Dr. Adeyemi is a venture scout and portfolio strategist at Africavest Capital. He helps early-stage startups in West Africa scale and secure funding. Idris previously led accelerator programs with MEST Africa and Orange Corners. He has a background in product marketing and revenue growth strategy. Idris holds an MBA from Lagos Business School. He’s invested in 20+ tech startups in AI, fintech, and logistics. His workshops on pitch refinement and go-to-market planning are widely attended. He helps founders align product vision with investor expectations. Idris writes the popular Substack “Startup Africa Weekly.” At WATEF Hackathon, he is chairing the committee and he’ll judge pitch decks, scalability plans, and market readiness.

Tunde Osei is a Ghanaian machine learning engineer and Google Developer Expert (GDE) in AI. He leads engineering at CloudBots Africa, a startup building AI solutions for logistics. Tunde is an alumnus of the MIT-Africa Initiative and Stanford's AI for Good program. He has published in IEEE journals and won the Africa Data Challenge in 2022. Tunde is a vocal advocate for responsible AI and open-source learning. He has judged at DataHack4FI and AI Expo Africa. His tools have been adopted by regional banks and transport networks. He holds certifications in TensorFlow and Kubernetes. Tunde mentors students across five West African countries. He brings a practical, production-ready lens to evaluation. At WATEF Hackathon, he’ll focus on model design, cloud scalability, and innovation edge.

Dr. Amina Bello is a leading cybersecurity expert and former technical advisor to the Nigerian Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. She currently heads the African Centre for Digital Trust and Policy in Abuja. Dr. Bello specializes in cyber law, infrastructure security, and digital rights. She has authored policy whitepapers used by ECOWAS and AU cybersecurity task forces. Amina is passionate about inclusive and ethical digital governance. She has spoken at DEFCON, Black Hat Africa, and UNESCO ICT Forums. She mentors tech founders working in privacy and governance. Her work bridges tech innovation with regulatory clarity. She holds a PhD in Information Security Law from the University of Cape Town. She serves on the Global Tech Ethics Council. At WATEF Hackathon, she evaluates data protection, security compliance, and policy fit.

Adewale is the CTO of LedgerLoop, a Nigerian blockchain startup focused on DeFi infrastructure. He’s an Ethereum Foundation grantee and contributor to several DAO governance tools. He previously worked as a full-stack engineer at Binance Labs. Adewale has spoken at ETHGlobal, Africa Money & DeFi Summit, and DevCon. He writes and teaches Solidity and Web3 best practices in local bootcamps. His work emphasizes real-world Web3 applications for African markets. Adewale co-founded AfricaChain Builders—a mentorship platform for blockchain talent. He’s published smart contract security guides for African developers. He values scalability, utility, and decentralization in tech solutions. At WATEF Hackathon, he’ll review Web3 projects for architecture, security, and real-world relevance.

Rose is a digital health innovator and the founder of CareConnect Africa. She holds a Master’s in Public Health Tech from Johns Hopkins University. Her company was among the top 10 at WHO’s 2023 Global HealthTech Pitch. Rose focuses on AI-driven patient care, data compliance, and rural access. She’s advised health ministries in Sierra Leone and Ghana on telehealth expansion. Rose is a fellow of the Aspen Digital Health Leaders program. She mentors women-led health startups across Africa. She believes tech must serve the last mile—especially in healthcare. Rose frequently speaks on data-driven health equity at forums like Devex and CHI. At WATEF Hackathon, she’ll judge patient-centered design, interoperability, and public health impact.

Olamide Bayeroju is an accomplished supply chain professional with a strong background in logistics, planning, and operations within the oil and gas industry. Over the years, she has built a reputation for precision, strategy, and results, combining analytical insight with a practical understanding of how large-scale energy operations work.She is a key figure in logistics planning at Shell, recognized not only for her technical expertise but for her leadership, mentorship, and her commitment to operational excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, Olamide represents a new generation of leaders redefining what effective supply chain management means in the energy sector: strategic, data-driven, and anchored in ethical responsibility. Her broader impact lies in proving that innovation and integrity can go hand in hand in building a more efficient and sustainable oil and gas industry.

Ifeoma is a fintech strategist and the Head of Financial Innovation at Flutterwave. She has led cross-border payment system integrations across Africa and Europe. Her career spans GTBank, Interswitch, and emerging market funders. Ifeoma holds an MBA from Wharton with a focus on emerging finance. She was named in the Top 50 Women in Fintech Africa (2023). She champions accessible fintech for underbanked populations. Her advisory work has supported female-led fintech startups across Nigeria and Ghana. Ifeoma has published frameworks on mobile money UX and transaction security. She has spoken at AFSIC and Africa Fintech Summit. At WATEF Hackathon, she’ll assess digital finance products and financial inclusion metrics.

Joshua Umejuru is a seasoned Drilling and Well Engineer with over a decade of experience in the Exploration & Production sector. Holding both Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Engineering, he has built a robust career with a strong background in drilling engineering, well intervention, and workover operations. His expertise encompasses well design, real-time operations follow-up, and technical studies that have led to significant multi-million dollar cost savings for major drilling campaigns.

Adaobu Amini-Philips is a distinguished finance leader with over 15 years of experience, expertly blending deep expertise in financial control with a strong background in contracts and procurement. Her career at Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited showcases a trajectory of increasing responsibility, from managing corporate procurement to spearheading seamless financial reporting and ultimately ensuring the accurate accounting of company revenue. Her key achievements are a testament to her strategic impact: she has enhanced commercial value through transparent processes, provided crucial insights to management, and been an integral voice in redefining the company's future strategy with a focus on value protection and sustainability. A pioneering leader, she co-created the finance work stream for the company's Net Zero target, laying the groundwork for its ESG reporting. In her most recent role as Head of Revenue Accounting, she fortified the accuracy of billing procedures, a critical function for financial stability. Her leadership extends beyond finance, having actively championed Health, Safety, and Environmental awareness campaigns. Through her strategic vision and operational excellence, Adaobu has consistently driven organizational success, maximizing revenue while championing initiatives that ensure the company's long-term resilience and sustainability.

Naomi Chukwurah is a program and project leader who sits comfortably at the point where technology, business growth, and marketing strategy meet. She has built a career out of turning complex ideas into structured, measurable work, guiding teams and organizations from concept to execution while keeping results and people at the center of the process. In her current role as a program manager in the technology and media space, she manages key partner relationships, shapes revenue focused initiatives, and coordinates the kind of projects that link sales, marketing, and operations. She works with data to understand what is happening in the market, where growth is possible, and how to adjust strategy so that performance keeps improving. Her work here reflects a simple approach: use clear numbers, honest feedback, and practical planning to move the business forward. Before this, Naomi served as a project manager in a leading global storage and technology company, supporting the office of the chief technology officer. There, she worked closely with engineering and research teams to solve urgent product issues, keep development sprints aligned, and make sure major releases went out on schedule. She introduced automation into everyday workflows, replacing manual tracking with smarter systems, which reduced repetitive work and gave teams more time to focus on problem solving and innovation.

Dr. Leesi Saturday Komi is a physician, researcher, and healthcare innovator with a clear mission—to make healthcare more equitable and accessible through education, technology, and community-centered programs. His journey blends hands-on medical experience with forward-thinking public health leadership that has impacted lives across Africa and beyond. his expertise in digital health and community engagement led him to become Telehealth Director at Medihause Health Services Ltd. in Abuja, Nigeria. There, he designed and launched one of Nigeria’s most inclusive telehealth programs, connecting over 42,000 patients in 27 rural communities with medical professionals. His work introduced multilingual virtual consultations, making healthcare accessible to diverse groups often left out of the system. Alongside this, he organized more than 50 public health webinars and outreach campaigns on critical topics like maternal health, infectious diseases, and mental health—helping thousands gain life-changing knowledge. His commitment to scientific integrity earned him multiple honors, including several Editor of the Year and Reviewer of the Year awards from respected medical and social science journals. These accolades reflect not just his expertise, but his dedication to mentoring others and advancing knowledge that drives real-world impact.

Mr. Babalola Ayodele is a respected communications and public affairs professional whose career reflects a steady rise from journalism and broadcasting to national-level strategic advisory roles. Known for his clarity, professionalism, and balanced approach to public communication, he has earned recognition as a voice for responsible media engagement and institutional credibility in Nigeria. His background in Journalism and Mass Communication, combined with advanced studies in International Affairs and Diplomacy, has shaped a well-rounded professional outlook. This academic foundation strengthened his ability to merge storytelling with diplomacy, allowing him to manage communication in ways that inspire trust, transparency, and collaboration.

Mr. Joshua Temiloluwa Oyeboade is a biologist and environmental researcher with a passion for ecological conservation, aquaculture, and sustainable resource management. His journey reflects a steady rise built on curiosity, discipline, and a deep respect for nature’s systems. His hands-on experience in coordinating field research and working with multidisciplinary teams set the stage for his lifelong interest in environmental sustainability. After completing his studies, Joshua took on the role of Assistant Quality Control Manager at Feedall Nigeria Enterprises. There, he ensured that production processes met industry standards and environmental guidelines, combining his scientific training with a practical understanding of how to maintain quality and safety within agricultural operations.

Mr. Joshua Temiloluwa Oyeboade is a biologist and environmental researcher with a passion for ecological conservation, aquaculture, and sustainable resource management. His journey reflects a steady rise built on curiosity, discipline, and a deep respect for nature’s systems. His hands-on experience in coordinating field research and working with multidisciplinary teams set the stage for his lifelong interest in environmental sustainability. After completing his studies, Joshua took on the role of Assistant Quality Control Manager at Feedall Nigeria Enterprises. There, he ensured that production processes met industry standards and environmental guidelines, combining his scientific training with a practical understanding of how to maintain quality and safety within agricultural operations.

Mr. Semiu Temidayo Fasasi is an environmental and mechanical engineer who works at the intersection of air quality, energy systems, and data driven decision making. Trained as a mechanical engineer in Nigeria, where he graduated at the top of his class and received multiple awards for academic excellence and service, he has built a career focused on how industries can operate more cleanly while still meeting performance and regulatory demands. He is currently advancing his graduate studies in mechanical engineering at Colorado State University, where his research centers on methane detection technologies, emissions measurement, and practical ways to help industry meet strict environmental standards.

Bryan Anoruo is a motion and product designer who lives for strong storytelling. His work sits at the intersection of motion design, interaction, visual effects, and product thinking, and he treats every brief as a chance to create something memorable, solve a real problem, and push creativity a little further. Over the years he has earned global recognition, including Promax awards for motion design and visual effects, as well as international design accolades that spotlight his promotional and brand work. Bryan has led creative teams across some of the most recognisable entertainment and media brands in the world. He has shaped campaigns and on-screen experiences for youth and family audiences, driving channel rebrands, show packages, advertising spots, and digital content that keep brands visually fresh and emotionally engaging. His roles have included creative art direction, motion design leadership, and quality control for broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms, where he is trusted to guide projects from idea to final execution and to help other creatives do their best work.

Samuel Darkey Ofori is a mathematics educator whose work is grounded in clarity, patience, and a strong belief that mathematics should feel practical and achievable for every learner. He began his professional journey in Ghana after earning a degree in Mathematics Education, where he taught at Dorfor Senior School and supported students across a wide range of abilities. Over several years, he guided learners from basic algebra to more advanced topics, helping them build confidence, improve examination outcomes, and develop steady problem-solving skills. After relocating to the United States, he continued his teaching career at Lancaster High School in South Carolina, where he teaches Algebra, Geometry, and Pre Calculus. He is known for designing lessons that break down complex concepts into manageable ideas and for using digital tools such as Desmos, GeoGebra, and Google Classroom to strengthen student engagement. His approach balances support for advanced learners with targeted guidance for students who need additional help, ensuring that instruction remains inclusive and effective. Beyond the classroom, Samuel actively contributes to professional learning communities, where he collaborates with colleagues to improve instructional practice and curriculum delivery. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional growth and educational leadership. His experience across classrooms, cultures, and learning systems positions him as a thoughtful and credible judge with a clear understanding of how effective teaching and digital learning tools come together in real-world education.

Mr. Oludayo Sofoluwe is an experienced energy professional whose career spans offshore oil and gas, subsea systems, and field operations. Over the years, he has built a reputation for turning complex engineering problems into clear, workable solutions that keep production steady and people safe. At TotalEnergies in Nigeria, he has played a central role in subsea operations, first by supporting offshore activities directly, then by leading major commissioning work on deepwater production systems, and later by managing subsea maintenance and life-of-field operations. In these positions, he has coordinated interventions on the seabed, guided teams through demanding offshore campaigns, and provided technical support for both existing assets and new projects. His work has helped resolve serious integrity issues, improve reliability, and extend the useful life of critical equipment. Before his current leadership responsibilities in subsea maintenance, Mr. Sofoluwe developed a wide base of experience across the value chain. He has worked as a subsea support engineer, a facilities and petroleum engineer, a reservoir engineer, and a projects and facility engineer. He has been involved in well hook ups, pipelines, process facility upgrades, gas lift systems, and field development studies. This combination of hands on field work and project oversight gives him a rare end to end view of how energy projects are conceived, built, and kept running. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ilorin and a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot Watt University in the United Kingdom. These academic foundations, combined with his field experience, allow him to bridge detailed engineering work with broader operational strategy. Beyond his technical skills, colleagues know him for his calm leadership, clear communication, and steady focus on safety and performance. By aligning people, processes, and technology around practical solutions, Mr. Sofoluwe continues to shape more reliable offshore operations and contributes to a stronger, more resilient energy sector that serves both industry needs and the wider society.

Ms. Titilayo Oduleye is a finance professional whose work sits at the intersection of business discipline, operational clarity, and practical decision making. Trained in accounting and shaped by years of hands on responsibility across energy and financial services, she has built a reputation for turning complex financial situations into clear, workable outcomes. Her career began in financial reporting and reconciliation roles where accuracy, structure, and accountability mattered every day. In these early positions, she developed a strong foundation in revenue assurance, controls, and financial integrity. This grounding became the base for her later leadership roles, where she moved beyond reporting numbers to explaining what those numbers meant for the business.

Mr Osazee Onaghinor has built a steady and purposeful career shaped by engineering discipline, operational clarity, and a strong interest in how large projects move from planning to real results. His early work in engineering and project coordination exposed him to the practical side of delivering upgrades, managing facility improvements, and guiding teams through the demands of field operations. These experiences helped him understand the balance between design, safety expectations, budget limits, and real-time decision-making. As he progressed, he began managing larger project portfolios, leading work that involved infrastructure development, supply chain oversight, and cross-team coordination. He strengthened procurement processes, improved material tracking systems, and created tools that helped teams anticipate risks before they slowed down execution. His approach emphasized transparency, structured planning, and a clear understanding of how small operational gaps can affect overall delivery.