20 Under 40: Afam Chibuike Okafor
Meet Afam Chibuike Okafor, 38, team lead at Ark Aid Street Mission and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2026 recipients
AS A TEAM lead at Ark Aid Street Mission, Afam Chibuike Okafor supports individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges and substance use through harm reduction, crisis intervention and intensive case management. With a background spanning personal support work, recruitment and community volunteering, his approach is grounded in compassion and connection. In 2025 alone, he reversed more than 10 overdoses, trained over 100 people in lifesaving response and helped several chronically homeless clients secure stable housing — advancing a safer, healthier and better community for all Londoners.
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What is your biggest career achievement so far, or the thing that you’re most proud of?
My proudest achievement has always been the journey, earning trust, growing under pressure and learning how to lead with both strength and compassion. At Ark Aid Street Mission, I progressed from a support worker to night team lead, a role that challenged me to lead in high-stakes environments where decisions directly impact lives. I am proud of this growth, and I attribute it to the organization’s supportive environment, where creating real impact for some of the most vulnerable people in our community matters. Beyond my work in London, founding and chartering a Rotary Club in Nigeria stands as one of the most defining chapters of my leadership journey.
“My proudest achievement has always been the journey, earning trust, growing under pressure and learning how to lead with both strength and compassion”
What about your biggest business obstacle (and how you tackled it)?
Transitioning from clinical roles in Nigeria to crisis intervention work in Canada, a move that felt daunting and isolating at times, with unfamiliar systems, cultural nuances and the weight of starting over in a new country. I tackled it head-on by pursuing targeted certifications and leaning into mentorship through volunteer leadership roles, which not only built my skills but restored my confidence and sense of purpose, turning a tough adaptation into meaningful growth.
On a desert island, what’s the one gratuitous item you’d have to have?
My Rotary Club pin. It is a reminder of community service, purpose and selflessness.
What kinds of music do you enjoy?
I am a huge fan of afrobeats — artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido always give me an energy boost and get me excited for the day ahead. I also love gospel music; it is incredibly uplifting and helps me stay centered, especially on tough days.
What’s left for you to do, professionally or personally?
Professionally: Earn a doctorate degree in global-public health. Personally: Explore other collaborative options that tackle the surge of homelessness situations in our communities. 
Interview by Kieran Delamont / Photos by Reid Lucier