A celebration of leadership, vision, and life-changing impact gathers in West Hollywood.

The GEANCO Foundation’s Hollywood Gala brings together an extraordinary community of leaders and supporters whose shared commitment continues to strengthen essential healthcare, education, and opportunity across Nigeria.

The evening set for December 5, 2025 at 1 Hotel West Hollywood presents a moment of unity and purpose shaped by the Foundation’s impactful history and the remarkable individuals who guide its mission. Hosted by David Oyelowo with co-chairs and special panelists Shabnam Safarzadeh and Shay Safarzadeh, the gala reflects a deep appreciation for the organization’s partners, supporters, and the communities it serves. It stands as both a celebration and an invitation into the work that defines GEANCO’s legacy.

The Foundation’s story began with Dr. Godwin Onyema, who was moved early in life by his father and a British missionary physician working in his community. The promise he made before leaving Nigeria to study and practice medicine in the United States laid the groundwork for an organization that would one day save and transform thousands of lives. This promise remained constant as he and his wife Josephine built a new life in Chicago, carrying the determination to return meaningful support to his homeland.

Dr. Onyema honored that commitment as his children reached adulthood, uniting the family around a shared purpose to create a sustainable model of medical and educational impact. Together they founded GEANCO in 2005, launching a mission powered by medical expertise, global partnerships, and a dedication to serve vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

The Foundation’s work has grown into expansive programs that address complex health and educational challenges. Its surgical missions bring minimally invasive procedures and specialized training to Nigerian doctors, led in part by Dr. Kevin El-Hayek, whose leadership strengthens hospital teams and expands local medical capacity. GEANCO’s solar-powered rural clinics support safe deliveries, vaccinations, and primary care for communities that otherwise face limited access. Its educational investments introduce laptops, laboratory infrastructure, and library and sports facilities to schools across the country.

One of GEANCO’s most meaningful initiatives is the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls, which fully supports young female survivors of terrorism and gender inequality. The scholarship provides tuition, healthcare, and psychological services. It illustrates the organization’s commitment to protecting and uplifting those who stand to benefit most from stable opportunity and sustained care. This commitment guides the purpose of the Hollywood Gala, which helps fund the scholarship and bring increased attention to its life-changing impact.

The GEANCO leadership team brings an exceptional breadth of training, cultural experience, and professional achievement to the foundation’s work. Its Directors and Special Advisors include graduates of Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Caltech, and the University of Pennsylvania. Each contributes expertise across healthcare, law, finance, business, technology, media, and social impact, ensuring the organization operates with rigor and clarity.

A significant part of GEANCO’s identity is shaped by the intellectual legacy of its Honorary Chairman Chinua Achebe. His presence carries a symbolic and cultural resonance. Achebe’s work, including the landmark novel Things Fall Apart, has influenced generations of readers and scholars, grounding GEANCO’s purpose in a lineage of Nigerian voices committed to knowledge, dignity, and progress.

The Officers of the Foundation form a core team that maintains the organization’s vision and operations. Dr. Godwin Onyema continues to guide the strategy and medical direction of the Foundation while drawing from his extensive experience as a physician, department chair, and hospital leader. His record includes decades of service across Chicago hospitals, professional recognition from medical societies, and leadership roles that demonstrate consistent excellence.

Afam Onyema, the Foundation’s CEO, leads GEANCO full-time after completing degrees at Harvard and Stanford Law School. His decision to forgo corporate law opportunities to dedicate himself to the Foundation reflects the organization’s values of service and commitment. His voice has played an important role in elevating GEANCO’s mission across global media, with profiles and interviews in numerous major publications. His leadership continues to shape the Foundation’s growth and visibility.

The Board of Directors brings a sophisticated range of talents that strengthen GEANCO’s governance. Tony Archibong contributes deep experience in product development and entertainment technology through leadership roles at Google, YouTube, Apple, Hulu, and Microsoft. His work highlights the importance of digital engagement and content-driven storytelling.

Dr. Kevin El-Hayek offers a clinical and academic perspective essential to the Foundation’s surgical missions. His contributions reach from hands-on medical procedures to the training of professionals in Nigeria, expanding the reach of modern surgical care.

Mark Johnson’s influence in film and television adds valuable perspective on production, storytelling, and creative strategy. With an Academy Award and a record of producing acclaimed films and series, he brings a cultural dimension to the organization’s outreach. His work across motion pictures and television reflects a sustained dedication to bringing meaningful narratives to wide audiences.

Sam Neswick’s background in strategic planning, entertainment for social impact, and corporate development strengthens the Foundation’s understanding of mission-driven business models. His experience at Participant Media, Disney, and Bain supports critical decisions around partnership and growth.

Ebele Onyema contributes expertise in social work, youth development, event planning, and strategic communication. Her leadership across nonprofits, educational institutions, media organizations, and community programs reflects a strong commitment to empowerment and organizational clarity.

Gozie Onyema’s background in international trade law and regulatory strategy supports the Foundation’s global operations. His legal experience across major firms provides essential guidance on compliance and international partnerships.

Nche Onyema brings a human-centered approach to organizational design. Her work in community engagement, event production, social justice, and creative strategy strengthens the Foundation’s cultural and operational connection to the communities it serves. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of equity, collaboration, and innovative program design.

The Foundation also benefits from its Directors Emeritus. Tyrone Fahner contributes decades of legal expertise from his leadership at Mayer Brown LLP and his service as Attorney General of Illinois. His recognition as a leading business lawyer underscores his valued role within the organization.

Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah adds global experience as a petroleum engineer and advisor across multiple continents. His extensive technical and strategic background in oil and gas provides an informed perspective on energy, economic development, and international project management.

Special Advisors broaden the Foundation’s expertise in finance, sustainability, technology, design, and production. Justin Steele offers extensive experience in financial strategy and advisory leadership. Scot Hopps contributes management and engineering knowledge from his work in hospitality and renewable energy. Chess Stetson adds a research-based perspective from his work in neuroscience, computation, and engineering, supporting technological development and GEANCO’s symposia.

Jennifer Stetson offers deep experience in film, documentary production, and storytelling. Her documentary on GEANCO’s medical mission in Nigeria and her ongoing advisory role with the Foundation support the organization’s media presence and narrative clarity.

Pablo Clarke’s advisory role draws from his work in real estate transactions, corporate finance, and strategic investment. His perspective helps the Foundation navigate complex partnerships and long-term planning in both domestic and international contexts.

The Hollywood Gala brings all of these contributions together in a single evening of recognition and support. Guests gather not only to celebrate the organization’s achievements but to connect with the individuals who sustain its programs. The event acknowledges the power of collective action and the dedication of supporters who continue to advance the Foundation’s mission.

The presence of hospitality partner Whispering Angel and the Safar Global Foundation reflects the strong network of collaborators committed to GEANCO’s continued growth. Their support enhances the gala experience and strengthens the Foundation’s ability to expand its outreach.

This year’s gala also highlights the continued advancement of GEANCO’s medical and educational initiatives. Funds raised support the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls, which provides long-term stability and opportunity for students who face significant barriers to safety and education. The scholarship’s impact extends beyond individual students, strengthening families, schools, and entire communities.

The Foundation continues to grow through its partnerships, public engagement, and the leadership of its dedicated team. Its programs remain deeply connected to the needs of communities in Nigeria, guided by the expertise of medical professionals, academics, creative leaders, and strategists.

The Hollywood Gala provides an annual moment to honor the individuals and institutions that make this work possible. The event underscores the Foundation’s mission to create accessible healthcare, empower vulnerable communities, and support the educational development of young women. It represents the shared commitment of supporters across industries, cities, and disciplines who believe in the power of sustained humanitarian work.

Through every surgical mission, scholarship, rural clinic, and community initiative, GEANCO continues to honor the promise made by Dr. Godwin Onyema many decades ago. The Hollywood Gala stands as a testament to that promise and to the global network of individuals dedicated to keeping it alive.