Who We Are
About Us
Empowering underserved communities through education and sustainable mobility since 2020.
A Foundation Committed to Uplifting Lives Through Education and Mobility
At the Gabriel Rotimi Aroge (GRA) Empowerment Foundation, we are driven by a mission to empower lives and transform communities. Founded on the principles of sustainable impact, we are dedicated to addressing critical challenges in education, transportation, and community development for underserved populations in Nigeria and beyond.
Our work focuses on creating innovative solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring long-term change and measurable impact. Through programs like Cycle-2-School, we are breaking barriers to education by providing bicycles to students in rural areas, reducing dropout rates, and improving road safety.
We believe that every individual deserves access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. By collaborating with local and international partners, governments, NGOs, and community groups, we aim to create a network of support that fosters sustainable development for vulnerable populations.
Our Mission
To implement impactful programs that address education and mobility challenges, promote sustainability, and improve the quality of life for underserved communities in line with the SDGs.
Our Vision
A world where children and underserved communities are empowered with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive sustainably.
Our Commitment to the SDGs
We are fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing challenges across all 17 goals. From quality education to sustainable communities, our initiatives are designed to create a better future for all.
Together, we can empower lives and transform communities.
“We believe that sustainable mobility is not just about transportation— it's about unlocking human potential and creating pathways to opportunity.”
— Gabriel Rotimi Aroge, Founder
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Compassion
We approach our work with empathy and care for every community we serve.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of partnerships to amplify positive impact.
Sustainability
Our programs are designed for long-term environmental and social impact.
Accountability
We maintain transparency and measure our impact rigorously.
Our Journey
Building Impact Over Time
From a vision to a movement—see how we've grown and the milestones we've achieved.
Foundation Established
Gabriel Rotimi Aroge Empowerment Foundation was officially registered in Nigeria with a vision to address education and mobility challenges.
Partnership with Re-Cycle UK
Strategic partnership established with Re-Cycle, a UK-based charity, to source quality refurbished bicycles for Nigerian students.
Cycle-2-School Plus Launched
Launched our flagship program combining bicycle distribution with road safety training and impact monitoring technology.
Pilot Phase Completed
Successfully distributed 30+ bicycles to students in Alimosho LGA, Lagos State, across three communities.
Our Team
Meet the People Behind GRAEF
A dedicated team of professionals committed to creating lasting change in underserved communities.
Rotimi Aroge
Executive Director and Founder
Provides strategic leadership, oversees partnerships and fundraising, and ensures governance, financial accountability, and long-term sustainability of the Foundation.
Dr. Tamás Nagy
External EU Funding & Coordinator Liaison
With 15+ years of expertise in project management, coordinating and liaisoning institutions and international funding as an external expert, he supports the GRAE Foundation's dedicated work on behalf of Nigerian children.
Ashiru Al-Mahroof
Programme Coordinator
Leads planning, implementation, and monitoring of all Foundation programs, ensuring timely delivery, impact measurement, and strong community engagement.
Samuel Onyekachi Ngodo
Fundraising and Operations Coordinator
Coordinates fundraising execution and donor relations while managing logistics, procurement, and operational delivery across projects.
Ojonimi Adegbe
Administration and Project Management
Oversees internal systems, documentation, compliance, budgeting, and cross-team coordination to ensure operational efficiency.
Caroline Okafor
Communications and Strategic Advisory
Shapes institutional messaging, supports grant and sponsorship positioning, and ensures strong external stakeholder engagement.
Isaac Ogbodo
Chief Technology and Digital Strategy Lead
Leads digital infrastructure, technical systems, and data management while driving online marketing, donor experience, and digital growth across all touchpoints.
Barrister Olamide Olufemi
Legal Advisor
Provides legal oversight on governance, compliance, contracts, and risk management across UK and Nigerian operations.
Sylvia Akinfewa
Administration and Project Management
Leads recruitment, volunteer engagement, and team development to ensure the Foundation has the right capacity to scale sustainably.
Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ogbonna
Digital Transformation and Innovation Consultant
Leads the integration of emerging technologies and digital infrastructure to optimize operational impact. Leveraging a background in AI governance and digital systems, he focuses on building resilient tech frameworks and driving sustainable industrial growth across diverse sectors.
Afis Bakare
Chief Bicycle Mechanic (CBM)
A former Nigerian national champion and 2003 All Africa Games athlete, Afis dominated the mid-2000s cycling scene with podium finishes in the Maltina Tour of Nigeria and the Henry & Henry Championship. He now brings that elite competitive edge and technical mastery of long-distance road racing to our team as Chief Bicycle Mechanic.