Our Team
Mrs Oduenyi Okonkwo
Ms. Okonkwo is a seasoned development practitioner with over 16 years of experience in public policy analysis, advocacy, and institutional reform, with a strong focus on climate change, social protection, and international trade. She brings extensive expertise in community development projects, having served as the Grants Manager at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, where she managed a portfolio of USAID and DFID-funded initiatives.
As the Senior Special Advisor to the Imo State Government on Social Protection and Social Investment, Ms. Okonkwo played a pivotal role in implementing the state’s inaugural conditional cash transfer scheme, youth employment initiative, and school feeding program. She also contributed to development efforts as an Associate with African Access, a development consulting firm based in Abuja.
Currently, Ms. Okonkwo operates as an independent development consultant, advising government agencies and bilateral and multilateral development organizations. Her work with business membership organizations includes developing advocacy strategies and facilitating the passage of critical legislation, such as the Leasing Act, the Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, and revisions to the Electoral Act.
Ms. Okonkwo holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex and an MBA from the University of Canada West.
Lena Xie
China Liaison Lead & Mining Broker
Lena Xie is an experienced mining broker and China liaison, specializing in facilitating partnerships and securing strategic deals within the global mining industry. Based in Beijing, Lena leverages her deep understanding of China’s mining and metals market, connecting international mining companies with key buyers, investors, and suppliers across the value chain.
Fluent in both Chinese and English, Lena is highly adept at cross-border negotiations and navigating the complexities of international mining transactions. She plays a pivotal role in identifying market opportunities, brokering high-value deals, and ensuring seamless collaboration between Chinese stakeholders and global partners.
Lena’s extensive network in China’s mining sector, coupled with her in-depth knowledge of regulatory landscapes, allows her to provide strategic guidance and operational support to the JOA & ROCK LTD team. A regular participant in major mining expos and trade conferences, Lena stays ahead of industry trends, continually expanding the company’s footprint in the global mining market.
Jideofor Ahaneku
Founder & CEO, JOA & ROCK LTD
Jideofor Ahaneku is the founder and CEO of JOA & ROCK LTD, a forward-thinking mining and metals company committed to driving sustainable, innovative, and technologically enabled mining operations in Nigeria. Known for his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, Jideofor brings a unique blend of global experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for creating lasting impact in the mining industry.
He earned his MBA from Nankai University, Tianjin, China, where he developed a deep understanding of international business and global trade. As a foreign investment advisor with Development Reimagined, Jideofor played a critical role in attracting Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Africa's manufacturing sector, facilitating projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Nigeria. His experience in FDI strategy has shaped his ability to forge strong cross-border partnerships and navigate the complexities of the global mining industry.
Jideofor also worked in Canada’s education sector with the University of Waterloo, where he served as a business developer for the co-op program, connecting students with job placements across Canada and the U.S. This experience honed his skills in building strategic relationships with industry leaders, public institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.
A multilingual leader, Jideofor speaks English, Chinese, basic French, and his native Ibo, which enhances his ability to work across cultures and lead diverse teams. Recognized as a thought leader at the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability, Jideofor is celebrated for his mission-driven approach and visionary leadership in advancing opportunities for economic empowerment through the responsible use of natural resources.
Ikechukwu Samson Oken
Chief Mining Engineer
Ikechukwu Samson Oken (widely known as "Godspower") is a distinguished Chief Mining Engineer and Project Management expert with nearly two decades of transformative leadership in Nigeria's solid minerals sector. His extensive portfolio spans both public and private initiatives across all six geo-political zones of the country, where he has consistently delivered exceptional results in mining operations and project execution.
Born in 1977 in Gombe State, Mr. Oken holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration & Management, complemented by specialized certification in Foundry Engineering and General Metal Works from Government Technical College, Enugu. This unique combination of business acumen and technical expertise has proven invaluable throughout his career.
Mr. Oken's professional journey includes several pivotal roles that have shaped Nigeria's mining landscape. As Technical Manager at Southfield Mining Company Ltd., he spearheaded the development of Lead/Zinc Ore Smelting Plants at the Ameka Mining Site in Ebonyi State. His leadership as Site Manager for Solimdec Nigeria Limited's Iron Ore Mining Project in Zamfara State demonstrated his ability to manage complex extractive operations efficiently. As Chief Operating Officer at Zepco Resources Limited, he successfully orchestrated the Zircon Sand Processing and Export project in Plateau State, while his consultancy work with Mundasa Global Company Ltd. has been instrumental in advancing Lithium and Tantalite mining operations.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Oken served as Press Manager for the CIDJAP-USAID Programme's South-East zone Media and Publicity department, where he developed strong communications and stakeholder management skills that continue to benefit his current work.
A lifelong learner and sports enthusiast, Mr. Oken maintains an active lifestyle through swimming and gymnastics, and hones his strategic thinking through chess. His multilingual capabilities in English, Hausa, and Igbo enable him to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and communities across Nigeria. He is married with children and brings the same dedication to his family life as he does to his professional endeavors.