Alhaji Yisa Kobebije Abdulkareem (Y.K.O. Kareem) is a prominent Nigerian, journalist, attorney, and Muslim community leader with decades of experience in human rights advocacy, legal practice, and Islamic propagation. A practicing barrister and former Acting Managing Director of Trade Bank, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baba-Amo National Vanguard (BANG), a trustee for the Yusuf Ali Foundation and a key figure in Unilag Muslim Alumni (UMA), and the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).
At MIND (Muslims in National Development), we believe in the power of unity, innovation, and dedicated effort to create a world where Muslims can truly thrive. Our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to see a global Muslim community that excels in every sphere of life, from education and enterprise to leadership and social development.
Why MIND?Our Vision
A global Muslim community that leads in knowledge, enterprise and service — recognised for the depth of its character and the breadth of its contribution.
Our Mission
To build the people, institutions and ideas that move the Ummah forward, through research, capacity building, celebration of excellence, enterprise and storytelling.
What we stand for
Faith-led
Our work is grounded in the values that shape a just and compassionate community.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in every program, partnership and publication.
Unity
We build bridges across regions, generations and disciplines within the Ummah.
Innovation
We bring fresh thinking to long-standing challenges with rigor and imagination.
Board Members
Meet the trustees and management team stewarding MIND's mission across research, enterprise and community.
- Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, PhD, BL, SAN, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Founder/Principal Partner of M A Banire & Associates, with expertise in constitutional law, property law, arbitration, environmental law, and international human rights. A former Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, he served as a three-term Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Transportation, and Environment. He serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, a trustee of Fountain University, Osogbo, former Chairman of the Governing Board of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a board member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and convener of the United Action for Change.
- Mr. AbdulHameed Ademola Danmole is a prominent Nigerian administrator, community leader, and Islamic faith-based executive recognized for his leadership in religious, philanthropic, and social development initiatives. He serves as the Executive Secretary of the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) and is a Trustee of the Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, where he oversees the multi-million naira disbursement of charitable Zakat funds intended to alleviate poverty by funding student scholarships, providing grants to traders, and assisting local Imams across Lagos State. He also served on the Lagos State Amirul Hajj Adhoc Committee, contributing to the welfare and coordination of Lagos pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.
- Barrister AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha, SAN, is one of Nigeria's foremost legal practitioners with over three decades of experience and the Principal Partner of A.U. Mustapha & Co. He specializes in corporate law, commercial litigation, arbitration, banking, and tax law. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he serves as member of the global football governing body's Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee and chairs the State Education Trust Fund, contributing to legal reforms and community development in Kwara State.
- Mr. Sulaiman Deinde Olokodana leads the MIND Secretariat, coordinating events, partnerships and day-to-day operations across the organisation.
- Mr. AbdulFatai Bakare supports MIND's operations and program delivery, helping translate the Board's vision into consistent, high-quality execution.
- Mr. Taiwo Babatunde contributes to program design and coordination across MIND's focus areas, working closely with partners and beneficiaries.
Featured Stories
MIND has given me the platform to use my skills and make a real difference. The community support and resources are unparalleled. Volunteering here has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Uthman Bello
Through MIND's capacity-building events I have built lifelong networks and grown into roles I never imagined possible just two years ago.
Aisha Yusuf
The research community at MIND is rigorous and warm at once. It is rare to find both. I am proud to contribute to this work.
Dr. Tijani Musa
Engage and Inspire
Inspire others by engaging with our initiatives aimed at uplifting the Muslim community. Volunteer your time, join our enriching events, or collaborate on projects that make a difference.
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