Our Story

Anyen Iyak Foundation for Art and Culture Is A Non-Profit Organisation Dedicated To Capturing, Preserving, And Sharing The Rich Heritage Of Akwa Ibom's Indigenous People. All Through Its Programs And Initiatives, The Foundation Seeks To Support, Encourage, And Promote Akwa Ibom's Art And Culture Locally And Globally.

"Anyen Iyak," Meaning "Fish Eye" In Ibibio, Symbolizes Unwavering Vision And Awareness. Just As A Fish's Eyes Remain Open In Life And Death, The Foundation Remains Steadfast In Connecting The Past With The Present To Carry It Forward Into The Future. With Unwavering Focus, It Serves As A Guardian Of Heritage, Ensuring That The Culture Of Akwa Ibom Endures And Thrives.

AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO ARE OUR FUNDAMENTAL VALUES

The principles that guide our work and define our commitment to cultural preservation and artistic excellence.

Teamwork

Collaboration Is Key - Every Effort, Big Or Small, Adds To The Bigger Picture.

Leadership

Leadership Is Not Just For The Few; It Is For Everyone. We Empower Individuals To Inspire Change And Lead With Intention.

Integrity

Our Actions Are Built On Honesty And Transparency, Earning Us Trust Through Consistent Integrity.

Mutual Respect

Fostering mutual respect among diverse cultural groups to promote harmony and collaboration in the African art and culture ecosystem.

Resilience

Challenges Are Opportunities For Growth, So We Face Them Head-On While Staying Focused On Our Mission.

Our People

Board of Directors

Strategic leadership guiding our foundation's vision and governance.

Michele Trimarchi

Michele Trimarchi, Ph.D., is professor of Public Economics (Magna Graecia Catanzaro), teaches Cultural Economics (IUAV Venice) and Arts Management (IED Florence). He has extensively published on cultural economics and policy.

Michele Trimarchi

Aisha Aliyu-Bima

Writer, curator, photographer, researcher, and archivist with a keen interest in Northern Nigerian Social Anthropology.

Aisha Aliyu-Bima

Victor Ekpuk

Victor Ekpuk is an internationally renowned Nigerian-American artist based in Washington, D.C. His paintings, drawings, and sculptures reimagine the aesthetics of ancient Nigerian graphic communication system.

Victor Ekpuk

Clive Allanso

Experienced business consultant with a demonstrated history of working on change and efficiency savings in the health wellness and fitness industry.

Clive Allanso

Executive Leadership

Operational leaders driving our day-to-day mission and programs.

Christopher Udoh

Executive Director

Germaine Umanah

Executive Secretary

Ahma Mendie

Director of Communications

Edikan Udofia

Director of Finance

Expert Advisors

Specialized consultants providing expertise in various aspects of cultural preservation and artistic development.

Louise Rytter