OUR TEAM

Our team consists of experienced researchers, scientists, and experts in plant pathology and mycology. We work closely with African universities, research institutions, and agricultural organizations to drive our mission and objectives.

BRIDGET MBU MBENG (CEO/Founder)

Bridget Mbu Mbeng: A Visionary Nurse, Entrepreneur, and Community Developer

As a licensed practical nurse with over 15 years of experience, Bridget Mbu Mbeng has dedicated her life to providing quality healthcare services and empowering communities through sustainable agricultural practices. Her expertise spans nursing, entrepreneurship, and community development, with a focus on mushroom farming and women's empowerment.

Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Cameroon, Bridget completed her primary school at Bayelle Nkwen Bamenda, secondary education at KSGS Njinikom, had ordinary Level, and in 1990 had advance level. She furthered her education at the Community Development School, Kumba, obtaining a Diploma in Senior Technician Agro-pastoral Counseling 1990's, In 2006, she graduated with a Practical Nursing Diploma from TROCare College, Buffalo, USA.

Nursing Career
With over 15 years of experience in nursing, Bridget has worked in various healthcare settings, including Crescent Home, Flagstaff, DL, where she provided basic treatment for patients, managed medications, and performed CPR. She holds a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Delaware, USA, and certifications in Basic Life Support, Long-Term Care, and a Mushroom advocate for grassroots in Africa.

Entrepreneurial Journey
In 2007, Bridget founded MAMF Global Outreach Ltd, a multi-agricultural company registered in the United States in offices in Africa, MAMF's mission is to train, supply spawn, and purchase mushrooms from grassroots farmers and women in West and Central Africa. Under her leadership, MAMF has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Registration in 4 African countries.
- wining a diaspora Market place competition in Washington DC, 2015 for mushroom production in Africa.
- Partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon
- Training over 5,700 farmers in North West province, Cameroon
- Signing MOUs with NGOs and grassroots associations in Nigeria
- Empowering over 3,300 women in North West Cameroon to venture into mushroom farming.

Skills and Expertise
Throughout her career, Bridget has developed strong skills in:
- Leadership and communication
- Entrepreneurship and business management
- Mushroom farming and development
- Community business model development

Personal Life and Hobbies
In her free time, Bridget enjoy traveling, and empowering women and communities through sustainable agricultural practices, story telling and She is committed to making a positive impact in Africa and contributing to the growth and development of her community and Africa at a whole.

Daniel .P. Usman
(CSO/CO-FOUNDER)

Daniel P. Usman: Visionary Leader, Entrepreneur, and Community Developer

As a renowned entrepreneur, financial expert, and community developer, Daniel P. Usman has dedicated his life to driving growth, innovation, and sustainable development in Africa. His innovative approaches have yielded numerous impacts, leveraging his strong background in accounting, finance, and business management.

Early Life and Education
Borned native of Bale Anghan in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, Daniel hails from the Anghan community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area. He completed his primary education at LGEA Primary School Idung Kamantan and secondary education at G.S.S Fadan Kamantan. Daniel furthered his education at:

- Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria (Accounting & Finance)
- Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna (Higher National Diploma in Cooperative Economic and Management)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance,
- Master's in Accounting and Finance, South America University, USA

Career and Entrepreneurial Journey
A seasoned business tycoon, Daniel's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Mayal Agricultural Services Co. Ltd, a company providing innovative agricultural solutions with over 10 brands, bioenergy, Organic fertilizer. He also co-founded Yalorganic Farms Ltd, a leading organic farming company in northern Nigeria. As President of the Anghan Community Economic Development Foundation, a non-profit organization, Daniel champions economic empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure, and social justice initiatives, promoting economic growth and development in his community.

Research and Development Initiatives
Daniel is co-founder of the Global Pan African Plant Pathology Mycology Research and Development Initiatives Ltd/Gte, dedicated to advancing plant pathology and mycology research in Africa.

Skills and Expertise
Throughout his career, Daniel has developed strong skills in:
- Financial management and analysis
- Entrepreneurship
- Computer applications (MS-Office packages and internet-based tools)
- Analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

Personal Life and Hobbies
In his free time, Daniel enjoys reading, traveling, and meeting new people. He is committed to making a positive impact in his community and contributing to Africa's growth and development.

GREGORY BOH GHAM
(Director, Marketing & Investment USA)

Summary:
Results-driven professional with expertise in business development, digital marketing, and technology management. Proven track record of driving growth, improving efficiency, and building strategic partnerships. Currently pursuing an MBA in International Business Management.

Areas of Expertise:
- Analytical Insight
- Creative Problem Solving
- Technology Solutions
- Critical Thinking
- Multitasking & Prioritization
- Team Building & Leadership
- Business Development
- Social Media Campaigns
- Agile Principles & Strategies
- Strategic Analysis
- Relationship Building
- Data & Business Analysis

Education:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business Management, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland (in progress)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Business/Trade/Commerce, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland (2018)
- Associate Degree in Applied Accounting, University of Buea, Molyko, Buea, Cameroon (2012)

Professional Experience:
- Partner and Business Administrator, Global Panafrican Farms LTD (2022-Present)
- Co-Founder/Business Developer, MAMF Global Outreach LLC, Finland & USA (2016-Present)
- Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant, Wellstone Technologies, Philadelphia, PA, USA (2021)
- Business Coach, Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland (2018-2020)
- Assistant Project Manager, QvarkCon Games, Vaasa, Finland (2018-2019)
- Freelance Project Support, Musikcafé After Eight, Pietarsaari, Finland (2018)

Certifications:
- Product Manager Certification of Completion (2022)
- Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), (link unavailable) (2021)
- Digital Marketing Certification, Digital Marketing Institute (2021)

Technical Proficiencies:
- Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
- Power Bi
- Qlik
- HFM
- SPSS
- Confluence
- Asana
- Trello
- Jira
- UX/UI design

LAMIN F. BAYO
GPARD, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO

Bayo is a multifaceted individual with a strong background in market research, entrepreneurship, and community development. As a seasoned market research professional, he has driven research for diverse clients, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, for over 15 years .

Bayo's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found E-Bantaba, a social enterprise that empowers rural communities by establishing digital hubs. These hubs provide access to technology, internet, and training, aligning with his passion for community development and belief in information sharing to drive change.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bayo has actively contributed to various organizations. He served as Under Secretary to the President of the Association of Gambian Manufacturers (AGM), advocating for Gambian industries' growth. He also organized capacity-building workshops for food processors, conducted programs on trade standards, and spearheaded the "Made in The Gambia Trade Fair".

Bayo's commitment extends beyond his profession, as evident from his active membership in the Gambia Red Cross Society, where he serves as Secretary to the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Furthermore, he has participated in local and international capacity-building programs and contributed to industrial policy reforms .

Interestingly, there is another individual named Lamin Bayo, who is a football player and has a different background However, the Lamin F. Bayo mentioned earlier has a distinct profile, showcasing his expertise in market research, entrepreneurship, and community development.

GARBA EMMANUEL
(Director, Operations)

Garba Mohammed Emmanuel was born in1962, graduated from St Joseph’s College Vom and a holder of a BSc. Building Engineering which he obtained from ABU in1985. He further obtained a post graduate in DIPET II, Civil Engineering from ENSET Annexe Kolbision Yaoundé Cameroon in 1991.

His rich Professional experience spans through several years of work in Nigeria with HM Interiors and Riskman Construction. He has been working in Cameroon for more than two decades as a Technical teacher, Provincial Pedagogic Inspector for Secondary education in Building and Civil works for the North and Provincial Coordinating Inspector of Technical Education for the North Province.

He has a very rich experience as a School Administrator in Government Technical High Schools in various parts of Cameroon for close to 20 years and retired in 2022.

He currently runs two of his companies, STE MAGONA SARL, a limited liability company in civil works and Graft Engineering Consultants Co. Limited (GRAFT CONSULT) all based in Bamenda, in the North West Region, Cameroon.

He is married, loves sports with preference in lawn tennis, badminton, snooker and football. He speaks English, French and Hausa.

PROF. VICTOR O. OLUMEKUN
(Director, Research & Development)

Victor Olugbenga Olumekun is a Plant Physiologist and an Environmental Scientist. He obtained a BSc in Botany from the University of Benin in 1981, MSc in Crop Physiology from the University of Ibadan (1984) and PhD Biology (Plant Physiology) from the University of Essex, Colchester, UK in 1993. He later obtained another MSc in Ecology & Environmental Management from Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK in 2006.

Prof Olumekun is a Commonwealth Scholar and a recipient of a number of Fellowships and awards, an indication of his scholarship. He has authored several journal and technical publications in Plant Physiology, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development and Natural plant products. He is fully employed as a Professor of Plant Science at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria and has served the University in various capacities: as the Pioneer Director of the Pre-degree Programme from 2000 – 2003; Pioneer Director of the Centre for Diploma and Pre-degree studies from 2003 – 2004 and Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development from 2010 – 2012. He was the longest serving Dean of Science from 2011 to 2016 and he is the immediate past Director of the University's Center for Research & Development, a post he held from 2016 to 2019. Currently, he is the Director of the University Advancement Office.

Prof Olumekun has served on two occasions as a member of the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University (2000 – 2004; 2012 – 2016). He has also served in various capacities outside the university system. He is passionate about the environment and he is currently a Senior Consultant to the Centre for Ecological and Community Development (CECD), an NGO instituting several conservation programmes in the Niger Delta of Nigeria as well as the Accent Business School, Akure, where he is a regular faculty.

He is a member of several International and local professional bodies, including the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) where he is a Practitioner Member. Even though a Scientist, Prof Olumekun has carved a niche for himself in the literary community as a writer, newspaper columnist and commentator on public affairs

AUSTIN AUTA
(Director of Youth & Women Empowerment)

Austin Auta was born and raised in Shendam Artillery Military barrack, where he developed a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship from a young age.

Education
He earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration, Business in Entrepreneurial and Management where he gained a foundational understanding of business principles and practices. His dedication during this period helped him develop key skills in management, finance, and organizational behavior.

Building on his desire for business, Austin pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management and Ph.D in view in the field of Entrepreneurship. This advanced degree allowed him to delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, equipping him with the tools to foster innovation, manage business ventures, and drive sustainable growth. His master's thesis focused on Financial Literacy, showcasing his commitment to addressing real-world business challenges.

Career
Following his educational pursuits, he own companies which services cut across ICT, Consulting, Construction, Estate management etc Keytech Global Innovation Ltd, Softech and Zitech Industrial Services Limited. He also work as consultant to various government Lodges Such as Kano Government Lodges and Liaison Office, Bauchi, Kogi, Borno and Kebbi State. Austin began his career in the industry and farming both crops and animals husbandry, where he applied his academic knowledge to practical situations. He held positions that allowed him to develop his skills in management, project execution, and strategic planning.

Austin later transitioned into entrepreneurship, leveraging his background to create and manage his ventures. His approach emphasizes innovation and adaptability, aligning with the rapid changes in today's business landscape.

Throughout his career, Austin has been actively involved in mentoring upcoming entrepreneurs, sharing his insights and experiences to foster a new generation of business leaders. He believes in the power of education and practical experience in shaping successful entrepreneurs.

Personal Life
In addition to his professional pursuits, Austin is passionate about reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
Austin Auta continues to inspire others with his journey, promoting the importance of education, innovation, and perseverance in the field of entrepreneurship

GARBA HAYATU
Director, Human Resources)

Garba Hayatu hails from Gulu, a village under Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

Education
He began his educational journey at Army Children School Yelwa Yauri in Sokoto State (now Kebbi State) and later attended Government Secondary School Kaoje, also in Kebbi State. Hayatu furthered his studies at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He pursued higher education at Moscow State University's language/preparatory program and later graduated with a master's degree in International Economic Relations from St. Petersburg State University, Russia.

Career
Hayatu's professional career commenced as a Lecturer II at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, where he served for three years. He then joined the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) as an Investment Officer II, rising through the ranks to the directorate level. Throughout his public service career, Hayatu participated in various training programs, both domestically and internationally, focusing on investment promotions and trade facilitations within Nigeria's Free Zones. He is married with children.

BLESSING OVAIYOZA USMAN
(Executive Secretary)

Blessing Ovaiyoza Usman Adaaja is a distinguished Botanist and Research Scientist from Kogi State, Nigeria. With a strong academic foundation, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from the University of Jos (2007) and a Master of Science degree in Botany from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (2015).

Her expertise in mycology has led to significant contributions in mushroom farming, including the development of a comprehensive manual for oyster mushroom training. Blessing has published numerous research papers in reputable journals and has presented at conferences and workshops.

Notably, she has empowered over 2000 farmers across Nigeria with training on mushroom cultivation, demonstrating her commitment to knowledge sharing and community development.

In addition to her technical expertise, Blessing has also demonstrated exceptional project management skills, having successfully managed multiple projects from inception to completion. She is well-versed in budgeting and planning, with a keen eye for timeline preparation and resource allocation.

Blessing is not only an accomplished professional but also a warm and approachable individual. Her friendly and accommodating demeanor has earned her a reputation as a valued collaborator and team player.

Currently, Blessing serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Forestry Research the Institute of Nigeria, where she continues to drive innovation and advancement in the field of botany and mycology.