Mission
At SettleEase, we empower Black youths, families, men, women, and underserved communities across Canada by fostering successful integration, community resilience and sustainable livelihood. We achieve this through specialized support services including capacity building and skill acquisition, employment and economic empowerment, community building and housing support for skilled immigrants.
Vision
Becoming the foremost advocate for Black individuals and underserved community in Canada where everyone enjoys sustainable livelihood and contributes to a more flourishing economy.
Our Story
Rooted in Community, Growing with Purpose: The SettleEase Canada Story
SettleEase Canada Foundation’s story is one of deep commitment, unwavering passion, and a journey fueled by the desire to empower Black communities. Our roots lie in humanitarian efforts that began in Nigeria in 2014, long before our official registration in Canada. We are proudly Black-led, Black-owned, and Black-serving, embodying our B3 commitment to uplift and empower.
Early Steps and Global Impact
Our early work focused on supporting local organizations in Nigeria, such as Big Family 360 Foundation, Creole Mosaic, and Happy Home Centre. Aanu Ighagbon, co-Founder of SettleEase Canada in partnership with Big Family 360 Foundation led a $100,000 Grand Challenges Canada-funded pilot project to address gender-based violence in insurgency-affected regions, deploying innovative technology to facilitate reporting and referrals. We extended our reach to provide essential support to refugees and internally displaced persons across seven camps in Adamawa State.
Collaborating with Happy Home Centre, we provided mental health counseling, food, clothing, and shelter to women and seniors in Ibadan, Oyo State. We also facilitated quarterly medical outreaches in remote areas, bringing basic healthcare to vulnerable populations. Our partnership with Creole Mosaic focused on capacity building, enabling them to deliver quality services to rural and remote communities on the outskirts of Abuja.
A New Chapter in Canada
Driven by our passion to serve, we extended our humanitarian efforts to Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided training and resources to the Black community on COVID-19 prevention and management. Recognizing the challenges faced by Black immigrants in Lethbridge, we offered capacity building and career mentorship. We implemented a Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI)-funded program for a Black-led charity organization on strategic and operations management. . In addition, we have assisted Black immigrants in Lethbridge with resume writing, interview preparation, and career mentorship. Our co-founder, Dr. Felix Ighagbon, led a successful mentorship program through Lethbridge Family Services, funded by the Alberta Government Mentorship Program, which resulted in 100% of mentees securing senior positions in various fields including public health.
Formalizing Our Commitment
Despite these achievements, we saw a persistent need to address the unique challenges faced by Black immigrants in areas such as housing, employment, and financial empowerment. This led us to formally establish SettleEase Canada as a registered NGO in April 2024. Since then, we have engaged over 200 Black immigrants through information sessions on career pathways, job opportunities, mentorship, trades, and entrepreneurship.
Driven by Passion, Guided by Experience
SettleEase Canada Foundation was co-founded by Felix and Aanu Ighagbon, who share a deep passion for humanitarian work and community support. Aanu’s extensive experience with international organizations like ECOWAS, USAID, the Canadian Red Cross, and Alinea International provided her with a global perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. However, it was in Lethbridge that she identified a pressing need: the struggle of Black immigrants to transition into meaningful careers. Many were underemployed, unable to align their skills with the job market, while others faced business failures and housing challenges due to lack of support. Recognizing this untapped potential, Felix and Aanu established SettleEase Canada to provide tailored support that empowers the Black community to thrive and contribute to both the local and national economy.
A Collaborative Spirit
Understanding the importance of collaboration, Aanu and Felix invited a diverse Board of Directors with strong leadership and technical skills to help drive the vision forward. We also actively partner with community organizations to deliver services effectively and strategically, ensuring our efforts complement existing initiatives. Our operations are 100% volunteer-driven, powered by a dedicated team committed to uplifting the Black community.
Testimonials
Happy Clients
Amazing Experience
SettleEase is a great NGO!
ROY MARSHALL
FOUNDER, PICASSO
Our Team
Aanu Ighagbon
Founder
Aanu Ighagbon, a Nigerian-Canadian, is a dedicated humanitarian and development leader with over 15 years of global experience across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Canada. She is a co-founder of SettleEase Canada Foundation, where she has been pivotal in establishing a B3 commitment—Black-led, Black-owned, and Black-serving—to empower Black communities. As a Board member of Big Family 360 Foundation, Helping Hands Agape Centre, and Champions Daycare, Aanu excels in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program management. Her work has addresses critical needs, from gender-based violence prevention in insurgency-affected regions to career mentorship and economic empowerment for Black immigrants in Canada. Aanu’s commitment is driven by a passion to uplift communities and create meaningful opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Mary Bantug
Board Chair
Mary is an experienced international development professional with over eight years at Seneca Polytechnic, where she leads projects across Canada, Kenya, the Philippines, Tanzania, Dominica, and Belize. She has successfully managed Global Affairs Canada and Mastercard Foundation-funded initiatives, collaborating closely with NGOs, local communities, and government bodies to drive sustainable impact. Her approach emphasizes capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, all of which align well with SettleEase Canada’s mission. Mary managed Tanzania’s largest co-working space, Kili Hub, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for social impact organizations. She has also led youth empowerment programs, fundraising initiatives, and community-driven projects with organizations such as ShelterBox Canada and the "Be the Change" Programme in Tanzania. Mary's expertise spans project management, capacity building, economic security, and education, making her an asset in guiding SettleEase Canada’s strategic vision. Her lived experiences and passion for social impact provide her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by underserved communities and make her an ideal Board Chair for SettleEase Canada, bringing a strategic vision and hands-on leadership to the organization.
Prof. Olu Awosoga
Co-Chair
Oluwagbohunmi (Olu) Adetunji Awosoga is the Co-Board Chair of SettleEase Canada and a Full Professor at the University of Lethbridge, with over 35 years of experience in education, community engagement, and applied statistics. As a Nigerian-Canadian citizen and a past Board of Governors Teaching Chair, Dr. Awosoga’s career has centered on improving quality of life through evidence-based programs and advocacy, making him a strong leader for SettleEase Canada’s mission to empower Black communities. His extensive work on well-being, caregiver support, aging, and housing challenges, combined with his passion for addressing social determinants of health, aligns with SettleEase Canada's goals of creating meaningful opportunities for Black Canadians. Recognized as a 2021 Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow, Dr. Awosoga has actively contributed to community-focused initiatives, both locally and internationally. With a commitment to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and community empowerment, Dr. Awosoga's leadership and vision are integral to advancing SettleEase Canada’s Black-led, Black-owned, and Black-serving (b3) commitments.
Dr. Felix Ighagbon
Vice-Chair
Dr. Felix Ighagbon is a management consultant with 18 years of expertise in public and private entrepreneurship, steering strategic decisions and consulting on diverse portfolios across government, NGOs, private and international organizations. He has worked with the Government of Canada for the past 7 years in various capacity. Dr. Ighagbon is the Vice President of Helping Hands Agape Centre and serves as the Managing Partner of Levels Advisory Incorporated in Canada, with the sole purpose of guiding individuals and businesses toward discovering their true purpose and maximizing their impact. His work is driven by commitment to foster transformation and meaningful change. He led the public health emergency response for Black community in Lethbridge during COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Felix’s passion extends beyond his professional roles, as he actively advocates for the well-being of Black communities. Deeply committed to addressing inequalities faced by BIPOC communities, he partners with stakeholders and organizations to drive initiatives that promote equity and lasting positive impact. As a Vice-Chair and co-Founder of SettleEase Canada, he actively shapes the organization's vision and direction.
Tunji Aladejebi
Board Secretary and Legal Advisor
Adetunji Oluwaseun Aladejebi is a legal practitioner with over 15 years of cognate experience. He earned his LLM degree from the University of Ibadan in 2006 and recently completed a Senior Executive Management Program (SEMP, MBA) at the prestigious Metropolitan School of Business & Management, UK. Adetunji has worked across key sectors of the economy, including Oil and Gas, Banking, Maritime, and Telecommunications. As a focused contract and compliance expert, he also provides valuable legal advice to the construction industry, having supervised various projects. He excels in contract negotiation, management, administration, lease management, and process improvement. Adept at securing approvals at different government levels, he ensures compliance with industry standards. He leverages his knowledge of industry trends to identify opportunities for growth and expansion. Adetunji serves in non-executive roles on the boards of several organizations, including Monitor Health Care Ltd, Babatunde George Campbell Foundation, and Kingston College. In recognition of his leadership acumen, Adetunji was recently awarded a PhD (honoris causa) by Ames Christian University, Florida, USA
Bolawale Ishola
Financial Secretary
Bolawale Ishola is a seasoned accountant
with 17 years of experience in audit, risk management, and financial operations
across Nigeria, Canada, and international projects. She currently serves as a
Board of Trustee member for Freedom House Lethbridge and manages accounts for
multinational companies abroad, showcasing her strong leadership in financial
governance. Bola began her career in Nigeria as an Internal Auditor and
Business Consultant, where she honed her skills in assessing and enhancing
internal controls. In Canada, she has led financial process improvements,
established robust systems, managed vendor relations, and overseen financial
reporting and fund disbursement. Her global experience includes serving as a
Financial Advisor on a Government of Canada-GCC funded project in northeast
Nigeria, focusing on financial management for international development. Bola’s
expertise in financial strategy, compliance, and accountability supports
SettleEase Canada’s mission to empower Black communities through effective
governance and sustainable financial practices.
Prof. Bukola Salami
Advisor
Bukola Salami is a full Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, the University of Calgary. Professor Salami’s research program focuses on the well-being of Black, immigrant, and racialized people. She has been involved in over 90 funded studies totaling over $230 million, including the recent $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant titled Transforming the Lives of Black Children and Youth in Canada. She founded and leads the African Child and Youth Migration Network and the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program, the first university-based fully interdisciplinary mentorship program for Black youths in Western Canada. Her work on Black youth mental health informed the creation of the first mental health clinic for Black Canadians in Western Canada. She has presented her work to policymakers. Salami is Vice President of the Canadian Nurses Association and board member of Black Opportunity Fund. She is a council member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, an advisory board member of the CIHR Institute for Human Development, Child and Youth Health, and on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Global Health to the Government of Canada.
Frank Onuh
Board Member
Frank is a visionary digital transformation leader with over 7 years of experience driving impactful initiatives across different sectors. His commitment to social impact is evident through his active leadership roles in various NGOs and his service on multiple boards where he chairs the technology and R&D committees. Frank is currently a PhD researcher and instructor at the University of Lethbridge, where his exceptional contributions to inclusive and community development scholarship have earned him recognition as one of the top 100 PhDs in Canada to receive the prestigious Digital Research Alliance of Canada DRI funding. He is a speaker and mentor, with over 40 engagements spanning personal development, capacity building, artificial intelligence, and community development. He leverages these platforms to actively guide emerging leaders and share his digital transformation and social impact expertise. Frank currently leads a Canada-wide tech capacity-building project that is empowering over 1000 BIPOC members. His work continues to bridge technology, academia and social impact, driving inclusive growth and digital innovation.
Oluwole Olabanji
Board Member
Oluwole is a project management professional who has worked in the housing and construction value chain for 20 years within quasi-public and private sector organizations, in roles covering design, development advisory, project management and project finance. Wole has consulted in housing and infrastructure development for Sub-national governments in Nigeria; led design and construction teams for mass housing development projects; provided expert consultation for the UK Department for International Cooperation; and facilitated training programmes for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ in Nigeria). He has co-founded two technology companies in the ConTech/PropTech sector and is the CEO of a development company delivering housing projects in Nigeria and Rwanda. ‘Wole has a first and master’s degree in Architecture, and an MBA in Strategic Management.
Oluwatoyin Aladejebi
Board Member
Oluwatoyin Aladejebi is a seasoned leader with expertise in public health, medical demography, and client experience management. She is a scholar whose expertise cuts across sexual and reproductive health, aging, and gender-based violence. With over a decade of experience in senior roles, Oluwatoyin has served as a Lecturer at Lead City University, Nigeria, since 2019, guiding future public health professionals. She has also held pivotal consulting roles with organizations like Medalion Ventures and the Society for Family Health, leveraging her skills to drive impactful health initiatives. Her earlier career includes leadership positions in the banking sector, notably as a Branch Manager at Ecobank Nigeria Limited and a Customer Service Manager at Access Bank Plc. A strong advocate for vulnerable communities, she founded the "Street Wise Concept" to support homeless children in Nigeria, aligning with SettleEase Canada's mission of empowering Black communities.
Glory Osahon
Board Member
Glory Onuh is a dynamic leader in product management, with strong expertise in creating innovative digital solutions that drive organizational transformation, in/out bound engagement and growth. With a strategic focus on leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and inclusion, she has consistently delivered results that position companies at the forefront of their industries. As a visionary executive, Glory has demonstrated her leadership prowess through successful collaborations with global brands such as Landmark Africa and Johnson & Johnson where she led cross-functional teams to develop and implement digital products that significantly improved market penetration and customer engagement. Glory’s academic background in entrepreneurship and innovation plus her research into entrepreneurial innovation hubs and startup accelerators across Africa has provided her with deep insights into the unique challenges and vast potential in these spaces.
Tolu Awoderu
Board Member
Tolu Awoderu is a recent graduate of the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge and a dedicated leader passionate about youth empowerment. During her time at the university, she served on a youth advisory board, volunteered both on and off campus, and led successful initiatives that positively impacted the student community. She also founded the AssureUs Club, which aims to inspire curiosity and excellence among international students in Lethbridge. Beyond campus, Tolu has hosted a weekly online learning program for children for several years, demonstrating her commitment to education and youth development. She is also the founder of Lantern Lessons International, an initiative focused on inspiring young minds through engaging learning experiences. Tolu recently received the Community Builders Award from MP Rachel Thomas in recognition of her outstanding leadership and community engagement. In her new role as the head of the youth program at SettleEase Canada, Tolu will leverage her leadership skills, innovative ideas, and extensive experience to support and empower Black youth, fostering their educational and personal growth.
Our Team
Aanu Ighagbon
(Founder)
Aanu is a humanitarian and development leader with 12+ years of experience in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Canada. She specializes in empowering vulnerable populations, including refugees, IDPs, and those affected by conflict. Aanu's expertise includes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, gender-based violence prevention, women's empowerment, and program management.
Bukola Oladunni Salami
Advisor
Mary Bantung
(Board Chair)
Mary has spent the last 7 years managing international projects at Seneca Polytechnic. In her role as project manager, she has been able to live and work in East Africa, collaborating extensively with NGOs and local communities, emphasizing relationship building, capacity building, and education. Her commitment underscores a dedication to fostering positive impact on a global scale.
Bola Ishola
(Board Member)
Bolawale Ishola is a seasoned accountant with 17 years of diverse experience in audit, risk management, and financial operations across Nigeria, Canada, and international projects.
Felix Ighagbon
(Vice-Chair)
Felix Ighagbon is a Public Entrepreneur and Public Health Expert with a background in veterinary epidemiology. He's spearheaded public health initiatives like the Canadian Avian Influenza response and supported communities during the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks. His extensive experience includes collaborations with global organizations like the WHO and FAO.
Tunji Aladejebi
(Board Secretary and Legal Adviser)
Oluwatoyin Aladejebi
(Board Member)
Oluwatoyin Aladejebi is a public health researcher specializing in sexual and reproductive health, ageing, and gender-based violence in sub-Saharan Africa. With degrees in Demography, Finance, and Public Health, she also founded the "Street Wise Concept" initiative to support homeless children in Nigeria.
Olu Awosoga
(Co-Chair)
Dr. Awosoga is a full Professor and past Board of Governors Teaching Chair at the University of Lethbridge. With over 35 years of teaching experience, his statistical research spans quantitative methods, modeling, psychometrics, meta-analysis, health and well-being, aging, and Aboriginal housing issues. He is also a 2021 Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow.
Frank Onuh
(Board Member)
Glory Osahon
(Board Member)
Toluwase Awoderu
(Board Member)
Tolu (Toluwalase) Awoderu, a final year student at the Dhillion School of Business, University of Lethbridge, Canada, is committed to living a full life and leading others. She has won awards, sat on a youth advisory board, and founded the AssureUs club.