Morakinyo Olusiji Daramola
Morakinyo Olusiji Daramola is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the African Renaissance & Transformation (ART) Foundation, where he provides strategic leadership and overall direction for the organization’s mission to advance Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
As the driving force behind the Foundation, he is responsible for shaping its vision, building partnerships, and leading the development of impactful programs and initiatives that promote cultural preservation and innovation. His leadership focuses on positioning African heritage as a critical contributor to global knowledge, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
Morakinyo is deeply committed to the renaissance of African identity and the global recognition of its intellectual and cultural contributions. Through initiatives such as cultural documentation projects, knowledge exchange platforms, and flagship programs like Drums for Peace, he continues to champion the role of culture as a tool for unity, dialogue, and transformation.
Laniyi Stephens
Project DirectorLaniyi Stephens serves as the Project Director at the African Renaissance & Transformation (ART) Foundation, where he leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the Foundation’s key programs and initiatives.
He is responsible for translating the Foundation’s vision into impactful projects, overseeing implementation from concept to delivery. His role involves managing cross-functional teams, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring that all initiatives align with the Foundation’s mission of promoting Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
With a strong focus on strategic execution and community engagement, Laniyi works closely with researchers, cultural practitioners, and partner organizations to deliver programs that are both culturally grounded and globally relevant. He plays a critical role in driving initiatives such as cultural documentation projects, knowledge exchange platforms, and flagship programs like the Drums for Peace initiative.
Olasubomi Rebecca Shodunke
Olasubomi Rebecca Shodunke serves as the Director of Research at the African Renaissance & Transformation (ART) Foundation, where she leads the development and execution of research initiatives focused on Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
With a strong passion for knowledge preservation and intellectual inquiry, she is responsible for coordinating field research, overseeing documentation projects, and guiding the Foundation’s research agenda. Her work centers on uncovering and amplifying traditional African knowledge while ensuring its relevance in addressing contemporary social and developmental challenges.
Olasubomi brings a multidisciplinary approach to her role, combining analytical insight with a deep appreciation for culture and community engagement. She works closely with researchers, cultural practitioners, and partner institutions to produce high-quality publications, policy insights, and knowledge resources that contribute to global discourse.
Through her leadership, the ART Foundation continues to strengthen its position as a credible platform for research, cultural preservation, and innovation across Africa.
Tade Ipadeola
Tade Ipadeola serves as the Legal Adviser to the African Renaissance & Transformation (ART) Foundation, providing legal guidance and strategic counsel to support the Foundation’s mission and operations.
He is an accomplished Nigerian lawyer, poet, essayist, and translator, with a distinguished body of work spanning literature and cultural scholarship. Writing in both Yoruba and English, he has published three acclaimed volumes of poetry, A Time of Signs (2000), The Rain Fardel (2005), and The Sahara Testaments (2013), the latter of which won the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Tade’s contributions to cultural preservation and intellectual exchange extend beyond original writing. He has translated significant literary works, including those of renowned Yoruba novelist Daniel Fagunwa, as well as poems by global literary figures such as W.H. Auden, Tomas Tranströmer, and Lu Xun into Yoruba, thereby bridging cultures and expanding access to knowledge across linguistic boundaries.
Tosin Onisuuru
Tosin Onisuuru serves as the Technology & Digital Systems Officer at the African Renaissance & Transformation (ART) Foundation, where he oversees the development, management, and optimization of the Foundation’s digital infrastructure.
He is responsible for designing and maintaining the Foundation’s website, managing digital platforms, and ensuring the seamless integration of technology across communications and operations. His role also includes supporting content delivery and enhancing the Foundation’s online presence through effective digital systems and tools.
With a background in web development, media production, and digital marketing, Tosin brings a multidisciplinary approach to creating user-focused digital experiences. He has worked across various sectors, delivering web solutions and managing online platforms that strengthen visibility, engagement, and accessibility.