Meet the Founder
Angela
Omeiza
Ochu-Baiye
Solicitor-turned-media consultant, Mandela Washington Fellow, and the visionary behind JDI — dedicated to building systems that address the complete human experience.
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Social development rooted in wholeness
The Vision
Social development rooted in wholeness
The Vision
Communities across Nigeria
Field Work
Mandela Washington Fellowship · 2018
Recognition
Breaking the silence on mental health
Advocacy
I believe that true impact requires addressing the complete human experience.
— Angela Ochu-Baiye, Founder of JDI
Biography
The
Journey
From Law to Media
Angela Omeiza Ochu-Baiye began her professional life as a qualified solicitor — trained in the disciplined analysis of systems, rights, and responsibility. But she soon recognised that the courtroom was only one arena for justice. Her restless drive to communicate and mobilise led her into media, where she became a practising media consultant, helping organisations tell stories that matter and build audiences that act.
A Fellowship That Changed Everything
In 2018, Angela was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow — the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), funded by the United States Department of State. This fellowship deepened her conviction that youth development, community engagement, and servant leadership are not aspirations — they are actionable frameworks. She returned to Nigeria with renewed clarity of purpose and an expanded professional network spanning the African continent.
Building JDI
JDI — Jela's Development Initiatives — was born from Angela's lived conviction that sustainable development must address the complete human experience: physical health, mental well-being, access to resources, and civic identity. Under her leadership, JDI has grown into a multi-pillar organisation tackling blood access, mental health stigma, clean water, and youth empowerment — each programme reflecting her philosophy of caring for the whole person.
Impact
Amazing Things
Mandela Washington Fellow
US Dept. of State · YALI 2018
Visioneer Award Creator
Recognising servant leaders across Nigeria
900+
Voluntary blood donors registered on J Blood Match
50+
Youth trained as servant leaders through LEP
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