On DFA Interview Series- Meet Daniel Ikhelegbe-Ojo, the Chief Executive Officer of RavenBrooks International.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Daniel Ikhelegbe-Ojo, I am an entrepreneur, banker, and one driven by a passion for philanthropy. I am the first of six children. I was born in Auchi, Edo state to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ojo.

I attended Federal Government college Ibillo where I obtained my Senior secondary school leaving certificate. I also obtained my master’s and bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Benin in 2009 and 2006 respectively. I serve on the board of RavenBrooks International and is the Chief Executive Officer providing the organization’s strategic vision, stemming from my values and innovative approach to creating sustainable philanthropy systems that would stand the test of time and also serve as Head, branch services in one of the leading first-generation banks in the country.

I am a strong believer in education and would strive to attain knowledge in every way possible. One of my quotes is “giving is living”. This drives my desire to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children are well catered for. I am married to Sharon and together we have four lovely children.

Tell us about your organization, impacts, and achievements since establishment?

RavenBrooks International Initiative for sustainable development is a non-profit, non-governmental organization whose purpose is to ensure that selected Sustainable Development Goals are met especially in communities where direct governmental impact appears unfelt. The organization was established in 2017 and is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. We are part of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNGO) as well as WANGO.

Our work with the SDGs seeks to provide relief in the following areas;

• Zero poverty [goal 1]
• Zero hunger [goal 2]
• Good health and well-being [goal 3]
• Quality education [goal 4]
• Clean water and sanitation [goal 6]
• Decent work and economic growth [goal 8]
• Industry, innovation, and infrastructure [goal 9]
• Partnership for the goals [goal 17]

We have integrated these eight goals into four action areas

• Humanitarian aids
• SME support systems
• Training and civic development
• Educational interventions

At RavenBrooks International we believe that sustainable development is achievable, hence we emphasize actionable results through properly planned projects and the right partnerships that would lead to a future generation of individuals who can sustain themselves and are relevant in their communities.

Since its inception in 2017, we have focused on the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children through our annual orphansmiles project (providing 10,000 free meals) and also on the quality of education through our Aspire bouquet of projects such as the teachers’ connect conference sponsored by TY Danjuma Foundation.

We have trained about 350 teachers in 21st Century Instructions.

What advice can you give to young people who want to build a career in the development sector?

There is much prospect in the nonprofit sector and there is the need for young people to venture into.  I would love to see more young persons taking up career roles in this sector.

One interesting thing about non-profit is that you can gather experience without necessarily having qualifications by way of active volunteering.

Volunteerism can help them gather experience and build their capacity. Those who are interested should seek to groom themselves through training and on the job experience.

How has been your participation in the inner circle program or other programs prepared you for opportunities ahead?

The inner circle program has exposed me to the need to have a proper structure for my organization and to carefully plan and implement projects in line with my organization’s vision and mission statement.

Are there any ongoing projects your organization is working on at the moment? Please share it with us.

At RavenBrooks International Initiative for sustainable development, we are constantly seeking out projects that would better a lot of individuals.

Despite the covid-19 crisis, we have implemented the teachers connect 2.0 project as well as project Aiutare for orphans and vulnerable children and our traditional orphansmiles project(fifth edition).

To know more about Daniel Ikhelegbe-Ojo, and the amazing work he is doing, you can follow his organization on:

Facebook and Instagram: @ravenbrooksinternational

Twitter: @ravenbrooksintl

Website: www.ravenbrooksinternational.org