Meet Somachi Chris Asoluka , The New CEO Of Tony Elumelu Foundation

Somachi Chris Asoluka was announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tony Elumelu Foundation on January 9, 2023. She is taking over from the current CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu who is retiring and her appointment takes effect from March 01, 2023.

Education

Somachi graduated Summa Cum Laude from Saint Mary’s College of California with a BSc. in Economics and minor in Mathematics, and received the “Adam Smith” award given to the highest performing graduating student in Economics. She also has a Master’s Degree in International and Development Economics from Yale University. She is a Deputy Champion of the World Economic Forum (WEF) EDISON Alliance.

Career

Somachi joined the Foundation in 2014, has served as the Foundation’s Head of Research, Head of Policy and External Relations, and most recently as the Director of Partnerships and Communications. In her new role as CEO, Somachi will leverage her expertise, experience and network to provide strategic leadership in consolidating and deepening the Foundation’s work of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship

Her New Appointment

Announcing her appointment, the board wrote : “The Board of Trustees of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, has announced the appointment of Somachi Chris-Asoluka as Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of current CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu. The appointment takes effect from March 01, 2023.”

Speaking on the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR stated: “This is an important time for the Foundation and Africa. Our work is ever more important, and our platform is demonstrating our ability to truly catalyse change. We are increasingly working with partners, to magnify our impact. Somachi’s experience in partnership development will be particularly relevant. Somachi, as Director of Partnerships & Communications, has demonstrated strong leadership, commitment, and strategic thinking, in delivering the Foundation’s mission to transform Africa. She is the perfect candidate to build on Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu’s impactful contribution.

Accepting her appointment, Somachi said: “I am honoured to be appointed to lead the Foundation, particularly at a time when we will be launching a new Coalition for African Entrepreneurship. This Coalition will bring together global and African partners to significantly increase the impact created by TEF’s unique platform for identifying, mentoring, training and funding young African entrepreneurs. I look forward to working with the team, our partners, and all stakeholders to achieve our common goal of a strong, confident, self-reliant Africa. I am honoured to build on Ifeyinwa’s legacy and launch the Tony Elumelu Foundation into its next phase of impact.”

Family And Marriage

Somachi Chris Asoluka is married to Tobe Osuno, a project manager and telecom professional who describes himself as “ a hard-working and determined professional, i am confident that my knowledge, ability and experience gives me added advantage to deliver successful results to any organization i am a part of.
some of my key strengths are:
1) Genuine interest in financial markets and Macro-level economic trends.
2) The ability to be a dynamic member of a team
3) Strong initiative, energy and confidence in completing projects or tasks with limited supervision.
4) Good judgement and Discretion working with highly confidential information.
These are just a few to say the least.

Somachi and Tobe had their introduction in November 2028 and did their traditional marriage in February 2019.

And in August, they legalized their marriage at t Ikoyi Marriage Registry, Lagos, Nigeria. Announcing their marriage, Somachi wrote: ”I’ve always been surrounded by so much love, all of my life, but with you it’s different. I remember when I’d think that surely if you could love me this much then what could God’s love look like? You love me when I’m lovable (which is only sometimes), and when I’m not (most of the time). You are wise, calm and kind. You’re my anchor. You allow me sleep when I should be watching a movie with you, and you continue to drive me everywhere because I refuse to drive myself. You also don’t get mad when I call you my boyfriend because I still cannot believe we are married!!! I love you so much. You accept me completely and help me love the parts of me I’d rather hide. Thank you Tobe for making me a better person. I look forward to forever and ever with you baby. And even after that, in the next forever, we have to be together ❤️ happy happy happy birthday, baby!!!! 🎈🎈🎉❤️😘😘😘”