Research leadership & key partners
A multidisciplinary project team spanning agro-environmental science, entomology, economics, biochemistry and industrial BSFL scaling.
Prof. Olufemi M. Adesope
Team Lead | Agro-Environmental Scientist, Data Scientist & ESG Strategist
Department of Agricultural Extension and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt
Prof. Adesope provides overall strategic leadership, technical oversight and data-driven governance for the project. Combining deep expertise in agricultural extension, circular economy frameworks, and advanced quantitative and qualitative data analytics, he leads the integration of biological remediation models with AI-enabled predictive analytics. He also brings critical expertise in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting frameworks. By implementing robust ESG standards and materiality assessments tailored for agribusiness and waste management, he ensures the project’s scalable field executions deliver measurable environmental impact while maintaining strict adherence to global sustainability and governance metrics.
Prof. U. Zakka
Co-Lead | Agricultural Entomologist & Substrate Nutritionist
Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Port Harcourt
Prof. Zakka directs the biological optimization of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) production engine. Specializing in agricultural entomology and insect mass-rearing dynamics, his research focuses on optimizing substrate nutrient conversion, colony health and strain resilience during active hydrocarbon degradation and organic waste upcycling.
Prof. A. Nteegah
Lead | Development & Quantitative Economist
Department of Economics, University of Port Harcourt
Prof. Nteegah leads the project’s economic evaluation, cost-benefit modeling and financial sustainability frameworks. Utilizing robust quantitative economic models, he evaluates the market viability of bioconversion outputs (protein feed and biofertilizer), formulates cost-saving analytics for marginal field oil operators, and designs community-level agribusiness integration strategies.
Dr. S.E. Okoro
Lead | Environmental Biochemist & Substrate Nutritionist
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt
Dr. Okoro oversees the biochemical validation and enzymatic pathways of hydrocarbon breakdown. Her expertise centers on analyzing the metabolic activity of gut microbiomes, enzyme kinetics during petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) cleavage, and assessing the biochemical safety, nutrient composition and heavy-metal remediation profiles of the bio-digested substrates.
Technical partner
Mr. Mbonu Chikaike
Technical Partner | BSFL Value Chain & Scaling Expert
CEO / Lead Consultant, Haimzera Multi Services Ltd
Mr. Chikaike manages commercial scaling, industrial facility operations and downstream value-chain integration. Bringing extensive practical experience in large-scale insect farming, substrate preparation and market distribution, he drives the operational transfer of BSF technology from laboratory trials to full-scale field implementation and commercial bioproduct processing.