Dr Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas OBE
Susan Jumoke Fajana–Thomas OBE, a community communication consultant, accomplished politician and TV personality who has established herself as a prominent socio-political campaigner with over 20 years of experience.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades in the public, first as a Television presenter, community communication consultant, turned activist and politician which has seen her become a multi platform speaker and communicator.
She is a Member of Hackney Council and the former civic Mayor of the borough. In 2018 she was named in 100 Most Reputable Africans alongside three African Presidents.
She was born and raised in Nigeria; she had a degree in Dramatic Arts- Film and Television Production from University of Ife Nigeria. She also studied at Hackney College and London School of Journalism. She moved to London almost 30 years ago following a successful career as a Presenter and Producer with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Having moved to the UK, Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas recognised the ability to attain real change for those who needed it the most, so she entered the UK political sphere. Through her community and campaigning activities and organisations. Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s political participation by providing leadership training and mentorship for young women. She has mentored and supported other Africans to becoming activists and politicians both here in the UK and in Africa.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas has been highly active in the voluntary sector, providing practical assistance to organisations in her areas of expertise, which include facilitation of community engagement, communication and strengthening of governance and policies.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas is the founder of SFT Foundation Trust and Lilac Lilly Image, both organisations are supporting families and helping to transform lives to build and develop better communities. SFT Foundation Trust, is a not for profit organisation supporting families in the UK and in Nigeria. SFT Foundation is currently running a mentoring and community parenting project supporting young Black boys and men in inner London. Her organisation in Nigeria is supporting women entrepreneurship by producing inexpensive cleaning products, including laundry detergent, watching liquid and air- fresheners.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas is a goodwill Ambassador at Hungarian Trade and Cultural Centre.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas has served in a variety of public offices with pride and distinction and making a huge impact worldwide in her influential roles as the Chair of African Achievers Awards, President of Nigerian Women in Diaspora (NWIDLF) Ambassador for Peace at Universal Peace Federation, Coordinator of African Women in Diaspora (AWID) and Chair of Aldgate London chapter of the global women movement, All Ladies League (ALL),
She is the Chair of the board of trustees of Islington Refugee Forum and a governor at Grasmere School. Other board and director appointments include director at London Housing Consortium, governor at Council of Governors at East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), country director at Secure D Future International and member of board of trustees at Abney Park to mention a few.
Outspoken and challenging on the issues that many people seek to avoid. She has become an interesting and distinct voice on topics previously considered as taboo within the African Caribbean community, such as mental health. In the last 7 years, she has been raising mental health awareness and campaigning to remove barriers that are stopping BAME people from accessing mental health.
Over the years, Susan’s dedication to the community has evolved and her relentless campaigning has received both national and international recognitions. In 2012, one of her partnership projects was recognised by UK Home Office as an excellent model of youth engagement following the 2012 London riots.
Susan is a member of Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI ). WICCI is dedicated to inspiring women to achieve success and economic independence through business creation and self-employment, growing one’s voice, influence and impact in economy and society.
She has received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of her selfless contributions and commitment to diligence in service delivery, women and youth empowerments, peaceful co-existence, care for the poor, justice for all among many other invaluable achievements. She is one of the 100 outstanding British Nigerians recognised for their excellent contributions to both Nigeria and the UK. She is a BEFFTA Community Leadership Award recipient, The African Achievers Awards recipient, African Women In Europe Achievement Award recipient, Gathering of Africans Best. (GAB) Awards recipient for promoting Africans positive image worldwide.
Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas is currently a contributor to News Debate and participated in various current affairs programmes including on Arise News, Channels TV, BEN TV and YANGA! TV.