Eze Ajali has volunteered in SMACON since 2019 in the areas of logistics, procurement, and administration, and joined SMACON fully in 2021. He currently oversees SMACON activities in Benin and implements management systems to improve workflows and staff productivity at SMACON. Eze also contributes to our long-term strategic goals through fund-raising and managing donor expectations.

Rejoice Lamay John is an accounting graduate with an MBA in finance and investment. She brings valuable experience from both private and public sectors. At SMACON, she leads the finance team and ensures compliance and accountability. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Inieke Udokang has been a bat conservationist since her undergraduate thesis project on the roosting behavior of fruit bats in southern Nigeria. She has a bachelor's in Zoology and a master's in Ecology and Environmental Biology. As the Community Engagement and Research Manager at SMACON, Inieke protects bat habitats with community members living on the boundaries of protected areas in southeastern Nigeria.

Juliana Adeola Labiran worked as an Environmental Specialist at Hayat Kimya Nigeria. An alumnus of the Tropical Biology Association field course (2017/Amani) she was Secretary of the Nigerian chapter (2020 - 2023). Her curiosity and passion for field research and conservation led her to volunteer on multiple bat surveys at SMACON, giving her first-hand experiences with the indigenes and landscapes where we work. She joined SMACON fully in 2022. In her current role, she oversees field surveys, project planning, monitoring, and evaluation. She also manages specimen samples and equipment loans.​

Oluchi F. Agodi is passionate about understanding bats, especially at-risk species - their roosts, populations, and relationships with people. She believes that conservation depends not only on good science but also on how well it is communicated. At SMACON, she brings this passion into small mammal research and biodiversity observatories, contributing to long-term monitoring of species and ecosystems. She also bridges science and society by translating research into stories and visuals that resonate, helping people not just hear about the threats species face but also feel connected to their conservation.

Chidiogo P. Ibenyenwa is passionate about conservation and inspiring people to care for the natural world. As Education Manager at SMACON, she leads conservation education and community engagement initiatives, working with schools, communities, and government partners to promote environmental awareness and action. Her work focuses on creating meaningful connections between people and nature that contribute to sustainable conservation outcomes.

Preston Nwafor holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Abuja. He is passionate about wildlife conservation, research, and public health, with particular interests in disease ecology, wildlife health, and sustainable livestock systems. He has contributed to several research initiatives, including an NSF-funded disease ecology project. At SMACON, Preston supports alternative livelihood and hunting reduction programs, as well as sociological and ecological research efforts.

Promise Okoro is a Veterinarian and ISAVET Fellow with a passion for One Health and disease ecology. His interest centers on mitigating human-wildlife conflict and preventing zoonotic disease transmission at the wildlife-human interface. He previously contributed to an integrative, NSF-funded research project in disease ecology. At SMACON, he supports conservation and socio-ecological research initiatives through alternative livelihood and hunting reduction programs.

Benedict A. Atsu holds a Bachelor in Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management and a Masters in Social and Environmental Forsetry from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University  formally University of Agriculture Makurdi in Benue State. His interest is on environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources, with over 7 years experience in conservation work, he is interested in researches that focuses on the social and human dimensions of natural resource management and sustainable exploration of natural resources.  

Mfoniso Ama Udoisong holds a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. Her final year project focused on the catch structure of Pseudotolithus elongatus in the Cross River Estuary, which aimed at developing management and conservation strategies for the fisheries resource. Passionate about small mammals and ecosystem protection, she joined SMACON to contribute to its conservation mission. Her educational background complements her interest in conservation, supporting her ability to connect with people and contribute especially to community-based fieldwork.

Michael Odey Okori is a development enthusiast with years of experience in community engagement, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration across humanitarian and development sectors.  Michael holds a Master's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, obtained from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. With vast Skills in identifying Early Warning Signals for conflicts, Michael has a keen interest in conservation as well as in community household economies and livelihoods. He currently works with SMACON as a Field Officer.

Idongesit Etim holds a degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology and a Master’s in Entomology, with hands-on experience in entomological research and teaching. She is passionate about biodiversity conservation, particularly the protection of small mammals and the ecological systems that sustain them. At SMACON, she contributes to ecological and sociological surveys, engages host communities, and supports the supervision of forest guardians and data technicians. Her role also involves overseeing activities within alternative livelihood projects aimed at reducing human pressure on natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable coexistence with wildlife.

Adora Onyile is a creative communicator with experience in digital media, communications, and community management. Driven by her enthusiasm for nature and a passion for conservation, she writes captivating stories and creates compelling campaigns that drive SMACON's mission. Her background in information technology and communications enables her to manage digital platforms and related data statistics effectively, ensuring SMACON's message reaches and resonates with diverse audiences across all channels.

Beloved Anighoro holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Benin and is passionate about biodiversity protection and evidence-based conservation. At SMACON, she supports both operational activities and research-focused initiatives. Her combined background in scientific research and administration positions her to support field coordination, documentation, and data-driven conservation efforts that align with SMACON’s mission of protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable community-based conservation.