Lara Oyedele – Housing Champion, Social Justice Advocate and Community Leader

Lara Oyedele is a Londoner turned proud Bradford resident who has dedicated her life to tackling inequality, homelessness and the lack of diversity in leadership. She made history as the first Black female President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, using her platform to challenge the lack of diversity in the leadership housing associations and local authorities. 

She is Chair of Trustees at Hope Housing, a Bradford based homelessness charity. Lara is also a private landlord, providing affordable homes in the city as part of her long standing commitment to housing justice and community wellbeing.

As founder and CEO of Black on Board, she trains and mentors people from underrepresented backgrounds to take up leadership roles on boards across the UK. Her work is helping to shift the balance of power and ensure decisions are made by people who reflect the communities they serve.

A former journalist and lifelong campaigner, Lara brings clarity, courage and lived experience to every stage she stands on. Her voluntary work spans mentoring, grassroots action and national policy influence. She never misses an opportunity to speak truth to power. 

When not working or volunteering, Lara enjoys a strong cup of tea, great shoes and watching Eastenders.

Follow Lara Oyedele on LinkedIn for updates on leadership, housing and social change.

Seun Odusanya – Gender Equality & Social Impact Advocate | Young Leader

Seun Odusanya is a passionate advocate for gender equality and social impact, driving meaningful change at both local and global levels. She holds a First-Class degree in Management, Politics, and International Relations from Lancaster University (2017–2021), including a year in industry, where she developed an interdisciplinary understanding of political systems and their impact in today’s interconnected world. In recognition of her leadership potential, she was named one of the UK’s most outstanding African and African Caribbean future leaders.

Seun currently works in local government within Communications and Engagement as part of the Participation and Insight function. In this role, she supports the Mayor of Greater Manchester to deliver community engagement and participation, while translating data, intelligence, and insights to inform communications and policy work.

Seun advances change through a combination of international advocacy and local community initiatives. She is a Community Member of UN Women UK and represents Nigeria in the Pan-African Youth Parliament, collaborating with a network of advocates to drive change through action. Most recently, she was selected as a member of the Common Futures Conversations (CFC) community at Chatham House, working with other young people from around the world to discuss policy ideas and engage with policymakers.

Seun’s long-term ambition is to advance gender equality for women and girls across Africa, particularly in Nigeria. In 2025, she demonstrated this commitment by running the Manchester Half Marathon, raising over £2,500 for Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF). These funds directly supported the Men As Allies (MAA) programme, partnering with around 50 men and boys in local communities to champion gender equality and reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Shaped by her academic, professional, and volunteering experiences, Seun exemplifies leadership through action, with a strong commitment to helping organisations achieve lasting social impact.

Pretty faces and charming smiles often captivate people, but they forget there is more to them than meets the eyes.

​Dr Esther Samson Ukaria (hc) is a Nigerian German, born and raised in Kano, Nigeria, a city renowned for its monuments, crafts, and cultural diversity.

I love New York cheesecake, good cuisine, and just exploring new cities and organizing creative events.

My reputation for professionalism, humour, brilliant mind, and commitment to helping others often stand out among those who know me.

My stubborn part can sometimes get the best of me, but I am a quick learner and quick to apologize for my mistakes.

​I hold 1st Class Hons. International Relations & Strategic Studies from Igbinedion University (2019), and IHK-Commercial Administration from Robert-Schuman Berufs Kollege, Essen Germany (2015), Personal Development Certified Coach from the Empowerment Academy (2021) in the U.S.A. Business Management Certification from European Business University Luxembourg (2022)

​Having started my career as a trainee at the Stanbic IBTC bank in Nigeria, I moved to Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany. I have acquired skills from different international companies over the years. Through it, I have developed conceptual skills, empowered my clients and my community during difficult times, and developed feasible solutions for various problems.

Moreover, I have always been passionate about philanthropy and writing heart- warming stories about life struggles. I would have chosen this career if I had won a lottery in secondary school. Nonetheless, in 2015 this dream became a reality. The House of Mercy Network Foundation was born. Our feeding program has impacted over 8,000 lives in Kogi, Nigeria and over 100 in Tamil Nadu, India.

Also, we have implemented renovation and training projects there. In 2022, we will launch a new project to provide a mother and child sunshine package to pregnant mothers.

This project aims to reduce the high poverty rate among expectant mothers in that area.

Through my role as an ambassador at the European Business University in Luxembourg, students can study accredited impacted courses on a scholarship.

In recognition of these achievements, I was awarded an honorary degree in humanity from the Faith Fuller Seminary affiliated with the Evangel Christian University of America U.S.A on December 5th, 2021. In addition to writing seven books, I’ve graced many stages and shared my word of wisdom with others.

Tomiwa Dada is a multifaceted entrepreneur and leader. She is the founder of Babes of the Most High and the convener of the Made Women Conference, both initiatives aimed at empowering women in various aspects of life, including business, leadership, and personal development. Her annual Made Women Conference brings women together to discuss business, leadership, and personal development, with a focus on mentorship and skill-building across various industries.

In addition to her work in women’s empowerment, Tomiwa is the CEO of The Ayaba Collections, a fashion business for which she has been recognized, including being nominated for ‘Fashionpreneur’ of the year at the FOYA Africa Founder Awards and The Entrepreneur Africa Award for Fashion Business. She is known for her passion for inspiring women to step into leadership roles and break barriers in their respective fields. She recently received an award of excellence for her exceptional leadership role at the Babes of the Most High Made Women Conference, 2024. 

She is also the co-founder of the Temitope Tomiwa Dada Foundation (Tetod Foundation) along side her husband Tope Dada, which focuses on community development and charity work, further solidifying her commitment to creating positive societal change. 

The vision propelling Tomiwa Dada stems from her deep desire to uplift and transform women’s lives by integrating faith with practical skills. Central to her work is the belief that women can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and professionally if they are empowered with the right tools, networks, and guidance. Through platforms like Babes of the Most High, Tomiwa encourages women to embrace their spirituality while building resilience and leadership in their careers and personal lives.

Tomiwa Dada is currently pursuing a certification in project management and she is happily married to her dear husband Tope Dada and blessed with three great generations.

#bradford #bradford2025 #nigeria #faith #womenempowerment #annualconference #awardwinner

Mercia Jensen lives in Birmingham, West Midlands. She is a graduate of The City University, Birmingham where she studies Paediatrics. She also studied sociology at The Open University and Psychology at The University of East London. She is very passionate about making a positive difference in many communities.

Mercia is a Cancer Ambassador.  She is also The Birmingham Representative for our UK Based AFRICA4U ASSOCIATION

Karen Okra Community Activist, Cultural Leader, Equality Advocate.

Karen Okra is a community activist and cultural leader with extensive experience in arts, heritage, and community engagement. She played a key role in Hull’s successful bid for UK City of Culture 2017 as a candidate on the Derry~Londonderry Panel, and later served as a Director of both the Hull 2017 City of Culture Board and the Freedom Festival Arts Trust.

Her work focuses on promoting racial and gender equality, with a strong commitment to advancing awareness of Black History and Black achievement. Karen actively addresses challenges faced by Black and minority ethnic communities through education, advocacy, and inclusive programming.

She has a particular interest in the history of Trans Atlantic slave trade and Diaspora Studies and collaborates with the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE), the University of Hull, and Hull Museums to support learning and community engagement initiatives.

Karen is an Honorary Fellow of the Wilberforce Institute and a member of the Wilberforce House Advisory Group. Her work is grounded in connecting people, places, and shared histories to create a more inclusive and accessible future

William Cline Bailey is a British contemporary Jazz musician, songwriter and drummer. He was born in Islington,London of Sierra Leonean parentage .After being engaged in studio work over a number of years , he released his first single entitled  “Solitude” in 2020 which received extensive airplay on JazzFM , Durham on Air, Feferity Radio and Premier Radio .

Since then he has released 3 EP’s and 3 Albums William Cline Bailey is known for his work in contemporary Jazz and blending Jazz with other genres of music . He is heavily influenced by artists like Herbie Hancock and Grover Washington Jr

He has created his own unique brand of groove- oriented contemporary Jazz which is gathering huge interest in Yorkshire and Northeast England . He has had a number of live performances in Scarborough, North Yorkshire  and was part of a group of musicians involved in CLAFRO JAZOP 5- An annual event to encourage cultural cohesion and provide music facilities in Hull .

William Cline Bailey is also a radio show host. He presents a weekly broadcast The Jazz sessions on Radio Scarborough which now has listeners worldwide . The essence of the broadcast is to dispel the myth and misconceptions about Jazz music. The broadcast also aims to popularise the Jazz genre especially in the UK.William Cline Bailey is also the founder of ClineBailey Productions – A  Jazz music production and entertainment company. For further information about William Cline Bailey  please visit his website .www.clinebailey.productions

We are pleased to inform you that Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax)  shall be performing at our AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN EAST YORKSHIRE TAKES PLACE AT MARY SEACOLE LECTURE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF HULL ON TUESDAY 21ST OF APRIL 2026

INFORMATION ABOUT Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax) CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Abidemi Amosu (Abidemi Sax) 

Abidemi Amosu, professionally known as Abidemi Sax, is a contemporary saxophonist, musicologist, and performer known for his expressive sound and distinctive blend of cultural heritage, spirituality, and modern musical influences. With decades of experience, he has developed a unique artistic voice that resonates with diverse audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.

He holds a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Music from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Ibadan, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. His academic background, combined with extensive performance experience, has shaped his versatility across genres including jazz, gospel, and Afro-influenced contemporary music.

Abidemi Sax has performed at a wide range of events and venues, earning recognition for his rich tone, stage presence, and ability to communicate emotion through music. His performances are often described as engaging, soulful, and deeply reflective.

As a recording artist and composer, his works include Temi, Smile, Selenkejo, Ife Osupa, and Trust in God. These compositions reflect a fusion of personal storytelling, cultural identity, and innovative sound, positioning him as a creative force within the contemporary music space.

Beyond performance, Abidemi is passionate about musical development, collaboration, and using music as a tool for cultural expression and inspiration. His growing body of work continues to attract media attention and appreciation for its authenticity and artistic depth.

Artist Name: Abidemi Sax
Location: United Kingdom

We are pleased to inform you that Hekima from Tanzania shall be performing at our AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN EAST YORKSHIRE TAKES PLACE AT MARY SEACOLE LECTURE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF HULL ON TUESDAY 21ST OF APRIL 2026

INFORMATION ABOUT HEKIMA CAN BE FOUND BELOW

Hekima
Hekima is a Tanzanian musician, songwriter, and community development worker
based in Kingston Upon Hull, UK. His musical roots run deep in the heritage of the
Ngoni tribe, originally from Southern Africa before settling in Northern Tanzania—a
culture renowned for its rich musical traditions.
He was the founder and lead singer of “Hekima and the Bongoflava”, a band that
enjoyed a successful run and released a well-received debut album titled “Sonrise”,
which was also showcased on BBC Radio Humberside.
Hekima musical style blends the tribal sounds of his childhood with influences from
reggae and hip hop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Bob Marley, Fela Kuti,
and KRS-One.
In recent years, Hekima stepped back from performing to focus on honing his craft
and dedicating himself to community development work. Now, he is ready to return
to the stage as a solo artist, performing with his acoustic guitar and the occasional
djembe drum, bringing a raw, soulful energy to every performance.
His future aspirations include forming a new band to showcase his evolved sound
and make an even greater impact through music and message.

AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN EAST YORKSHIRE TAKES PLACE AT MARY SEACOLE LECTURE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF HULL ON TUESDAY 21ST OF APRIL

AFRICA4U AND FRIENDS CIC will be organising THE VERY FIRST EVER Africa4u Awards for Africans in EAST YORKSHIRE taking place at The MARY SEACOLE LECTURE THEATRE, WILBERFORCE BUILDING, THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL, HULL , EAST YORKSHIRE

WE WILL BE WELCOMING ALL OUR ATTENDEES FROM 4.30P.M ON THE DOT AS YOU GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH COMMUNITY ACHIEVERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

COME AND BE PART OF THIS AMAZING EVENT

Iit will be an amazing evening of Award Recognitions (AS WE HONOUR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS IN HULL), inspirational talks, Netwroking, performances and collaborations

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS USING THE LINK BELOW

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/africa4-awards-for-africans-in-east-yorkshire-at-university-of-hull-tickets-1985098220214?aff=ebdssbdestsearch