Africa Outreach program (AOP) started in 2008 and has been growing ever since.  The idea sprung when a group of friends came together to help a handful of students. Today, AOP has grown to involve different public schools in challenging neighborhoods where students face many hardships at home and at school.

Each school is selected after a survey is carried out by our members to identify the schools and students in the most need. AOP then moves in to address the issues facing the students. We help to promote and assist in the learning process of students that can not afford to provide for their own educational needs.  There are many struggles facing AOP today. Not only do we need generous contributions, we also need voices to come together to shed light on the deplorable conditions in public schools.

The original members of the AOP family came together with the mission to end the lack of educational needs to less privileged students in Africa.

Mutiu Leshi
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Mutiu graduated from City University of New York Baruch College. He is a member of Inroads Alumni, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Institute of Internal Auditors New York Chapter, Nigeria Democratic Liberty Forum (NDLF) and the first elected Chief Whip for the Nigeria People’s Parliament in the Diaspora. Mutui holds a full time Finance position at Morgan Stanley.

Ese Aigbogun
Also raised in Lagos Nigeria, Ese moved to the United State to further her higher education. She graduated from the City University of New York, Baruch College, with honors in International Marketing Management. Ese currently holds a full time position at Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management Group. She also owns and runs the apparel company, Allen & Fifth. As an advocate for education, Ese believes that it is the responsibility of everyone to help improve the experience of primary and secondary education.

Kunle Oyewo
Kunle graduated from the University of Lagos, Akoka. He served his country in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company a subsidiary of NNPC in Gombe and joined Oceanic Bank Int’l PLC in the Management program, where he worked his way to the top. After his 4 years, he left to continue his professional education. Kunle is currently a full time MBA student at the University Of Georgia Terry College Of Business with focus on Operations and Supply Chain Management. He will be graduating in May 2010.

Bidemi Babajide
Originally from Kwara State, Bidemi attended Yaba College of Technology Lagos, joined Intercontinental Bank PLC to launch his career in banking and finance. Later Bidemi moved to the U.S to attend City University of New York Brooklyn College to further his education in Accounting. He follows the philosophy “An unexamined life is not worth living so dare to examine yours” – Socrates.

Abdul Dimeji Ayanwale
Abdul attended the University of Lagos, Akoka. He later moved to the U.S. where he graduated from City University of New York Baruch College with Bachelors in CIS, Economics & Finance. He immediately secured a position at Citigroup as a Business Analyst. As a patriotic Nigerian, Abdul says “I am very passionate about the future of our young ones, and I enjoy helping people and giving back to my origin. AOP has given me the opportunity, a way to systematically contribute to the development of our nation and the futures of the leaders of tomorrow.”

Jong Lee
Originally from Asia, Jong is very concerned about many issues affecting motherland. He is most passionate about issues affecting children and education. He wants to be part of a change and actively supports AOP believing we can all make a big difference. Jong holds a full time position at Decorum Consulting Group.

Tunde Tella
Born and raised in Lagos Nigeria, Tunde graduated from University of Lagos, Akoka. He joined Oceanic Bank Int’l PLC. After a couple of years, Tunde moved to the U.S. and is currently pursuing his MBA degree at University of Connecticut (UCONN). Tunde loves to volunteer and is very passionate about the issues affecting Africa’s educational system.

Ronke Adepoju
Ronke graduated from City University of New York Baruch College with degrees in Accounting, Economics and Finance, and is a member of National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Volunteer Income Tax Preparer (VITA) and various Honors Societies. She holds a full time position at Citigroup as a Finance Analyst and also runs an event management company called Blueprint by Ronke. She is an active volunteer and believes strongly in giving back to the community abroad and at home.  Ronke believes “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”