Meet Our Founder

Dr. Princess Gloria Akobundu, fsi

Founder/CEO , De-Nexus Center

Dr. Princess Gloria Akobundu fsi, is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of De-Nexus Center for Creative Leadership and Development’s Governing Board. She previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Nigeria. She also served as Secretary of the APRM National Governing Council, and the Chief Executive Officer of C.P. Golding Nigeria Ltd.

A seasoned consultant and innovative leader, Princess Akobundu is recognized for her strategic vision and expertise in governance, development, and institutional reforms. She played a pivotal role in reforming NEPAD Nigeria and has contributed to over 20 policy documents aligned with the African Union’s development and governance frameworks.

Her key accomplishments include establishing the national structure of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Nigeria, leading the country’s second APRM review, and spearheading the launch and implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Nigeria. Passionate about sustainable development, she also led a national survey on the implementation and impact of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Princess Akobundu holds extensive qualifications in management, business administration, peace and conflict resolution, leadership, and strategic studies. Her academic credentials include:

Ph.D. in Leadership & Strategic Studies – Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
M.Sc. in Business Administration – National Open University of Nigeria
M.A. in Peace and Conflict Resolution – University of Ilorin
B.Sc. in Management – University of Port Harcourt

Her expertise earned her positions on various national and international committees, serving as both chairperson and member, including:

AUDA-NEPAD Reform Committee
AUDA-NEPAD Steering Committee
APRM Steering Committee
APRM Bureau of National Secretariat
APRM COVID-19 Task Force (Chairperson)
APRM Bureau of Credit Rating

Princess Akobundu is a highly regarded managerial executive, known for her professionalism, strategic acumen, and dedication to service. She is also a certified fellow and member of esteemed professional bodies, including:

Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants
Fellow, Institute of Export Operations and Management
Fellow, National Institute of Security Studies of Nigeria (Peace and Security)
Fellow, Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development
Member, Nigerian Institute of Management
Member, International Christian Chamber of Commerce
Member, Occupational Health and Safety (London)
Member, Society for Peace Studies & Practice

With her vast experience and commitment to excellence, Princess Gloria Akobundu continues to contribute to national, continental, and global development, governance, and leadership reforms.