Nigerian development expert, health economist and civil society leader, Dr. Uzodinma Akujekwe Adirieje, has been unanimously elected as the inaugural President and Chair of the International Board of Directors of the African Refugee Council (ARC), a newly established continental platform dedicated to advancing the rights, protection and inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, returnees and displaced persons across Africa.

The election took place during the third preliminary meeting of the Council, held virtually on June 5, 2026, with founding members from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda participating.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by Dr. Adirieje’s Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike, the Nigerian was nominated by Kenyan founding member Mukiri Muchene and seconded by ARC Convener Kakule Wasingya Rémy of the DRC.

With no opposing nominations, members unanimously endorsed his candidacy and elected him by acclamation as the Council’s first President.

The statement described the election as a significant milestone in the establishment of what is expected to become a continental voice for refugee governance, advocacy, coordination and protection.

Participants reportedly cited Dr. Adirieje’s extensive leadership experience, policy expertise and commitment to inclusive development as major factors behind their decision.

Accepting the mandate, Adirieje said the position was a responsibility rather than an honour, stressing the need for collective leadership in building a credible institution for refugees and displaced persons across the continent.

“This is not a position for one individual. It is a collective responsibility to build a credible institution that represents refugees and displaced persons across Africa. The President must remain first among equals, working collaboratively with all members and national coordinators,” he said.

The African Refugee Council is being established as a continental network to strengthen refugee participation in governance processes, advocate durable solutions to displacement, promote livelihoods and economic empowerment, support legal protection and policy reforms, and foster partnerships among governments, humanitarian agencies, civil society organisations and refugee-led groups.

At a subsequent meeting on June 12, 2026, Adirieje presided over his first official session as President, during which the Council adopted key governance decisions, approved executive leadership appointments and selected Kenya as the host of its continental headquarters.

The Council also reviewed a draft Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) aimed at positioning ARC as Africa’s leading refugee governance and advocacy platform.

Under his leadership, the Council has identified seven strategic pillars, including policy advocacy and legal protection, refugee leadership and participation, durable solutions and inclusion, livelihoods and economic empowerment, partnerships and global engagement, research and knowledge systems, and institutional sustainability.

Adirieje brings decades of experience in development policy, health economics, monitoring and evaluation, civil society leadership and international advocacy. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Programmes Director of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), President of the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN), and Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change (GCSCCC).

An evaluation expert, he played a key role in drafting Nigeria’s national Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and previously served as President of the Nigeria Association of Evaluators from 2019 to 2022. He has also held several national and international assignments in health, governance, sustainable development and climate advocacy.

Observers believe his emergence reflects the growing demand for experienced leadership to address Africa’s complex displacement challenges, as millions of people across the continent continue to face the effects of conflict, climate-related disasters, economic instability and humanitarian crises.

The African Refugee Council is expected to work closely with governments, regional institutions, development partners and refugee communities to promote protection, inclusion, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Founding members expressed confidence that Adirieje’s leadership would help establish the credibility and visibility of the organisation while strengthening collaboration among national refugee councils across Africa.