EKPENO JOHN UKUT
Transformational Leadership and Strategic Expertise
Ekpeno John Ukut is a passionate international development strategist, a pragmatic and transformational leader, who is well skilled in Communication for Development (C4D) and Idea to Action (Ideation) strategy for community development. As a theatrepreneur, a celebrated author, and an award winner, he has spearheaded and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of people and communities in healthcare, education, sports, agriculture, arts, etc., over the last decade. As the Founder and Executive Director of TAFCOD, Ekpeno is a British Council-trained Community Development Strategist through the Active Citizens program (2014). He holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communication (ABU, Zaria) and an MA in International Studies (UNBC, Canada).
Global Impact and Advocacy for Sustainable Development
Considering his vast experience in the humanitarian and community development sector in Nigeria, where he has created impact across the length and breadth of the country, he continues to support causes that help reshape and bring about sustainable growth in many countries across the world. Over the past fourteen (14) years, he has dedicated his life to the service of humanity by prioritizing other people’s success and well-being through initiating projects that touch lives and build communities.
Since becoming an active global citizen, Ekpeno has become the President of the United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), Prince George, and a member of the Canadian International Council (CIC), where he continues to contribute to the mantra of the ‘think global, link local’ initiative for sustainability through the United Nations’ SDGs. Ekpeno is always ready to serve and help drive sustainable development, and this has led him to be appointed as the Run Director for the CIBC Run for the Cure Committee in Prince George, BC, by the Canadian Cancer Society, where he continues to lead the breast cancer campaign.
Community Leadership and Anti-Racism Advocacy
Ekpeno’s passion and desire to lead change wherever he finds himself got him elected as the President of the Afro-Caribbean Society of Northern British Columbia in Canada, a position he is using to speak for and articulate the concerns of Africans and Caribbeans residing within the region. He frequently interacts with government officials on how best to address issues that concern his constituents and members. This has opened him up to transformational leadership and led him to initiate the Black Faces Anti-Racism Project (BFARP) for the organization, which is funded by United Way BC.
Ekpeno was once the Chairperson of the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students Society (NBCGSS) in Canada, where he led the drastic transformation of the society in reforms and campaigns, thereby drawing the attention of the University management and BC government to student plights in Canada for change and sustainability.
Mentorship, Research, and Creative Contributions
He currently sits as a Mentor on the James Ene Henshaw’s International Playwriting Competition mentorship school, where he helps award finalists develop and build their skills in playwriting and leadership.
He is a recipient of several grants in Canada, where he currently uses the funds to engage Indigenous communities in alternative communication practices for social change. He is handling strategic projects with his teachers and colleagues, Dr. Shauna LaTosky, Dr. Emmanuel Chilanga, and Dr. Gabrielle Daout. He has published the books Pearl of Hope and Odudu: The Bane of a Nation.
Our Core Values
- Love: We act with compassion, care, and commitment to humanity's welfare.
- Development: Creating sustainable opportunities for growth and progress in communities.
- Empowerment: Providing skills, resources, and support for individuals to thrive.
- Teamwork: Uniting diverse talents to achieve collective goals and impact.
- Inclusivity: Valuing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all people.
- Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in every action.
