One of the loudest voices to come from the African continent vehemently fighting against GMO, Mariann Bassey–Orovwuje has been listed in the 2025 edition of Changemakers: 100 Nigerians Leading Change.
Bassey–Orovwuje has consistently been in the frontlines against the onslaught of biotech companies and their local agents on the seeds and food systems in Africa from her Nigerian base.
Last year, precisely November 19, 2024, she was invited by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to testify in an investigative hearing, to submit a comprehensive memorandum and to present herself as a vital and critical stakeholder, expert, and concerned citizen.
In this pivotal role, she emphasized the pressing and serious concerns regarding the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into Nigeria and outlined the serious potential health and environmental risks associated with their introduction and deployment.
She served as Chair of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) between 2016 and 2019 and was the first and only woman till date to hold this position. AFSA is a Pan African platform comprising networks and farmer organisations working in Africa. Presently, she coordinates the Agroecology and Land Working of the Alliance
She was also named the Voice AFSA. AFSA is a Pan African platform comprising Networks and Farmers organisations working in Africa. AFSA has representatives from 50 African countries out of the 54 countries in Africa; and over 30 million smallholder farmers, pastoralists, hunter/gatherers, indigenous peoples, faith-based institutions, women and youth networks, consumer networks and civil society from across Africa. They reach over 200 Million people in the Continent.
Also listed is the Founder/Executive Director of Project Alert on Violence Against Women; and the
Executive Chair of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma
Empowerment Foundation, ICCEF; Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma.
Project Alert under Josephine in May 2001, set up the very first
battered women’s shelter in the country known as Sophia’s
Place. Josephine a pioneering voice and advocate for zero tolerance for violence against women and girls, has led/co-led various networks and coalitions in the country that have
advocated for various laws and policies that promote and protect
the rights of women and girls.
One of such being the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act at the federal level; and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Cross River State. She also advocated for and ensured the passage of
the Disability Law of Cross River State.
Josephine’s Project Alert is known for its numerous publications on violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Publications that have been used for advocacy purposes.
Another listee is the founder and CEO of Healthy Food Restaurant Chain in Nigeria – So Fresh Neighbourhood Market Ltd, Olagoke Balogun.
Olagoke Balogun pioneered the Healthy Food Restaurant Category in 2010 in Nigeria. Today, he has inspired Nigerians to think more about the food they eat and how it impacts the quality of life, created hundreds of jobs, inspiring a new set of entrepreneurs in the Healthy Food category, and the elevated discourse around eating healthy has also led to healthier versions of our traditional meals becoming mainstream.
Olagoke is a visionary leader and resilient entrepreneur with a track record of success, launching and scaling the innovative and pioneer indigenous
He is committed to creating impact in his community by using his skills and competencies to create value as a business owner, mentor, and coach.
