NAF Organizational Structure
NAF is a democratic organization and has an elected executive Board and an appointed Trustee Board. The organization operates through the following standing committees: (1) Research and Development (2) Finance (3) Ethics & Membership (4) Public Relations and Outreach and (5) Education.
Board of Directors
ChairmanChief Joseph Obadeyi
Member
Dr. Osadebe Anam
Member
Mrs. Nse Essiet
Executive Committee
President
Dr. Yinka Tella
Our President, Dr. Yinka Tella, is the author of The Post 9/11 Syndrome: International Education in an era of Homeland Insecurity – Perspectives from the Florida Frontline.
He holds a doctorate in Higher Education from Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Florida, a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, and an MBA from Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. He is also an alumnus of the University of Ife where he graduated with a BA in English Studies (1986).
A former practicing journalist in Nigeria and the U.S., Dr. Tella won the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for political reporting in 1993. In furtherance of his commitment to multiculturalism in a borderless world, he pioneered programs and presented at several national conferences of student affairs practitioners in the United States. These include the ACPA –College Educators International; NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the National Association of Academic Advisors (NACADA).
He currently works as a Counselor and USCIS-Designated School Official (DSO) at Broward College’s North Campus in Coconut Creek, Florida. In this position which he has held since August 2004, he counsels domestic students on educational and career matters as needed while helping international students with immigration issues, credential evaluation and transitioning.
Dr. Tella recently resigned from the Vice Presidency of Akwa-Ibom State Association (AKISAN) and Egbe Omo Oduduwa of South Florida to take up the NAF presidency. He said he joined NAF to foster unity of purpose among Nigerians.
Vice-President
Dr. Patrick Ojo
General Secretary
Dr. Ibanga Ikpe
Dr. Ibanga Ikpe is an Akwa-Ibom state born educator, administrator, philanthropist and motivational speaker. He holds five earned university degrees; a BA degree in World History, MA in International Affairs, MBA in International Business and Marketing, MS in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D in Political Science. Dr. Ikpe is the Founder/CEO of Global United Children’s Foundation, Inc. a Miami based International Health Care Delivery non-profit organization. He is also the President of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc. Miami Chapter and Chair of the Cultural Committee of Akwa Ibom State of Nigerian Association, USA Inc. He is a founding father of Offot Ukwa Association, USA, Inc. He served as President Pro-Tempore, Federal Council of Nigeria (FCN), Miami, and is the Former National Vice President, Akwa Ibom State Association, USA, Inc.
In spite of his very busy schedule, Dr. Ikpe still finds time to exercise, enjoys walking on the beach, swimming, and soccer, watches American football and basketball. Dr. Ikpe loves to travel and also spends time with his granddaughter, Divine.
Assistant Secretary
Public Relations Officer
Mrs. Charlotte Watkins
Hello my name is Charlotte Uruejoma-Watkins. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida by my parents where my dad is Delta state and my late mother is from Edo state. I attended the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida where I studied biomedical science with a minor in public health with plans of furthering my education to a doctorate program. The main reason I decided to join NAF initially was to continue my mother's legacy. NAF was like her baby along with my father who were and my dad continues to be a faithful member. I decided to become the public relations officer for NAF because I wanted to spread the greatness of NAF to everyone so they can learn and try to get involved with this great organization. As Nigerians here in Miami, Florida there are so many of us and our voices should be heard. NAF is for the betterment of our people and country, so I want to be a part of that process and journey to continue to build the bridge to our success.
"However far a stream flows, it never forgets it's source. -Nigerian Proverb.
Parliamentarian
Mr. Kevin Okoli-King
Behavioral Specialist, b/w Jackson health system and North Shore hospital 7years. A man that loves to make people laugh. Enjoys buying and selling. Joined NAF to be part of positive solution to many challenges our people go through, particularly the newly ARRIVED
Reaching Out
