Le Bon Prize Foundation Structural Organs

Le Bon Prize Foundation has four principal organs made up as follows:

1. Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of the Le Bon Prize Foundation is the legal entity responsible for overseeing the prize and ensuring its continuity. The Board comprises the permanent members of Tortuga-in-Council, the apex body of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), which is also the primary promoters of the prize. Non-permanent members of Tortuga-in-Council sit on the Board as Ex-Officio members.

The Board’s key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic guidance and oversight for the Foundation’s activities.
• Ensuring the sustainability of the prize through adequate fundraising and investment strategies.
• Upholding the principles and values of the prize.
• Approving the appointment of key bodies involved in the award process.

Members of the Board:

i) Chief Dr. Bassey E. O. Edem, MFR – Chairman
ii) Mr. Stevens I. Akhigbemidu
iii) Elder Timothy A. O. Akpareva
iv) Engr. Oladipo R. Ashafa
v) Prof. Olatunde O. A. Makanju, fnpa, fisn
vi) Prince Adetola O. Obembe
vii) Dr. Odili N. Ojukwu, FCIMC
viii) Dr. Asani Edo Omozuwa
ix) Prince Ifeanyi Onochie
x) Barr. Andrew O. K. Onyearu
xi) Mkpisong Ide O. Owodiong-Idemeko, FCIPM, FPS, PHF
xii) Otunba Ben Oguntuase – Secretary

Ex-Officio Members:

i) Dr. Joseph Oteri – Current NAS Capn
ii) Mr. Assy Adams David – Current Chairman, NAS OmbudsPyrates

2. The Advisory Council

The Seven-member Advisory Council is made up of individuals of global standing and repute, most of who are not members of the National Association of Seadogs. The Council’s key responsibilities include:

• Providing thought leadership and expert advice to guide the prize’s strategic direction.
• Assisting in building the global profile of the Le Bon Prize.
• Offering insights on emerging global trends in the service of humanity.
• Advising on areas of potential improvement in the prize process to ensure alignment with global best practice.

Members of the Advisory Council:

i) Dr. Solomon Adun Asemota, SAN
ii) Dr. Bukhari Bello, MFR, mni, F.DRI
iii) Professor Manthia Diawara
iv) Akosua Ntriwa Agyeman Mark-Okai
v) Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na'Allah
vi) Dr. Emeka J. P. Obegolu, SAN, PhD.
vii) Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, OFR, FNAL

3. The Award Selection Committee

The dedicated 9-member Prize Award Selection Committee consists of prominent members of the National Association of Seadogs and external experts of reputable global standing. The Committee is established to oversee the Le Bon Prize Award process. The 9-member Awards Selection Committee has representatives from various fields of human endeavor. The composition includes:

• 4 members nominated from the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).
• 5 non-members of NAS, covering the following areas and with appropriate gender sensitivity

o Legal Profession
o Social Sciences
o Science & Technology
o Media, Arts, Culture & Humanities
o Education

The committee is responsible for developing qualification criteria and overseeing the selection process with key responsibilities including:

• Managing the online platform that facilitates nominations from across the globe. The platform will be accessible to the public, and nominations can be submitted by individuals, organizations, or self-nominations.
• Developing a transparent and rigorous set of criteria for the award, ensuring that it aligns with the core purpose of the award.
• Launching a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about the Le Bon Prize, encourage nominations, and promote the values it stands for. These will include partnerships with media outlets, social media engagement, and collaborations with other organizations.
• Soliciting, reviewing, and evaluating nominations for the Le Bon Prize, whilst ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive nomination process.
• Present choice of winner to the BoT based on the Committee’s evaluation and merit of the nominees’ contributions to the service of humanity.

Members of the Award Selection Committee:

i) Prof Adesoji Adesugba
ii) Dr. Sam Amadi
iii) Mr. David Adejo Andrew
iv) Ms Lara Gureje
v) Capt. Victor Iriobe
vi) Dr. Chidi Odinkalu
vii) Ms. Obiageli Annabel Zeinab Okigbo
viii) Mr. Henry Semenitari
ix) Prof. Andrew Zamani

4. Award Ceremony Organising Committee

The Award Ceremony Organising Committee is responsible for the operational and logistical aspects of organising the prize award ceremony. The Committee is chaired by the incumbent Chief Executive of the National Association of Seadogs, the NAS Capn, who has the authority to appoint additional members as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the award events, including the award ceremony which for the time being shall be biennial.
• Managing media relations and promotional activities to enhance the visibility of the prize.
• Ensuring smooth collaboration between the various bodies involved in the award process.

5. Executive Secretary

The Secretariat is established to coordinate and administer the day-to-day activities of the Le Bon Prize Foundation. The Secretariat serves as the operational hub for all administrative, communication, and logistical matters related to the Prize. It is headed by the Executive Secretary who ensures the smooth functioning of all processes associated with the Prize.
The Executive Secretary is appointed by the BoT, on the recommendation of the NAS Cap’n. He is the chief administrator of the Secretariat and reports directly to the Prize Award Selection Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Le Bon Prize Foundation, including administration, communications, and logistics.
• Coordinate with the Board of Trustees, and serve as the Secretary to the Advisory Council and the Prize Award Selection Committee.
• Coordinate with the Award Ceremony Organizing Committee to ensure smooth execution of their roles.
• Manage all correspondence related to the prize, including the nomination process, communications with nominees, and public inquiries.
• Maintain and update records related to nominations, laureates, and stakeholders.
• Support the Board of Trustees in fundraising and resource mobilization efforts.
• Prepare and present periodic reports to the Board of Trustees on the Secretariat’s activities.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards and ensuring the effective management of the Foundation’s resources.
• Oversee the planning and execution of the award ceremony in collaboration with the Award Ceremony Organizing Committee.

The Executive Secretary is supported by a team of administrative and project staff as needed, depending on the scope of work.

Key functions of the Secretariat Staff:

• Program: Responsible for coordinating the nomination and evaluation processes, liaising with the Prize Awards Selection Committee, and maintaining database of nominations and laureates.
• Communications: Responsible for managing all external communications, including media relations, social media outreach, and press releases, in collaboration with the Organizing Committee.
• Finance: Responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Foundation, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Administrative: Responsible for general office administration, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and organising travel arrangements for key stakeholders.
• Website: At the direction of the Prize Award Selection Committee, establish and maintain a functional website for the Foundation.