Our Team
Meet the people leading our mission and daily impact work.
Rebecca Aruwa
Founder/Executive Director
Mrs. Aruwa’s hails from Ashafan Gida Ikulu, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where she was born on September 29, 1963. Her narrative is one of profound resilience and matriarchal fortitude; in 1978, she entered into a significant marital union with the late MWO Thomas A. Aruwa, a partnership that endured until his passing in 2012. As a mother of six, she navigated the dual demands of a high-impact career and family life with exceptional grace, even while enduring the poignant loss of her fifth child in 1989. These personal experiences have served as the catalyst for her philanthropic resolve, fueling a mission to foster hope and systemic change within her community. She stands as a paragon of visionary leadership and educational excellence, currently serving as the architect and driving force behind the Women and Youth Transformation Initiative (WAYTI). Her professional identity is defined by a rare synthesis of administrative prowess and a deep-seated commitment to socio-economic elevation. This expertise is anchored by a formidable academic portfolio, including a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Development Associates International—affiliated with the Igbaja Theological Seminary—and a Master of Education in Administration and Planning from the University of Jos. These credentials reflect a lifelong dedication to mastering the complexities of human capital development and organizational strategy.Her distinguished career is highlighted by a prestigious thirty-five-year tenure at the NNPC Staff School, where she served from 1984 until 2019. During this period, she played an instrumental role in shaping the pedagogical and moral foundations of future leaders, retiring with a legacy of integrity and academic rigor. This extensive professional background provided the strategic framework necessary to launch WAYTI, an organization dedicated to empowering women and youth to become catalysts for change, breaking cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and vulnerability, and shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.Today, Mrs. Aruwa is recognized not only as an elite educator but as a transformative social advocate. Her work continues to bridge the gap between educational theory and grassroots implementation, ensuring that the next generation of women and youth are equipped with the tools necessary to overcome adversity. Through her multifaceted contributions to academia and civil society, she is a steadfast champion for progress and a pillar of strength in Northern Nigeria.
Mrs. Aruwa’s hails from Ashafan Gida Ikulu, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where she was born on September 29, 1963. Her narrative is one of profound resilience and matriarchal fortitude; in 1978, she entered into a significant marital union with the late MWO Thomas A. Aruwa, a partnership that endured until his passing in 2012. As a mother of six, she navigated the dual demands of a high-impact career and family life with exceptional grace, even while enduring the poignant loss of her fifth child in 1989. These personal experiences have served as the catalyst for her philanthropic resolve, fueling a mission to foster hope and systemic change within her community. She stands as a paragon of visionary leadership and educational excellence, currently serving as the architect and driving force behind the Women and Youth Transformation Initiative (WAYTI). Her professional identity is defined by a rare synthesis of administrative prowess and a deep-seated commitment to socio-economic elevation. This expertise is anchored by a formidable academic portfolio, including a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Development Associates International—affiliated with the Igbaja Theological Seminary—and a Master of Education in Administration and Planning from the University of Jos. These credentials reflect a lifelong dedication to mastering the complexities of human capital development and organizational strategy.Her distinguished career is highlighted by a prestigious thirty-five-year tenure at the NNPC Staff School, where she served from 1984 until 2019. During this period, she played an instrumental role in shaping the pedagogical and moral foundations of future leaders, retiring with a legacy of integrity and academic rigor. This extensive professional background provided the strategic framework necessary to launch WAYTI, an organization dedicated to empowering women and youth to become catalysts for change, breaking cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and vulnerability, and shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.Today, Mrs. Aruwa is recognized not only as an elite educator but as a transformative social advocate. Her work continues to bridge the gap between educational theory and grassroots implementation, ensuring that the next generation of women and youth are equipped with the tools necessary to overcome adversity. Through her multifaceted contributions to academia and civil society, she is a steadfast champion for progress and a pillar of strength in Northern Nigeria.
Engr. Dr. Austen Dukas
BOT Member
Engr Dr. Austen Dukas is an Aeronautical engr by profession, with a span of over 40 years experience in theAviation industry. He worked with ExxonMobil iAviation department as engineering manager and retired in year 2022. After retirement he became the MD/CEO of SEF INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD, at 22 Zitti Road Sabon Tasha.He is also the Managing director of ONESTOP AUSLAT INT'L SCHOOLS, GRA Sabo Kaduna state. In addition to above, he is an Aviation consultant/Examiner/Advisor. Engr Dr. Dukas hailed from Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna state Nigeria.
Engr Dr. Austen Dukas is an Aeronautical engr by profession, with a span of over 40 years experience in theAviation industry. He worked with ExxonMobil iAviation department as engineering manager and retired in year 2022. After retirement he became the MD/CEO of SEF INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD, at 22 Zitti Road Sabon Tasha.He is also the Managing director of ONESTOP AUSLAT INT'L SCHOOLS, GRA Sabo Kaduna state. In addition to above, he is an Aviation consultant/Examiner/Advisor. Engr Dr. Dukas hailed from Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna state Nigeria.
Halima Nuhu Dikko
BOT Chair Person
Halima Nuhu Dikko is an accomplished programme management expert with over 30 years of experience specializing in public health, social protection, and youth development across Nigeria. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held high-level leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ICHSSA 3 project and previously leading the STEER project at Save the Children International. Her expertise spans critical sectors including HIV/AIDS and TB mitigation, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) support, and systems strengthening for civil society organizations. Halima’s background is rooted in community-led advocacy and adolescent programming, having established health and economic platforms for married girls with the Population Council and facilitated participatory development through the COMPASS project. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s in Guidance and Counselling, supplemented by senior management training in the United States. A multilingual professional fluent in English and Hausa, she remains a formidable force in bridging the gap between international donor objectives and grassroots implementation.
Halima Nuhu Dikko is an accomplished programme management expert with over 30 years of experience specializing in public health, social protection, and youth development across Nigeria. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held high-level leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief of Party for the USAID-funded ICHSSA 3 project and previously leading the STEER project at Save the Children International. Her expertise spans critical sectors including HIV/AIDS and TB mitigation, orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) support, and systems strengthening for civil society organizations. Halima’s background is rooted in community-led advocacy and adolescent programming, having established health and economic platforms for married girls with the Population Council and facilitated participatory development through the COMPASS project. Academically, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s in Guidance and Counselling, supplemented by senior management training in the United States. A multilingual professional fluent in English and Hausa, she remains a formidable force in bridging the gap between international donor objectives and grassroots implementation.
Simon J. Majimre Ph.D
CONSULTANT/BOT MEMBER
Simon J. Majimre, Ph.D., is an erudite scholar and lecturer at Kaduna State University, specializing in the Psychology and Sociology of Religion, Moral Philosophy, and Biblical Studies. A graduate of Kaduna State University and the University of Abuja, he possesses extensive expertise in research methodology, having served as a postgraduate supervisor, resource person for various seminaries and secular institutions, and a Research Assistant for the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Majimre holds several high-level leadership roles, including Consultant and BOT member for the Women and Youth Transformative Initiative (WAYTI), Board Chairman of the ECWA Theological Training Institute Damakasuwa, and Secretary of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Association’s CDAs Forum. His multifaceted career bridges the gap between professional academic research and community leadership, where he continues to mentor the next generation of researchers. Originally from Kauru Local Government Area, he is a dedicated community organizer and a devoted family man married to Deborah Simon Majimre, with whom he has three children.
Simon J. Majimre, Ph.D., is an erudite scholar and lecturer at Kaduna State University, specializing in the Psychology and Sociology of Religion, Moral Philosophy, and Biblical Studies. A graduate of Kaduna State University and the University of Abuja, he possesses extensive expertise in research methodology, having served as a postgraduate supervisor, resource person for various seminaries and secular institutions, and a Research Assistant for the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Majimre holds several high-level leadership roles, including Consultant and BOT member for the Women and Youth Transformative Initiative (WAYTI), Board Chairman of the ECWA Theological Training Institute Damakasuwa, and Secretary of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Association’s CDAs Forum. His multifaceted career bridges the gap between professional academic research and community leadership, where he continues to mentor the next generation of researchers. Originally from Kauru Local Government Area, he is a dedicated community organizer and a devoted family man married to Deborah Simon Majimre, with whom he has three children.
MRS. RHODA YAYA
BOT Member
Mrs. Rhoda Yaya was born on the 20th of November, 1959, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She hails from Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.She is a devoted Christian, known for her steadfast faith and commitment to the work of God. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated humility, kindness, and a heart of service to both God and humanity. Mrs. Rhoda Yaya served diligently as a civil servant until her retirement, distinguishing herself through dedication, integrity, and excellence.She is happily married and blessed with five children, and her family remains a strong reflection of her values and faith.She resides at Mahuta New Extension, Kaduna.
Mrs. Rhoda Yaya was born on the 20th of November, 1959, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She hails from Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.She is a devoted Christian, known for her steadfast faith and commitment to the work of God. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated humility, kindness, and a heart of service to both God and humanity. Mrs. Rhoda Yaya served diligently as a civil servant until her retirement, distinguishing herself through dedication, integrity, and excellence.She is happily married and blessed with five children, and her family remains a strong reflection of her values and faith.She resides at Mahuta New Extension, Kaduna.
MRS. WAZIRI CECILIA
BOT Member
Waziri Cecilia is a respected individual known for her commitment to service and community values. She was born on the 20th of May, 1958, and has lived a life marked by dedication and discipline. She hails from Kaduna State, one of the prominent states in Northern Nigeria. She originates from Zango Kataf Local Government Area, where she maintains strong cultural and family ties. Waziri Cecilia is happily married and blessed with a stable family life. She is a mother of five children, whom she has nurtured with strong values and education. She is a retired civil servant who served diligently in public service before retirement. She is a devoted Christian, guided by faith and spiritual principles in her daily life. She attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she received her higher education and academic foundation.
Waziri Cecilia is a respected individual known for her commitment to service and community values. She was born on the 20th of May, 1958, and has lived a life marked by dedication and discipline. She hails from Kaduna State, one of the prominent states in Northern Nigeria. She originates from Zango Kataf Local Government Area, where she maintains strong cultural and family ties. Waziri Cecilia is happily married and blessed with a stable family life. She is a mother of five children, whom she has nurtured with strong values and education. She is a retired civil servant who served diligently in public service before retirement. She is a devoted Christian, guided by faith and spiritual principles in her daily life. She attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she received her higher education and academic foundation.