Our Team

Ugo Ekemezie

Ugo is a historian with a premium for words. He has a penchant for stories and is incredibly inspired by biographies. A proud graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ugo holds not one but two master’s degrees in History, earned from the prestigious University of Lagos in Nigeria and the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.

Currently based in Toronto, Canada, Ugo’s academic journey has uniquely positioned him to delve into the fascinating tales of the great and special, albeit from the past. However, Ugo envisions a new chapter in storytelling. Through the Downtown Institute, he is on a mission to document the stories of living heroes, ensuring that their achievements are celebrated in real-time. At the pinnacle of his vision is the aspiration to inspire prosperity in future generations.

Ugo’s academic pursuits are set to reach new heights as he aspires to embark on a doctoral journey, focusing on tech-talent mobility from the global south. With his love for narratives and history, Ugo is not just a historian; he’s a storyteller on a mission to bridge the past, present, and future through the living stories of our contemporary heroes. Join him on this exciting voyage of preserving legacies, celebrating greatness, and inspiring prosperity for future generations.

Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu

Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu, a passionate storyteller who finds pure joy in the art of narrative creation. Whether she’s weaving words as a content writer, refining narratives as an editor, or shaping brand stories as a brand manager, Chidiogo is dedicated to crafting tales that resonate and leave a lasting impact.

Chidiogo’s academic journey has been a captivating one, leading her through the pages of English and History during both her undergraduate and graduate studies. It was in these academic pursuits that her love for stories deepened, setting the foundation for her future endeavors in the world of storytelling.

Now, at the Downtown Institute, Chidiogo is on a mission to document the stories of today’s heroes. Her aspiration is to capture and share these narratives with the intention of inspiring the future. For her, storytelling goes beyond a profession; it’s a calling to shape and preserve the tales of greatness for generations to come.