About us
About ACKA
African Community in Kirklees Association (ACKA) exists to bring people together through African culture, community support, integration, youth development and local partnerships.
Our aims
- Celebrate and share African cultures and heritage across Kirklees.
- Help individuals and families feel connected, supported and at home.
- Encourage integration and positive relationships with the wider community.
- Create opportunities for young people and families to learn, grow and lead.
- Work alongside local organisations, councils and businesses for shared benefit.
Our community focus
Our focus is on people of African heritage living across Kirklees and on building bridges with neighbours of every background.
Our four pillars
Community, Culture, Support and Opportunity guide our aims and the areas of work we are developing.
- Community
- Bringing people and families together, building friendships and a sense of belonging in Kirklees.
- Culture
- Celebrating African cultures, heritage and traditions through shared experiences and events.
- Support
- Encouraging mutual care, practical support and connections to relevant services.
- Opportunity
- Creating pathways to learning, skills, careers and youth development.
How ACKA is run
Executive Committee
Responsible for day-to-day management of the Association and for delivering its activities.
Board of Trustees
Provides governance oversight and supports the Association's accountability and continuity.
Executive Committee
Victor Uraku
President
Victor is a Certified Project Manager and Business Analyst, author, speaker and consultant coach based in West Yorkshire. As President of ACKA, he leads the Association's work on member welfare, advocacy and community integration, alongside the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.
Olusola Fadumiye
General Secretary
Certified Civil/Railway Engineer and Project Manager, is a construction and infrastructure professional based in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, with extensive experience in engineering, site management and project coordination. As Secretary of ACKA, he supports effective administration, communication, record-keeping and coordination of Association activities, helping to strengthen unity, engagement and the overall growth of the Association.
Mrs Itunuoluwa Ijila
Programme Coordinator
Mrs Itunuoluwa Ijila is a dedicated Nursing and Public Health Professional with over 10 years of clinical experience. She currently works as a Senior Clinical Advisor with Yorkshire NHS and serves as Programme Coordinator for ACKA. Based in West Yorkshire, she is passionate about community development and coordinating impactful programmes that strengthen and empower communities.
Sylverleen Onyekachi Anyanwu
Welfare Officer
Sylverleen is a UK-registered nurse working in operating theatres at Dewsbury and Pinderfields hospitals. As ACKA’s Welfare Officer, she brings compassion, dedication and a strong commitment to members’ wellbeing. She believes in leadership through service and works to promote mutual support, unity and a caring community.
Board of Trustees
Tai Olajide ACIAT, MNIA
Chair, Board of Trustees
Tai is an Architectural Technologist, construction professional and tech entrepreneur based in West Yorkshire. As Chair of ACKA’s Board of Trustees, he supports sound governance, accountability and the Association’s long-term development. He brings experience in project coordination and leadership, with a commitment to strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for members across Kirklees.
Hauwa Ajagbe
Secretary
Miss Hauwa is an experienced Registered Nurse working at Dewsbury and District Hospital. As Secretary to ACKA’s Board of Trustees, she supports the Board’s work through accurate record-keeping, clear communication and coordination of meetings. She brings a professional and organised approach to the role, helping maintain accountability and continuity as the Association develops.
Emmanuel Baale
Member
Emmanuel Baale is a Registered General Nurse based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. As a member of ACKA’s Board of Trustees, he contributes to the Association’s governance and oversight, supporting its aims of community wellbeing, unity and mutual support. He brings a healthcare perspective to the Board’s work and the Association’s development.
Olusegun Ijila, PhD
Member
Olusegun holds a doctorate in Agricultural Economics and is recognised for his work in poverty alleviation, smallholder transformation, agribusiness development, food security, data analysis, credit management and academic mentorship. He currently works as a finance professional with a leading financial services company in West Yorkshire and serves on the Board of Trustees of the African Community in Kirklees Association (ACKA).