About Us
Our Story
The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) is a humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental, voluntary organization established on September 1, 1993 by the late Ambassador Chief Segun Olusola, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Ethiopia and a lifelong advocate for refugees.
AREF is guided by the 3-R Strategy:
Rescue – Rehabilitation – Reintegration of African Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees.
Our Vision & Mission
To be a leading humanitarian organization in Africa, providing relief, rehabilitation, and long-term development solutions to displacement challenges while promoting peace, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Objectives
• Anticipate disasters and respond swiftly.
• Rehabilitate and support displaced persons.
• Encourage peace through education and cultural dialogue.
• Facilitate long-term development and reintegration of vulnerable people.
• Develop strategies to address root causes of forced displacements.
AREF’s Events and Achievements
Flagship Initiatives
Quick Impact Projects (QIPs): Providing immediate relief to displaced persons.
Food Outreach Programs: Regular distribution of food and essentials needs.
Food Outreach Programs: Regular distribution of food and essentials needs.
Key Milestones & Events
1993 – 2000: Establishment of AREF and first interventions in refugee camps across Nigeria, Rwanda, Horn of Africa & Haiti.
2001 – 2010: Collaboration with UNHCR, UNDP, EU and the African Union on refugee integration and peace education programs.
2011 – 2015: Expansion of peace education workshops across schools and universities; cultural integration projects in Lagos.
2016 – 2020: Launch of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) including food and medical outreach to thousands of displaced persons.
2021 – 2023: Theatre for Development and community participatory projects implemented in collaboration with local governments and NGOs.
2024 – 2025: World Refugee Day 2024 & 2025: Multi-states outreach across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Osun featuring lectures, medical services, food distribution, and counseling.
Free Vocational Training (2024 & 2025): Empowered youth and women for the production of germicide and insecticide.
Peace Lectures & Community Dialogues: Annual Founder’s Day and World Refugee Day lectures to promote peace, inclusion, and resilience.
Medical Outreach (2025): Free medical checkups and guidance services to vulnerable groups.
Our Executives
board of trustees
Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson OON, FloD, C.Dipl
Olujimi Olusola III
Prof. Kolawole Raheem
Mr. Adetutu Buraimoh mni, FCA
Mr. Akin Opeodu
Mr. Demola Oreagba
Mr. Segun Sulaiman
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru
Mr. Olugbenga Feyisetan
Mrs. Seyi A. Edu
Mrs. Adebisi Kuforiji
Mrs. Josephine Smith
Ms. Margaret Ukaegbu