Meet the team behind our success story

Calistus Ekenna

CEO/Founder, Blue North Initiative

Calistus Ekenna

Calistus Ekenna is a dedicated advocate for social justice and the founder of the Blue North Initiative, a charity aimed at combating human trafficking and supporting survivors in Canada and Nigeria. As a registered social worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers, Calistus holds a Master of Social Work degree and currently serves as a Trustee on the Brandon School Division Board after being elected in the fall of 2020 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. His multifaceted experience positions him as a crucial player in the fight against human trafficking. His motivation to launch the Blue North Initiative stems from his profound observations regarding the devastating consequences of human trafficking. Witnessing firsthand the trauma and painful scars left on survivors, Calistus became acutely aware of how traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of individuals, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and despair that can haunt survivors for life. He has seen lives shattered, hopes extinguished, and the invisible wounds that may never fully heal.
Believing firmly that education is a vital tool for empowerment, Calistus envisioned the Blue North Initiative as a means to provide critical resources and opportunities for individuals affected by human trafficking. The foundation/initiative passionately aims to offer educational programs, create networking opportunities with partners, highlight the stories of survivors, and promote widespread awareness campaigns to shed light on this heinous crime against humanity. Through these efforts, the foundation/initiative seeks to uplift and empower those who have been victimized, allowing them to reclaim their lives and narratives. Calistus has been a proud resident of Manitoba for over a decade, successfully integrating himself and his family into Canadian society across various dimensions-educational, social, cultural, economic, and political. He and his wife lead community recreation initiatives, organizing camps and events that foster networking and support for families striving for holistic integration into their new environment.
In addition to his work with the Blue North Initiative, Calistus has held multiple roles within the social services sector. Currently serving as a Protection Supervisor, he has also taken on positions as an addiction coordinator, protection worker, and abuse worker for Child Welfare Services. His extensive background includes 15 years as an instructor with Manitoba Public Insurance and four years as an Intelligence Officer with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) in Nigeria. There, he developed deep insights into migration risk management, further shaping his commitment to addressing human trafficking.
In 2022, Calistus published his first book, titled *Trail of Desperation: A Case Book of Human Trafficking*, which reflects his extensive knowledge and personal experiences with the subject. This book aims to educate a broader audience about the intricacies and realities of human trafficking while advocating for systemic change and increased awareness.
Through his tireless advocacy, community engagement, and educational initiatives, Calistus Ekenna exemplifies a commitment to justice and the empowerment of survivors, making a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking both in Canada and abroad.




Boma West

Country Director
Blue North Initiative

Boma West

Boma west is the Country Director for the Blue North Initiative, is a seasoned journalist and development practitioner iwht over a decade of experience spanning media, human righs Advocacy, and non-govermental organizational leadership. She holds a Master of Science degree in Mass Communcation from Nasarawa State University and Bacholor Degre in Journalism from University of Maiduguri.
Through out her career Mrs. West has demostrated a very Strong Committment to Social Justice, with particular focus on anti human trafficking , Gender-based violence , and youth empowerment . Her journalis background includes extensive coverage of the Nigeria Assembly in Abuja , providiing here with a deep understanding of legislative process and policies advocacy..
As the country Director of Blue North Initiative , she leads strategic efforts to comabat human trafficking , raise awareness , and strengthen support system for survivor . Her leadership combines grassroots engagement with national-level Advocacy , contributing significantly to the organization's impact accross Nigeria. Mrs. Boma is Driven by a passion for story telling as a tool for change and brings a unique blend of comunication expertise and humanitarin insight to her role.


mabotundi Kordon

Human Resource Manager(Hr)
Blue North Initiative

Mabotundi Kordon

Mabotundi is the principled and result driven HR for Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused, an Administration professional with a passion for fosterisng equitable and supportive workspace culture.Guided by integrity, empathy, and strong commitment to service she believes people are at the heart of every successful organization.
She holds a Bachelor Degree of Science in Human Resource management form central unversity in Accra, Ghana, and portfolio professional certification in project managment(PMP) , Human Resource Managment (HRM) Health Safety & Enviroment (HSE) , First Aid and Trainer Development. in 2024 , she further strenthened here leadership throught the basicws and advanced management Trainer's Development programs at the Nigeria council for Management Development (CMD). Where she developed Both theoritical and practical expertise in Strategic human capital managment.
Mabotundi kordon is a dynamic Human resource and Administrative proffessional with over 8 years of cross sector experience driving people centered operations, organizational compliance and project execution across humanitarian, private and development spaces. Mabotundi embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all. in Blue North Initiative she plays a pivotal reoles in shaping internal systems,policies and workflows that ensures operational excellence and team readiness for program delivery , donor engagement , and field implementation. she overseas recruiting, onboarding performance managment, and administrative logistics, anchoring the backbone of the organization anti-trafficking and community outreach program.


Chinenye Okonkwo

Outreach Coordinator
Blue North Initiative

Chinenye Okonkwo

Okonkwo Chinenye is the Outreach Coordinator for the Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused on the prevention and awareness of human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. Recently graduating from the University of Nigeria,NSUKKA, Chinenye's academic journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Driven by a profound passion for social justice and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Chinenye has made it her mission to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking. She believes that education and community engagement are vital components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through her role at the Blue North Initiative, Chinenye coordinates outreach programs that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With her energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Chinenye works tirelessly to forge partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups. She aims to create a network of informed advocates who can help instigate meaningful change. Chinenye seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Chinenye Okonkwo embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all.


Victor Ochefije John

Website & Social Media Manager
Blue North Initiative

Victor Ochefije John

Victor Ochefije John is the Website Manager & Social Media Manager for the Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused on the prevention and awareness of human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. Recently graduating from the federal uninversity of Agriculture Makurdi, Victor's academic journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most pressing social Technological issues of our time.
Driven by a profound passion for social justice and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Victor has made it his mission to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking. He believes that education and community engagement are vital components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through His role at the Blue North Initiative, Victors promote the program the activities of the the organization via website and social media handles that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With her energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Victor works tirelessly to create pages links and Seo monitization scheme to make sure the organization can be very influential in the internet space and nation wide . He aims to create a create and advertise the danger of human traffficking to the community and society at large to trigger change. Victor seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Victor embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all communities and nationwide.


Atala Yohanna Joshua

Program/Grant Adminstrator
Blue North Initiative

Atala Yohanna Joshua

Atala Yohanna Joshua is seasoned professional serving as Program/Grant Administrator for the Blue North Initiative, a leading NGO dedicated to preventing human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. He is a trained journalist. Mr. Atala holds a Master's Degree and Bachelor of Scicence Degree in Mass Communication from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Addditionally, he has a Professional Diploma in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Diplomas in Computer Networking and Digital Photography from Scholars Global Tech.Chandigarh UT, India (Distance Learning).
As a dedicated and research-oriented Mass Commmunication scholar, Mr. Atala lectured with the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (Part-Time) and Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, Nasarawa State. Components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through his role at the Blue North Initiative, Mr. Atala has carried out several awareness programs, shedding light on the reality of human trafficking that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With his energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Mr. Atala works tirelessly to forge partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups. Aims to create a network of informed advocates who can help instigate meaningful change. Mr. Atala seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Mr. Atala embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. His efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and he invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all.


SANI, TIJJANI ESQ

LEGAL PRACTITIONER
Blue North Initiative

Sani Tijjani

Sani Tijjan Esq. is the Legal practitioner for the Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused on the prevention and awareness of human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.
He has grown over the years with far reaching experience in ligitation, alternativve disputer resolution, corporate practice, company secretary ship and soliciting for private and corporate personality Driven by a profound passion for social justice and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Sani Tijjani has made it his mission to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking. She believes that education and community engagement are vital components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through her role at the Blue North Initiative, Tijjani became a staff of Blue North Initiative Early 2025 and has brought wealth of experience to bear as an astute legeal practitioner. He is the chief operating officer and is saddeled with corporate managment, company secretary and in-house conflict resolution expert when it come to human trafficking issues.
He is a family man with keen interest in the growth and wellbeing of his family.He has a keen interest in human trafficking prevention policies and cases. His background experience and roles in legal sector of Nigeria come readily hand and he looks forward to playing a pivotal role in human trafficking sphere going forward

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