(Chairperson)

Bukky Okunade co-founded the Thurrock African Group (TAG), a respected and active community leader committed to promoting inclusion, representation, and civic participation among African communities in Thurrock. Through TAG, she has led the delivery of cultural events, awareness campaigns, and community-building initiatives that strengthen ties between diverse communities and the wider borough.

With over three decades of voluntary service, Bukky has contributed to a wide range of sectors, including education, housing, racial equality, and the criminal justice system. She has served as a Justice of the Peace since 2002 and was a school governor with a particular focus on special educational needs. For many years, she has mentored both young and older individuals, supporting them to find their voice and explore opportunities in leadership and community involvement.

Bukky also served as a local councillor in Thurrock for many years, where she played an influential role in shaping local policy and advocating for inclusive service delivery. She is known for her integrity, strong negotiation skills, and her ability to drive meaningful, community-led change. Her work has consistently focused on ensuring that local voices are heard in decision-making and that services reflect the needs of all residents.

Bukky has expanded her work into mediation, helping individuals and communities resolve conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. She is also the author of The Act of Service: Your Guide to Public Roles and Becoming Influential in the UK, a practical and empowering guide for those looking to make a difference through public service.

Bukky remains deeply passionate about nurturing emerging leaders, creating space for underrepresented voices, and building stronger, more inclusive communities across the UK.

(Secretary)

Deji  has been living in Thurrock for over 11 years.  He has been an active volunteer in the community for over six years, in different areas including education and sports.  He is a member of the board of School Governor (Aveley Primary School).  He has been serving as a committee member of Neighbourhood Action Plan (NAP), liaising with local police regarding community safety issue.

Deji is a Co-founder of Thurrock Volleyball Club, responsible for co-ordinating thriving recreational sporting activities for members of the community of Thurrock, aged 11 to 60 years.

Deji currently works as a civil servant.  He is married with 3 Children.

(Ex-officio)

Rosemary Ajuwon a highly versatile and empathetic Diversity and Equality professional with a demonstrable track record of success working.  Currently consulting within the Corporate Diversity Team of Thurrock Council.

An exceptional communicator with proven advocacy skills as Equalities Officer (2006-2011)  for Thurrock Racial Unity Support Taskgroup (TRUST), an umbrella organisation that represents BME Community groups and individuals in Thurrock by liaising effectively with statutory external agencies, community association groups and applying strategic approach to community cohesion.

An active advocate consequently received The High Sheriffs’ Awards 2007- 2008 in recognition of valuable service to community safety and for enhancing the community in the county of Essex.

 Role experience as Customs Compliance Officer for HM Revenue & Customs for 16 years and lived in Thurrock for 23 years.  Rosemary is the Director of RM Ajuwon consultancy LTD.

Learning & Development

Gbenga’s background and continuous interests are in Learning & Development; Coaching, Mentoring & Public Speaking.

He has over 20 years working experience in both Public and Private Sector Management. He owns Business Network Organisations such as ‘SkillsMindset’ (An International Resource Development Organisation) and Potters Property Holdings (Property Investment Organisation).

He is also a Church Leader, who engages with people who desired to be what they really want to be. Gbenga’s favourite quote is “A life unexamined is not worth living” – Socrates