Meet the Experts Driving Our Success
Behind CORN West Africa is a dedicated team of researchers, analysts, and development practitioners committed to advancing evidence-based conflict research across the region. With deep local expertise and strong regional networks, our team works collaboratively to produce insights that inform policy, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable peace in West Africa.
Meet Our Expert Team
Discover the dedicated professionals who drive our success and innovation.
Timipere Felix Allison
Executive Director
Dr. Timipere Felix Allison is the Executive Director of Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN West Africa), leading its strategic research and a network of over 145 regional researchers. He has led high‑impact studies and programmes on conflict, peacebuilding, governance, and anti‑corruption for organisations including the United States Institute of Peace, the European Union, and the MacArthur Foundation. He holds a PhD in International Development from Nagoya University and has received multiple international fellowships and awards.
Distinct Imaka Obuzor
Research and Program Assistant
Distinct Obuzor is a Research and Program Assistant at the Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, where she supports policy-oriented research on conflict, governance, peacebuilding, and gender, with a focus on West African contexts. She is passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice and aspires to grow as a leader in the field. Her research interests include conflict, governance, and sustainable development, with ongoing contributions to research outputs and publications.
Dr. Dare Leke Idowu
Publications officer
Dr. Dare Leke Idowu completed a PhD in Political Studies at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the publications officer of Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN). He has published articles in the Journal of Contemporary African Studies, the Creative Industries Journal and Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies. He has also published chapters in books published by Routledge, Springer, Palgrave Macmillan and Bloomsbury Publishing.
Raji Omolara
Programmes and Operations Manager
Lara Raji is the Programmes and Operations Manager at Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN). She is a social researcher and policy expert with extensive experience leading evidence-based campaigns on , governance, peacebuilding initiative and conflict
Lara is an emerging thought leader working at the intersection of international relations and women’s participation in peace and security processes across West Africa.
Asiegbu Eucharia Onyinyechi
Finance and Administration Assistant
Eucharia works in Finance and Administration at the organization. Eucharia supports the team with financial records, internal processes, and day-to-day administrative work. With an academic background in accounting, Eucharia supports routine financial and administrative tasks within the organization. Eucharia studied Accounting at a university in Nigeria and is currently working toward professional qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
George Biesmans
Peace Researcher
George Biesmans is a writer, facilitator, and researcher working at the intersection of nature, peacebuilding, and humanitarianism. He is a strong advocate and practitioner of nature‑based, embodied, and experiential approaches to peacebuilding. He holds a BA in Modern Languages and Cultures from Durham University and an MA in International Affairs from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. He currently works with CORN West Africa as a Peace Researcher, focusing on developing a digital, open‑source platform that maps peacebuilding actions and programmes across four states in Nigeria.