Our Team
At iCareFish, we believe that fishes deserve lives free from unnecessary suffering. Across Africa, billions of farmed and wild fishes endure poor welfare conditions that harm both animals and the ecosystems people depend on.
Our team is committed to changing this reality. We work directly with farmers and fishing communities to introduce humane practices that reduce suffering, protect aquatic biodiversity, and build healthier food systems. By combining science, compassion, and community partnerships, we strive to create a future where fish welfare is recognized as essential for environmental conservation and social well-being.
Meet the dedicated people driving this mission below.
Felix Nwose O.
Project Lead (part-time)
Felix is a PhD Candidate in Fish Welfare with over 11 years of experience in aquaculture technical support and farmer behavior change. He holds a B.Sc. in Fisheries and an MSc in Fisheries. As Project Lead at iCare-Fish, Felix drives the strategic vision of the initiative, building partnerships that advance fish welfare and conservation in African cluster farms and fishing communities. He has led training programs that reduce mortality, improve farmer productivity, and promote ecosystem protection. Beyond aquaculture, Felix also engages with fishing communities to improve welfare practices for wild-caught fish, ensuring humane handling while safeguarding aquatic biodiversity. He ensures accountability to funders while aligning all activities with the mission of reducing suffering in fish populations and protecting ecosystems.
Ambros Esume
Program Manager (Volunteer)
Ambros holds a B.Sc. and MSc in Fisheries and brings extensive expertise in aquaculture management and farmer capacity-building. As Program Manager, he coordinates iCare-Fish operations across cluster farms, ensuring training workshops and welfare interventions are delivered effectively. Ambros monitors project quality, supports operational efficiency, and ensures farmers receive timely, practical guidance. His leadership at the operational level helps translate iCare-Fish’s vision into measurable improvements in fish welfare and community resilience.
Dr. Kingsley Ovie A.
Fish Welfare Officer (Volunteer)
Dr. Ovie is an expert in fish welfare with a B.Sc. in Fisheries, an MSc in Aquaculture, and a PhD in Aquaculture. He is also the Co-founder of the Animal Welfare Student Club at Delta State University, where he currently serves as a senior faculty member. As Technical Lead – Fish Welfare, he designs, monitors, and evaluates welfare-focused interventions, while providing farmers with technical guidance on humane and sustainable aquaculture practices. His expertise ensures the adoption of science-driven approaches that reduce mortality and suffering while supporting biodiversity in local ecosystems.
Precious Isioma N.
Community Engagement Officer (Volunteer)
Precious brings a background in Administration and strong organizational skills to his role as Community Engagement Officer. He supports iCare-Fish in building lasting relationships with farmers and local communities, coordinating training workshops, and ensuring smooth communication between project staff and stakeholders. Precious applies his administrative expertise to mobilize participants, manage logistics, and foster collaboration. His ability to connect with farmers and ensure their active participation helps drive the adoption of welfare-focused practices and strengthens community ownership of fish welfare initiatives.
Elizabeth Shade F.
Finance & Grants Officer (Part time)
Elizabeth is a finance professional with qualifications in accounting. As Finance & Grants Officer, she manages budgets, ensures compliance with donor requirements, and prepares transparent financial reports. By strengthening funder confidence and maintaining accountability, Felix plays a crucial role in ensuring resources are effectively used to advance fish welfare and conservation outcomes.
Mike Hazleton
Data, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Volunteer)
Mike supports evidence-based decision making at iCare-Fish through data collection, monitoring, and reporting. With a background in data analytics, insight and digital marketing, he ensures that project results are clearly communicated to stakeholders and partners. By producing impact reports and communications materials, Mike demonstrates the effectiveness of iCare-Fish’s interventions while helping to shape future strategies for fish welfare advocacy and biodiversity protection.
Prof. Jerimoth K. Ekelemu
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Prof. Ekelemu is a senior academic and aquaculture expert at Delta State University with decades of teaching and research experience in fisheries and aquatic sciences. His work focuses on advancing sustainable aquaculture systems and training the next generation of fisheries professionals in Nigeria. Prof. Ekelemu has supervised numerous postgraduate students, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed to policies shaping Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. He brings his deep expertise and academic leadership to support iCare-Fish in promoting science-driven fish welfare practices.
Prof. Victor A. Okonji
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Prof. Okonji is an authority in fisheries biology and aquaculture at the University of Benin. With a strong research portfolio in aquatic resource management, fish health, and aquaculture development, he has been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in sustainable fisheries. His teaching and mentorship have guided many students who now serve as professionals across the fisheries and aquaculture industry. At iCareFish, Prof. Okonji provides technical guidance and thought leadership, ensuring welfare improvements are grounded in sound science and local realities.
Assoc. Prof. Christopher O. Ezike
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
Assoc. Prof. Ezike is a fisheries scientist and aquaculture researcher at Enugu State University of Science and Technology. His research explores fish nutrition, aquaculture productivity, and the ecological sustainability of fisheries systems in Nigeria. He has authored several scientific publications and actively contributes to knowledge exchange between academia and farming communities. As an advisor to iCareFish, he supports efforts to integrate welfare-focused practices into aquaculture and fisheries management, bridging the gap between research and community impact.
Organisational Chart
