implemented effectively while maintaining high standards of care for residents.
Shalom Francis
Office Assistant
Shalom holds a Secondary School Leaving Certificate and is working towards going to university to study Computer Science.
As an Office Assistant he plays a critical role in ensuring the cleanliness, organization, and smooth operation of the Safe Haven Foundation office. Shalom assists with office errands and minor administrative tasks
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