Okpi David Ohana

Okpi David Ohana is an experienced social welfare professional, researcher and doctoral candidate at Royal Roads University, Victoria, Canada, where he also serves as an Employed Researcher. His current research and academic engagement explore the global concept of child welfare and child abuse, examining how cultural, economic, and institutional dynamics shape child protection policies and practices across diverse societies.

With over nine years of experience in youth and social development, David has built a career marked by a deep commitment to promoting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. Prior to his doctoral studies, he served as a Senior Social Welfare Officer with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Nigeria, where he provided psychosocial therapy, family counselling and case management for children in conflict with the law, survivors of abuse, and those requiring protective interventions. His professional duties also included representing the state in Family Courts, advocating for legal adoption, custody, guardianship, and domestic violence cases to ensure that the best interests of the child were upheld.

David holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Lagos State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and a Diploma in Personnel Management from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. His intellectual interests focus at the intersection of child welfare, social justice, and cultural context, with an emphasis on how global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child can be adapted to reflect local realities and indigenous care systems.

His scholarly work and professional practice have been recognized through several honours, including the Royal Roads University Doctoral Entrance Award (2025) and the Executive Governor of Lagos State Award with automatic employment in 2016 for Outstanding Contribution to Development in Lagos State (2016). Best National Youth Corper Award in 2013 by NYSC Lagos State. He is a proud member of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers (NASoW) and remains active in international dialogues on social protection, human development and welfare reform.

At Royal Roads University, David’s role as a researcher will position him to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to generate knowledge that informs evidence-based policy and strengthens the social welfare workforce. His research not only contributes to academic scholarship but also provides actionable insights for governments, NGOs, and international organizations working to improve child protection systems in the Global South.

Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, David finds inspiration in family life. He is happily married and blessed with three adorable children who continually reinforce his passion for building safer, more compassionate communities for all children.

David’s intellectual leadership reflects a lifelong vision of integrating African perspectives into global welfare discourse, promoting culturally grounded and sustainable approaches to child protection, family wellbeing, and community empowerment.