Our Team

Temi is a business leader and agribusiness expert with over 12 years of experience in supporting the key actors in the African agriculture and food ecosystem to build resilient business models to achieve food system sustainability. He is the Managing Partner at Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Limited, a consulting firm focused on transforming the African agriculture and nutrition landscape. His deep-seated passion and commendable professional trajectory have earned me a reputation as a seasoned strategist and astute project manager, expertly guiding the company through the complex terrains of client engagement, project execution, and overall strategic direction.

Temi is passionate about agriculture and has worked extensively within the food systems in Africa and across a broad range of value chains. He has a deep knowledge of the dynamics in agricultural markets and has engaged with a broad range of partners and clients through several strategic consulting and development projects focused on addressing some of the complex challenges surrounding food production, distribution, and affordability, and implementing ecosystem solutions that can enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihoods, promote gender and social inclusion through economic empowerment, and build food systems resilience. He is proficient in stakeholder engagement, project management, and the development and operationalization of innovative strategies that address complex business challenges. He has led the implementation of many innovative solutions in key thematic areas of agriculture including innovations to strengthen the effectiveness of the seed systems of various crops, livestock and dairy sector development and productivity improvement.

With a passion for creating lasting impact, Temi continues to collaborate with government institutions and development partners in shaping policies that contribute to the long-term sustainability of food systems in Africa. As a dynamic speaker, he is recognized for his expertise in dissecting food security issues and has extensively engaged in thought-provoking conversations on various panels globally.

Temi holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and received his undergraduate degree in Plant Science from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He also holds an MBA from the Lagos Business School. He is an IMAGINE Leader, a global community of leaders who believe in the positive potential of human beings to lead systemic change through transformational leadership. He is also an alumnus of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), a platform that supports sector leaders to deliver on top national priorities in African agriculture and nutrition security. He has completed executive leadership programs at several global institutions including the IESE Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.

Chinedu is a finance and business management expert with over 10 years’ experience in investment banking, business advisory, project financing, and relationship management. He currently serves as a manager at Sahel Consulting where he leads the development and implementation of agriculture projects focused on seed systems, catalyzing inclusive growth, and professionalizing farmer associations and innovative agri-businesses start-ups.

Before joining Sahel, Chinedu worked with agri-businesses and other corporate entities in raising finance from public and private capital markets. He has worked as a relationship manager for a top financial institution where he initiated and participated in successful negotiations with management, union leaders, and diverse stakeholders of private and public organizations. Chinedu has consulted for a family-owned business in Madrid and led sales campaigns that required engaging with multi-stakeholders with different cultural, language, and ethnic backgrounds.

Chinedu holds a Post Graduate degree in Business Management, a Masters’ degree in Advanced Finance from IE Business School, Madrid, and is a Charterholder with Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute in Virginia, USA.

Aisha Hadejia joined Sahel in 2021, bringing a wealth of expertise and passion to our team, focusing on transformative initiatives to strengthen public and private sector institutions in the Nigerian agriculture sector. She is a social development expert with experience working with multi-national teams on conceptualizing and implementing projects in social development, public health, and gender. Aisha’s social development journey began as a Health Communication Coordinator at the Society for Family Health focused on enhancing access to health care and nutrition services for women and children. In 2017, she joined Girl Effect Nigeria where she worked with multiple development organizations to advocate for women’s economic empowerment and improve girl’s access to technology, information, and healthcare.

At Sahel, She brings a unique perspective and understanding of the intricacies of public health and nutrition to address complex challenges related to food security, agricultural sustainability and nutritional well-being. Aisha leads strategic consulting and development initiatives to enhance the capacity of public sector actors to formulate and implement innovative and inclusive policies that will increase the productivity and income of food producers, create job opportunities, and improve the livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers.

Aisha holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Leeds, UK, a Master’s degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and an MBA from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Fisayo is a dynamic development expert, strategic leader, and agribusiness consultant with a proven track record of designing and executing high-impact interventions in Africa’s food and agriculture sector. With about eight years of experience, she has led transformative initiatives that drive sustainability, improve livelihoods, and strengthen food systems across the continent.

As a Senior Manager at Sahel Consulting, Fisayo spearheads value chain optimization, market research, agribusiness strategy development, and program implementation. She currently leads interventions within the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) program, an initiative funded by the Gates Foundation, where she oversees productivity improvement, training and extension, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement—working at the intersection of public and private sector collaboration to catalyze lasting change.

Previously, she worked with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the Eradicating Avian Influenza in Nigeria Project, contributing to national efforts to strengthen poultry health and biosecurity.

Fisayo holds an MBA from IE Business School, Spain, and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. She has further honed her expertise through specialized executive training in livestock health management, project management, global dairy production management, sales and marketing management, and leadership from globally renowned institutions, including the University of Illinois in the USA, Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and Lagos Business School in Nigeria.

A COCHRAN Fellow, awarded by United States Department of Agriculture in 2022 and a registered member of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Fisayo remains committed to advancing agricultural innovation, policy transformation, and sustainable food systems in Africa.

Ilesanmi Pupa is a Seed expert at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, where he supports program implementation, provides technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement. Ilesanmi has an interest in agribusiness sector and uplifting the socio-economy livelihood of the smallholder farmers by training, access to advanced cultivation practices, coaching of young farmers, production, and maintenance of improved seeds. He has about 8 years’ experience in seed production, processing, marketing, and livestock feed formulation, he also has expertise on vegetable crops production.

Prior to joining Sahel consulting, Ilesanmi worked with a seed company as a seed production and quality assurance officer, where he recruits farmers for seed multiplication, training of farmers, input distribution, collection of data, direct seed production, consultancy services, seed quality assurance, certification, research, and input loan recovery. He also supervised the company seed production fields in Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Niger, and Kaduna. He has previously worked on various projects including (AGRA) EGS seed production and (LINKS) Catalyzing economic growth for northern Nigeria.

He holds a Higher National Diploma in Agricultural extension and management from Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria and has undergone some training and courses with IITA on “principle of maize seed production” in 2017, AfricaRice on “rice seed production technology” in 2018 and “Vegetable production” Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands in 2021 just to mention a few.

Ilesanmi is a member of Farm Management Association of Nigeria (FAMAN).

Ismael works as a Consultant at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited where he supports the organization in its strategic efforts in business and value chain development and program implementation for food and agricultural system-related projects.

At Sahel, he works on the monitoring, evaluation, and learning component of the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) program. As part of his work on ALDDN, he coordinates program implementation, conducts field monitoring, stakeholder engagements, and develops standard operating procedures for infrastructure management and other key programmatic activities. He also supports qualitative and quantitative data collection, analyses, and visualization.

Before joining Sahel, Ismael worked with AACE Food Processing and Distribution Limited as an Agri-Food Supply Chain Supervisor where he worked closely with the company’s international development partners to develop and strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, improve farmers productivity, and develop local sourcing supply chain of agri-food commodities across Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Sokoto states.

Ismael graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture (Honours) Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, He has also audited a professional course in “Sustainable Food Security” from the Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands in 2019. He was an active students’ union member at Ife, and passionate about national transformation.

Dorcas Omole works as a consultant at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, where she supports the organization in its strategic efforts in the market, institutional support, and program implementation for the BASICS-II and PROSSIVA projects.

At Sahel, her work focuses on conducting market and industry research related to proposals and projects, performing quantitative and qualitative data analysis, managing stakeholder engagement, business planning reviews for start-up Early Generation Seed companies in Nigeria, and summarizing recommendations to provide tailored advisory services to clients.

Before joining Sahel, Dorcas worked as a Research Fellow with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Dorcas also worked with the Flour Mills of Nigeria, where she gained practical field experience in establishing a sustainable cassava seed unit using Semi-Autotrophic and Hydroponics (SAH) technology. She has worked in various capacities on diverse research projects funded by reputable organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Thought for Food, and BMZ – the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, where she was involved in numerous research spheres ranging from environmental management, food security, food system justice, crop production, nature-based solutions in solving the climate change crisis, plant nutrition and soil fertility management.

In 2019, she was awarded a global membership award with the American Phytopathology Society, earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan, and received her undergraduate degree from the Federal University of Technology Akure. She also holds a professional certificate course from Michigan State University in “Plant Breeding to Fight Hunger.”

Ibrahim is an expert in livestock with over 8 years of experience. He is an environmental protection enthusiast and a climate-smart agriculture advocate. Currently, he works as a Livestock Productivity Improvement Consultant on the Advancing Local Dairy Development Project (ALDDN) at Sahel Consulting. In his role, he provides support on various fronts, such as social and behavioural change, strategy development, inclusive business models (IBM), stakeholder engagement, program management, and coordination. His primary objective is to drive innovative solutions that will enhance the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers across the country. He is passionate about international development and diplomacy, fragility management, and social cohesion.

Prior to joining Sahel, Ibrahim worked with German Development Cooperation (GIZ), INTERSOS Humanitarian Organization, Neem Foundation, and Jubaili Agrotech LTD. He worked on a number of donor-funded projects in the humanitarian and development sphere, including World Food Programme (WFP), BMGF, European Union (EU), and German Government (BMZ).

Ibrahim is a registered veterinarian with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN). He has attended a number of professional courses and training, including Cooperation in Complex environment-Management adapted to the specific context with Capacity WORKS – Steering Competence with Lego® Serious Play® in Bonn, Germany, in November 2022.

He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a Masters of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.

Saidu is a Senior Program Officer working on the Advancing Local Dairy Development Project, His works involves stakeholder management at the state level. He handles Training and communication for behaviour change, Infrastructure development, Nutrition and Farmers Organization component of the Advancing Local Dairy Development In Nigeria.

Prior to joining Sahel, Saidu has been actively involved in evaluating multi-sector intervention programs in Nigeria. Saidu Abubakar’s professional experience extends to the delivering of nutrition and livelihood projects, supporting health systems strengthening programs (Maternal, Child health and Behavioural Change Communications).

He is a graduate of Geography from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a trained Remote sensing and Geographic Information System analyst.

Mustapha is currently engaged as a Senior Program Officer working on the Advancing Local Dairy Development project. His work involves stakeholder management at the State level. He is responsible for the efficient implementation of the feed and fodder, Animal Health Intervention, and the Nutrition-Home Garden components of the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria.

Before joining the team, Mustapha had a career in teaching before transitioning to the agricultural sector. As a teacher, his passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a conducive environment and initiatives earned him recognition among students and colleagues. As an agriculturist, transitioning to the agricultural sector was smooth. He was at Thrive Agric Ltd as a Farmer Organization Supervisor, where he quickly distinguished himself through his dedication and leadership. Within a year, he was promoted to the rank of Lead, responsible for overseeing Kano and Jigawa operations. He also had a stint as an intern at Sasakawa Africa Association.

He is a graduate of Bayero University, Kano. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and has completed several professional certificates, including courses from Havard Business School, YALINETWORK, HIIT, and others.

Buhari Zubairu is a development enthusiast with experience in humanitarian and development project implementation. He is passionate about health, nutrition, and agriculture and has worked on emergency response, health delivery systems, and is currently on dairy value chain development. He currently serves as the senior program officer at Sahel Consulting where his work involves working with stakeholders to coordinate the implementation of the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria program components at the State level through the training and extension, nutrition, infrastructure development, and farmer organization interventions.

Prior to joining Sahel Consulting, Buhari worked at eHealth Systems Africa for 4 years as a Program Field Officer on the vaccination tracking program, Vaccine delivery system development (via LOMIS-Logistic Management Information Systems), He also worked on a nutrition project to improve the adoption of OFSP and improve dietary diversity by coordinating community food demonstrations. He also worked as a Field Operations Coordinator on the Geo-Referenced Infrastructure and Demographic Data for Development (GRID3) program at eHealth Systems Africa. Buhari also supported the Outbreak Response (OBR) programs in the North East hard-to-reach communities.

Buhari holds a Master’s in Development Studies (MDS) from Bayero University, Kano, and an undergraduate degree in Human Physiology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Muhammad is a senior analyst at Sahel Consulting where he provides support on program implementation, data management and stakeholder engagement for nutrition and several other projects in the nutrition and agricultural sector.

At Sahel, Muhammad currently works as the Nutrition officer on the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) program where he implements and manages the nutrition interventions, supports strategy development, and develops Information, education, and communication materials to facilitate dietary and hygiene behavior change for smallholder beneficiaries. He also provides support for the collection, management and analysis of data collected during implementation of several projects.

He has been involved in several works around the nutrition landscape, embarking on infant and young child feeding and nutrition policy related research. Prior to joining Sahel, he worked with the International Food Policy Research Institute as a research assistant supporting data collection, stakeholder interviews and workshops. Muhammad is passionate about contributing to the improvement of nutrition for all, in Nigeria.

He holds a master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Jonathan is a passionate and results-driven development expert with extensive experience in designing and implementing transformative community interventions. With a deep commitment to transforming food systems, empowering livelihoods, and advancing nutrition, he specializes in applying an Integrated Social Behavior Change (SBC) approach to drive sustainable impact.

At Sahel, Jonathan plays a key role in the Gates Foundation-funded Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) program, providing strategic and technical leadership for nutrition interventions. He leads the development of innovative behavior change strategies that empower smallholder farming households, fostering long-term improvements in food security and economic resilience.

With a career spanning advisory and technical roles on significant projects funded by the European Union (EU), CDC/PEPFAR, Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF), and the World Food Programme (WFP), Jonathan has built a wealth of expertise in implementing large-scale initiatives that uplift vulnerable communities. His ability to develop holistic, evidence-based solutions has contributed to meaningful social and economic change across Nigeria.

Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a master’s in development studies from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and a master’s in public health (MSc) from the National Open University of Nigeria. He has further honed his expertise through professional certifications from globally recognized institutions, including the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI), UNICEF, OXFAM, IFRC, British Council, Global Health USA, Breakthrough ACTION, and USAID Advancing Nutrition.

Jonathan is a visionary leader and change-maker committed to empowering communities and driving sustainable development through innovative, evidence-based strategies.

Helen Okotie is a development enthusiast with over 5 years experience in community development sector. She has implemented projects in social development, education, nutrition and gender equality. At Sahel, Helen is a senior program analyst. She currently works on the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria; where her work involves providing support on strategy development, program implementation and stakeholders engagement to drive innovative solutions that will increase productivity, financial inclusion and improved livelihood for small holder women dairy farmers and the communities in which they live.

Helen is passionate about international development. Prior to Sahel, she worked as a Program Officer at Khan Initiative on ENGINE II Project to advocate for women economic empowerment, gender equality and improved girls access to education. Helen holds a master’s and bachelor degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She was a Mandela Washington fellow at the Staley School of Leadership, Kansas State University, US.

Zayyad has over 5 years of experience in Management Consulting and Finance. He currently serves as a Senior Programme Analyst at Sahel Consulting where he works on the CSP programme. Zayyad supports the implementation of the Variety Release and Institutional Markets topics of the CSP programme. He conducts research, stakeholder engagement and provides technical support in planning and programme implementation. With a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (In View) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and a First-Class undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi. He is a registered member of Farm Management Association of Nigeria (FAMAN).

Prior to joining Sahel Consulting, Zayyad had previously worked with SCIDaR (Solina Centre for International Development and Research) as a Programme Analyst under the ACTION Plus Up Programme during his National Youth Service. He has also worked with FirstBank Nigeria Limited under the bank’s Branch Operations and Services Group (BOSG) in a number of the bank’s branches in FCT.

Zayyad brings a strong educational background, a deep understanding of agricultural systems and professional experience to drive desired impact.

David is a long-term standing humanitarian aid worker who has supported in different emergency responses in the northeastern part of Nigeria and has gradually shifted attention from emergency to early recovery and now a development expert working in the food security and Agriculture sector.

David currently supports the response in project management, in the food and Agricultural food systems and works with the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) as senior program officer, in close collaboration with interlocutors both at state, local and community levels with very close interaction with community leaders to ensure system development and capacity strengthening.
Prior to joining Sahel, David worked at INTERSOS Humanitarian Organization, Special Project Programmes Unit (SPPU). He worked with World Food Programme (WFP), UN-OCHA and BMGF funded projects.

David is graduate of Animal Science and master’s degree in Animal Production from former Federal University of Technology, Yola. A registered Animal Scientist with National Institute of for Animal Science (NIAS) and completed several professional courses including food system course from Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI).

Joseph Akan is a Finance professional with over seven years of extensive experience in accounting and finance across various sectors, including private, public, and NGO Sectors. He is highly skilled in implementing finance and grant management strategies, practices, and policies to attract and retain projects and contracts of high quality and quantity.

He is currently working as a Program Accountant for the Collaborative Seed Programme (CSP) at Sahel Consulting, where he plays a pivotal role in managing the program’s finances, ensuring smooth operations and optimal resource utilization. He fosters strong relationships with implementing partners and seed companies, facilitating transparent communication channels.

His career journey includes notable roles such as Finance Consultant at RNW Media, Finance Officer at Maryland Global Initiative Corporation (MGIC), and Assistant Production Accountant at “Yellow Sun Ltd” for the film “Half of a Yellow Sun.” He has also contributed his expertise to organizations such as Search for Common Ground and Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR).

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Accounting from the University of Benin, Benin City. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (AMCILRM) and a student member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA).

Emmanuel Ameh is a seasoned technical expert with over 6 years of experience in research and development, with a focus on Genetic Improvement. He is extensively knowledgeable of roots and tubers, and oil palm production and processing. He is passionate about the development of a formal seed system for root and tuber crops.

At Sahel Consulting, Emmanuel supports the implementation of the BASICS-II and PROSSIVA projects, working closely with partners and stakeholders to increase the use of quality seeds of improved varieties in cassava and yam seed systems.

Prior to joining Sahel Consulting, Emmanuel served as a Farm Supervisor at Uzanu Farms Limited, where he successfully managed a 160-hectare oil palm plantation and the processing, storage, and marketing of crude palm oil. With a Master of Science in Environmental Biology (Plant Genetics) from the University of Ibadan and an undergraduate degree in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Emmanuel brings a strong educational background and a deep understanding of plant genetics to his work.

Paschal Adikaibe has over 5 years of industrial experience in the forefront of agribusiness. Holding a First-Class Honors degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from Imo State University, Nigeria, and a Master’s in Agribusiness with Summa Cum Laude honors from Diponegoro University, Indonesia. Paschal combines academic excellence with a global perspective in agriculture. Further enriching his expertise, he earned industry-based certificates from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, focusing on Food Systems.

In Sahel Consulting, Paschal is primarily supporting Early Generation Seed Companies in Nigeria and Seed Entrepreneurs in the roots and tubers seed system to build and expand their business operation. His diverse interests span seed systems, clean energy for rural development, and advocating for youth and women inclusivity in agriculture. He believes in the transformative power of diversity and equal opportunities. His commitment extends to promoting sustainable agriculture and strategically balancing economic viability with social and environmental responsibility.

Paschal’s journey exemplifies unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, making him a key player in shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. His unique blend of academic achievements, international exposure, and hands-on experience positions him as a driving force in advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Abisola is a seasoned Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst, wielding experience and a fervent passion for instigating positive change within the agricultural sector. A graduate with honors in Agricultural Economics from the esteemed Obafemi Awolowo University, coupled with a Master’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University, she is a valuable team member within the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Department. Her current focus lies within the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) project, a ground breaking initiative set on catalysing a robust and vibrant dairy sector. Abisola’s expertise lies in her unique ability to transform data into actionable insights, guiding decision-making processes with clarity and precision amidst the complexities of the agricultural landscape.

Her professional tapestry prior to Sahel Consulting, is adorned with significant achievements working with project teams under the auspices of the Mastercard Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa while working at an indigenous Seed Company. Beyond her analytical acumen, Abisola takes on a pivotal role in co-leading the Sahel Scholars Program. Here, she passionately endeavours to inspire the next generation to perceive agriculture not just as a viable livelihood but as an innovative and rewarding profession. For Abisola, the transformational power of the youth is paramount, propelling her on a mission to bridge generational gaps and cultivate a renewed appreciation for the indispensable role of agriculture in our collective future.